The Journey of Narottam Verma
I was born in 1944 in the sacred city of Amritsar—a place whose spiritual rhythm and cultural richness shaped my inner world from the very beginning. Its timeless cadence, steeped in devotion and tradition, left an imprint that continues to guide me even today.
My early education took place at Gyan Ashram High School, where learning and childhood mischief went hand in hand. One of my most vivid memories from those years is my daily ritual of creatively avoiding homework—a practice I rarely missed, and one my teachers unfailingly noticed. What might raise eyebrows in today’s world has, with time, become a cherished reminder of innocence and simplicity. These recollections often return during quiet moments, bringing with them a deep sense of calm, nostalgia, and peace.
Growing up in a large joint family taught me the true beauty of shared living. Our home was always alive with conversation, laughter, and the comforting presence of relatives. This upbringing reflected the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita:
“You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action” (2:47).
The spirit of selfless action and mutual care was not merely philosophy—it was our way of life.
Winters in Amritsar held a magic of their own. Rooftops transformed into playgrounds as children spent hours flying kites, eyes fixed on the sky and hearts brimming with joy. Evening calls from concerned mothers were cheerfully ignored—until a father or uncle appeared to escort us indoors. Anyone familiar with the old neighborhoods of Amritsar will instantly recognize these scenes.
Each morning, the city awoke to the soothing hymns from Harmandir Sahib—the Golden Temple—interwoven with temple bells echoing through the lanes. Living so close to these sacred sounds instilled in me a lifelong spiritual grounding, echoing the Vedic truth:
“The mind is everything. What you think, you become.”
In 1964, I graduated from D.A.V. College, Amritsar, with majors in Mathematics and Political Science. My father operated a successful business importing watches and clocks from Switzerland, and joining the family enterprise felt like a natural progression. By 1978, we expanded our horizons, exporting specialized tools for watchmakers and jewelers to England and the United States.
Life, however, had its own delightful surprises. During one kite-flying afternoon, I noticed Gulshan hanging laundry a few houses away. That fleeting moment quietly shaped my destiny. We married in 1967, and since then, Gulshan has been my constant—my anchor, confidante, and true soulmate. Through every joy and challenge, our partnership has been defined by mutual respect, devotion, and quiet strength. Even today, a shared glance or her calming presence reminds me that our bond is the foundation of everything meaningful in my life.
The early 1980s brought turbulence to Punjab, disrupting both daily life and business. As our son and daughter pursued higher education abroad, Gulshan and I made the significant decision to relocate to Canada in 2003—our immigration stamps bearing the memorable date 03-03-03.
Beginning anew in a foreign land demanded courage and perseverance. Gulshan pursued cosmetology with determination, earned her professional license despite challenges, and worked proudly as a beautician before choosing to retire and nurture our home. I rebuilt my import business and, in 2006, embarked on a new chapter as a Realtor, guided by the principle of “Excellence Through Ethics.” Over the years, I had the privilege of serving on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board.
Family remains my greatest blessing—a living expression of divine grace. Our daughter is an Assistant Manager at a national bank and a devoted mother to two exceptional children: a granddaughter thriving in a multinational company and a grandson serving as a doctor at Vancouver General Hospital. Our son is a senior oil and gas consultant in the Middle East, blessed with two lovely daughters currently studying at the University of British Columbia.
Watching our four grandchildren grow—sharing stories, laughter, and precious moments together—fills my heart with boundless joy and renewed purpose. They are the truest reflection of our legacy, love, and hopes for the future.
As the Bhagavad Gita reminds us:
“Perform your duty with balance, abandoning attachment to success or failure” (2:48, paraphrased).
This philosophy of resilience and equanimity has sustained me through life’s many transitions.
By the grace of Bhagwan Ji, Gulshan and I continue to be surrounded by the love of our children and grandchildren—a blessing beyond measure.
