From Moga to the World: A Journey of Resilience, Service, and Gratitude
I was born in 1946 in Moga, Punjab, at a pivotal moment in India’s history, as British rule was drawing to a close after nearly two centuries. It was a time of national transformation, and in many ways, my own life would come to mirror that same spirit of change, perseverance, and renewal.
My father was a schoolteacher who deeply valued education. Sadly, he passed away in 1955, when I was only nine years old. During those difficult years, my elder sister—herself a teacher—became my guiding light. Through her discipline, encouragement, and unwavering support, I remained focused on my studies, laying the foundation for my future.
Education and Early Career
In 1967, I completed a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Government Polytechnic, Moga. I worked for two years in Rajpura and Faridabad, gaining valuable experience and nurturing a desire to explore opportunities beyond India. Like many young people of my generation, I dreamed of broadening my horizons.
In 1969, with the help of my nephew, Dr. Kirpal Singh Jassal, I travelled to London, England, on a student visa. Those years were formative, exposing me to new cultures and perspectives that would shape my journey ahead.
A New Life in Canada
After three years in England, I immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada, in 1972. The extreme cold and strong winds were a stark contrast to life in India, but the warmth and kindness of the people more than made up for the climate.
At that time, Indian immigration to Manitoba was just beginning. There were no gurdwaras or temples, and Indian groceries were difficult to find. Naturally, members of the small Indian community came together, supporting one another and helping newcomers settle into their new lives.
Soon after my arrival, I sponsored my elder brother, Mohinder Singh Kambo (1931–2018), who was fifteen years older than me and had a wife and four children. Family reunification played a vital role in strengthening our roots in Canada.
Career, Marriage, and Community Leadership
The year 1973 marked several important milestones. I was hired by Canadian National Railway in the Mechanical Department, becoming the first Indian to hold that position in Winnipeg. Throughout my career, I was deeply involved in union activities, advocating for workers’ rights and later continuing that advocacy for retirees after my retirement.
That same year, I married Sarabjit Kaur Kainth in Winnipeg. We had known each other since childhood. Sarabjit was born in Jagraon, Punjab, and spent her early years in Burma (now Myanmar) before her family returned to India following Burma’s independence. She completed her education in Ludhiana before immigrating to Canada.
After I sponsored her at the age of twenty, a close friend performed the Anand Karaj ceremony the very next day. Ten days later, we were legally married in a civil court in Winnipeg after completing all required formalities.
Sarabjit worked for Jostens Canada for twenty-five years, a company responsible for school and graduation photography across Canada. Her long service reflected the values of dedication and hard work that guided our family life.
Building Community and Family
We lived in Winnipeg for nearly forty years, during which time I devoted significant effort to community service. I was closely involved in the construction and establishment of the first gurdwara in Winnipeg, serving in multiple leadership and management roles. Building the gurdwara was not merely about infrastructure—it was about creating a spiritual, cultural, and communal home for future generations.
Together, Sarabjit and I raised three children, instilling in them the importance of education, integrity, and service. Today, they are all well established in their professional lives and have blessed us with five wonderful grandchildren, all now in their teenage years.
A Life of Gratitude and Giving Back
After retirement, we moved to British Columbia about fifteen years ago. This chapter of life has been peaceful, fulfilling, and deeply meaningful. We continue to travel extensively—across Canada, the United States, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia—while remaining committed to volunteering, helping others, and staying connected to our spiritual roots through Brookside Gurdwara and Laxmi Narayan Mandir.
Canada has given us opportunity, dignity, and a fulfilling life, for which we remain deeply grateful. Yet no matter how far our journey has taken us, India—our motherland—continues to live in our hearts.
