Harminder never shied away from challenges
By Balwant Sanghera
There are very few people who leave an indelible mark on their communities, families, relatives, friends and well-wishers as they pass away. Harminder Kaur Sanghera was such a unique personality. When she left us for good on June 30, 2016, Harminder was fondly remembered not only by her family, relatives and friends but also by countless others who were touched by her.
Harminder was a fearless trailblazer, eternal optimist and a strong advocate of community volunteerism. She never shied away from taking on any challenge. Born and raised in Rurka Kalan in District Jalandhar, Harminder received her education at various institutions including Kanya Maha Vidyala, Jalandhar, Ramgarhia College, Phagwara and Montgomery College.
After obtaining two of her degrees – B.A and B.ED – Harminder married her loving husband Dr. Gurnam Singh Sanghera, a prominent athlete, educator and scholar of village Pharwala,District Jalandhar in 1961.Both of them are alumni of Ramgarhia College , The couple moved to the U.K. in 1962.
Harminder’s quest for learning prompted her to further her education in the U.K. Her hard work and dedication earned Harminder a degree in Education in a Multicultural Society from the esteemed University of London, England. She was the first recipient of this degree from this university. The university was so impressed by Harminder’s dedication and commitment to this area that she was invited to lecture on this topic on numerous occasions after receiving her degree.
Harminder, a dedicated teacher and strong advocate for social justice continued her teaching career in England for 17 year before moving to Canada in 1979. Here, it took her no time to begin serving in the Burnaby School District. Harminder took no time in making her name not only as a passionate educator and promoter of multiculturalism but also as a community activist. She would always go out of her way to help those in need, be it students, parents or members of the community. Harminder strongly believed in a sense of community.
Her leadership in establishing Burnaby Neighbourhood House Society (BNHS) and life- long commitment to its success reflects that. Since becoming a founding member of BNHS in 1996, Harminder continued to work hard for its growth and development. Due to her pioneering efforts, BNHS has now become a very reputable charitable organization in Burnaby. This was one of Harminder’s very proud achievements.
Harminder Sanghera was always willing and eager to go the extra mile when it came to helping others. In this context she would spend countless volunteer hours in helping South Asian immigrants understand the Canadian way of life, Canadian values and the Canadian system.
She was instrumental in starting a South Asian Seniors’ support group at Edmonds and Confederation Seniors’ Centres in Burnaby. She would also find time out of her busy schedule to serve as a director of Burnaby Multicultural Society. Not only that, Harminder was one of the founding and very active members of the India Mahila Association, a support and advocacy group for South Asian Women for many years.
The Punjabi language was very dear to Harminder. She played a very active role in promoting Punjabi in schools, homes and community in Burnaby and elsewhere. Harminder played an active role in getting Punjabi classes under wayat Burnaby South Secondary School. She would visit parents at home to encourage them not only to speak Punjabi with their children but also advocate for Punjabi in schools. In addition to that, Harminder spent many years as an active member and volunteer with the Burnaby Community Policing Office. There she participated in community initiatives dealing with social concerns and crime in her neighbourhood. She would always treat everyone with politeness and respect. This made her an excellent role model for others.
Antonia Beck, the Executive Director of BNHS has had the privilege of working with Harminder for a long time. She is very appreciative of the wonderful work that Harminder has been able to do for her fellow human beings throughout her life. Here is part of Antonia’s tribute to Harminder:
“When Harminder retired a few years ago, it just opened up more opportunities for her to continue to volunteer. She continued her involvement with the BNHS and in supportingmembers of the South Asian community. She advocated on behalf of South Asianchildren, families and seniors. She continued to help seniors and initiated a preschool and caregivers social group at Edmonds Community Centre. She was also instrumental in starting a new Family Resource Centre at Akali Singh Sikh Society Gudwara in Vancouver.
“Harminder was recognised for her hard work and commitment to community on several occasions. First in 1999, she was honoured with the Lower Mainland Good Neighbour Award for her role in starting the Burnaby Neighbourhood House. Then in 2004, Harminder received the local Burnaby Neighbourhood House Good Neighbour Award. The same year, she was nominated and acknowledged as one of Burnaby’s Local Heroes. In2014, Harminder received the Seniors Distinction Award for long term community service.”
This tireless brave woman with a heart of gold bade us good bye on June 30, 2016. She will be sorely missed not only by her loving family, relatives,friends and the City of Burnaby butalso by countless other men, women and children she touched.May her soul rest in peace.
Balwant Sanghera is a retired school psychologist and community activist.
