By Zile Singh

“Growing old is inevitable, but growing up is optional”.

The yearly membership drive of the Sunset Indo-Canadian Seniors Society, Vancouver was conducted from May 1st to 31st. One hundred and fifty members have been enrolled. The Society was founded in 1977. Among others, Sardar Daljit Singh Sidhu took his membership on May 29th.   Mr. Sidhu is one of the pioneers of this Society since its inception. It was June 21, 2012, when the Sunset Indo-Canadian Seniors Society, Vancouver recognized the community services of Sardar Daljit S. Sidhu on his appointment as the member of the Vancouver Police Board. 

Almost 50 years ago, majority of South Asians toiled in the lumber mills at low-paid jobs. Though from the Canadian or the western standards, no job is menial, but from the point of view of their native country, many jobs are treated as menial and low-paid. Daljit and his family (wife Raj; sons- Janeet and Amrit)  made inroads into the BC’s insurance industry.He set up the S & S Insurances Services. Gradually, he became one of the Directors with the provincial brokers’ association. His sons are also following in his footsteps. His moto:  “You cannot just stand there with your eyes closed; you have to open the door to the new world. You have to break the ice.”

Mr. Sidhu has many feathers in his cap (turban). He had a passion for politics in his younger days.  Why not?  In addition to a social animal, a political animal also breathes within all of us.  He tried twice to be in the Vancouver City Council.  But failed. He has participated and has helped the election campaigns of Councillors, Mayors, MLAs, and MPs in his riding. 

He is one of the co-founders and former President of the Punjabi Market on Vancouver’s multi-ethnic Main Street.  He remained Director with the South Vancouver’s Neighbourhood House. He was a director of Canada Place Corporation. Headed the BC Chapter of the Punjab University Alumni Association.  Raised funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. He has served on the fire and rescue committee also.  He has worked on the advisory committee of the Canada Revenue Agency. He was awarded with the medal commemorating the Coronation of King Charles-III.

The Vancouver Sun, one of the prominent newspapers named Sidhu one of BC’s most influential south Asians.  According to Daljit, “Dialogue is the key to bring people together. Multiculturalism is not just to promote and eulogise your own culture but to understand and assimilate with other cultures as well.” 

Sardar Daljit Sidhu is not only an example for the seniors but an inspiration for the youth as well. Optionally, he has done excellent. He believes in – 

“Grow old with me. The best is yet to be.”–Robert Browning

When you do things from your soul, you feel a river of joy flowing in you -Rumi.

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Zile Singh is well-respected columnist.  He has authored “Truths of Life- Life Enlightened.”  It is on amazon