Congratulations to Mohan Lal Moudgill on receiving the “King Charles III Coronation Medal”, a Canadian Honor created to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada. Mohan is an exemplary citizen of our community, humble, patient and very friendly.
Mohan was born in the city of Abohar, Punjab in 1947. He grew up in Moga and did his studies at AARYA School and DM College. A teacher at Summer Field School, Mohan taught Math and Hindi. Mohan had a special love for theatre and enjoyed putting on stage shows with his students and community. Programs included: annual days, melas, bhangra, classical dances, musical programs, and skits. From a young age, he was always involved in community.
In 1974 he came to the snow valley of Kitimat BC. He took a job at Alcan. In 1975 he married his beloved wife Rita Sharma in Patiala, Punjab. Mohan and Rita had 2 kids, Aarti and Manu. The family lived in beautiful Kitimat for 33 years.
Mohan never missed a chance to volunteer for his community. Mohan says, “it was a different time for the Indian community so many challenges and very little for the community to feel connected to.”
Mohan took a key interest in building, promoting, and supporting many spiritual, recreational, athletic, and social opportunities for the new Indian immigrants. Countless have benefited from his efforts. He also took great interest in the town of Kitimat. Involved in the annual City Telethons, Canada Day Celebrations, Parades and Fairs, UNICEF, Hospital fundraisers, and Food Drives.
Mohan says, “I could not do it without the support from my wife.” He expected his wife and children to participate in his ventures. Mohan believes, “it is important to teach children to give back to the community and to understand seva, doing without personal gain”.
In 1988, the Government of Canada, under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, recognized Mohan for his great contributions to the Community. This award further inspired him. After 33 years of service to Alcan, Mohan retired and relocate to Surrey. He wanted to find other causes to dedicate his time to.
Recently, being a supporter of community-based charities in the Lower Mainland has been the focus of Mohan’s work. He has worked with the Surrey Food Drive, Senior Group, Youth Camps, Senior Recreational Groups, Homeless, New Immigrant Support, to list a few.
In 2009, 2013 and 2018, Mohan was awarded the Nehru Humanitarian Award, from the University of British Columbia. What inspires Mohan? He says, “seeing smiles on others faces and seeing my community become better for everyone keeps me going.” But he says, “it is important not to expect appreciation from others, just do work with a clean heart.”
For years, Mohan has also passionately been volunteering at Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. From simple duties to large scale events, Mohan can be seen doing all types of seva with a smile on his face. Mohan says, that doing seva for the temple has been good for his mind and body and he loves working for the devotees of the temple. Mohan hopes to inspire others to do selfless work for the community.
Congratulations Mohan Lal Moudgill.
