Jewels of Punjab
Leading Global Punjabi Personalities: Volume II
Jewels of Punjab is a series of coffee-table books featuring the most influential Punjabis across the world. The first volume was released by the former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa; it covered 100 families from 19 countries and has travelled to 39 countries.
Following its success, the second volume in this series is a celebration of victory over struggles and over failures. A compilation of life’s odysseys of 75 families across 19 countries, it showcases how today’s reckoned names earned their reputation, starting out with almost nothing.
The book is a way to celebrate Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji‘s 550th birth anniversary.
As they say, all good things come in small packages. A similar situation exists in the case of the Indian state of Punjab. This book highlights the achievements of Punjabis in the country and outside, in their respective fields. Their tireless efforts have not only brought them some measure of prosperity and renown, but has made their adopted countries proud as well. These inspiring stories in the book will certainly change the lives of someone, somewhere.
People Inside The Book
Dr Amarjit Singh Marwah
Chairman, Sharing, Caring & Service Foundation, USA
One of the very first Indians to study in the USA, he today has a square to his name conferred by the Los Angeles City. As a dental surgeon, fixing the smiles of global glitterati, leaders and sportspersons, keeps him busy, but he still finds time to lend his support to the Sikh community in the US or host high-profile world leaders, the late Indira Gandhi, Indian PM, being one such person. A patron of the arts and culture, he has identified many monuments as heritage sites and has drawn the attention of concerned authorities for their restoration. Fifty years back, he gifted the Hollywood Gurudwara to the community.
Capt Amarinder Singh
Chief Minister of Punjab, INDIA
Serving a second tenure as the Chief Minister of Punjab, he is the son of the last Maharaja of the princely state of Patiala. He joined politics after serving in the Indian Army, from 1963 to 1966. An elected Member of the Legislative Assembly from Patiala, Capt Amrinder Singh was the president of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, the state division of the Indian National Congress and currently serves as the chairman of the Punjab Urdu Academy. Above all, he is the Chief Minister of Punjab.
Maj Bakhtawar Singh Brar (Retd)
Retired Indian Army Officer & American Agriculturist, USA
His desire to attend school only arose because he wished to have the same kind of shirt his brother had worn to school. He didn’t know as a child that his education would make him a soldier and see action in World War II. Post-retirement, he moved to the USA, and started working again, at 70. Now 106, Major Bakhtawar Singh Brar is an active agriculturist with several thousands of acres of farmlands in America.
The Hon Baljit Singh Gosal PC
Former Minister of State for Sports, Government of Canada, CANADA
From Law to Engineering and politics to business, he has done it all. Making the most out of the opportunities life presented him with and a love for sports and natural flair for PR and leadership, he made his mark as an immigrant by becoming an integral part of a cabinet in Canada. As Minister of State for Sport, Bal Gosal was the Minister responsible for Canada at the 2012 summer Olympics in London and led the Canadian delegation to the 2014 Sochi winter Olympics.
Bishan Singh Bedi
Former Indian Cricketer, INDIA
Winner of the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri and several other accolades, Bishan Singh Bedi is one of India’s best spin bowlers and Test cricketer, fondly known as Sardar. At his career’s peak, he was among the famous Indian spin quartet who used every trick in the book to bamboozle the batsmen. He is known for his outspoken and candid views on cricketing matters.
Brij Sharma
President & CEO, PowerVolt, Inc, USA
He scored the 10th position in Punjab and wanted to go to the city for higher studies. However, his parents were against it. They thought their son might get spoiled, but Brij Sharma was resolute. He studied engineering, worked in four continents, and today is the President of an eminent manufacturer of power supplies and transformers. He is also the Chairman of United Punjabis of America.
Charanjit Singh Batth
Founder, Batth Farms USA
He has helped build the first gurudwara of Rhode Island, though he does professionally what Punjab reminds him of the most – agriculture. He, in fact, is known as the Raisin King for he grows and exports most of it. The ideal of agri-business, introducing the Sikh community to the global business community, never losing hold of his culture and traditions, he has mastered his sector!
Daler Mehndi
Musician INDIA
He is India’s top-most pop icon, the one who introduced the blue screen technology in the country. And also what today trends as mashup and is a celebrated live performer credited as the pioneer of Indian pop music. Popular for wearing self-designed Maharaja-styled robes for every performance and music videos, he is a prolific songwriter, composer, musician, environmentalist and philanthropist. He is the one who has made Bhangra popular worldwide. He is the Sardar of Swing, King of Bhangra and the King of Indie Pop.
Deepak Chopra
Chairman, President & CEO, OSI Systems, Inc USA
From a jovial and lively prankster to a successful business icon, he has made the impossible possible. His is a journey of inspiration and motivation with a global mark with his work. Thirty percent of the scanning machines at the airports around the world in 140 countries are manufactured by him.
Fauja Singh BEM
Marathon Runner UK
Until the age of 5 he couldn’t walk. Today he is centenarian marathon runner who has beaten a number of world records in multiple age brackets. His current personal best time for the London Marathon (2003) is 6 hours 2 minutes, and his marathon record, for age 90+, is 5 hours 40 minutes at the age of 92, at the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon. He was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2015 New Year Honours for services to sport and charity.
Gautam Bali, Kanwar Bir Singh & Deepak Sood
Directors, Vestige Marketing Private Limited
INDIA
After playing key roles in various companies, they have laid the foundation of Vestige, successfully steering it along as its helmsman with their unmatched domain expertise and business acumen. Now, Vestige is growing at a phenomenal pace every year and has become one of the top 100 direct selling companies in the world. It has won the prestigious Global 100 Awards for three consecutive years to become a globally recognised and fast-growing company.
Gian Singh Bains
Sugarcane Agriculturist
AUSTRALIA
Though he is the largest sugarcane producer and exporter of Australia, his heart still beats for Punjab. There is a famous saying that the good you do always comes back to you (kar bhala so ho bhala in Hindi). When it seemed impossible for him to get a large piece of land for a school for the lesser privileged in Punjab, it so happened that the members of his extended family, who were at loggerheads, came together to build the school.
Gurbhagwant Singh Sandhanwalia
Director, Shalimar – The Indian Restaurant
GERMANY
That he is the descendant of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s grandfather’s brother is a matter of pride for him. It is his blood that when he moved to England with his sister, he decided to do something of his own and move to some other country. From a well-off family in India, in Germany his days began with washing dishes. Often his eyes would moisten up at nights, but it was his dream that kept him going. Today his famous chain of restaurants with all its quality and ambience is an introduction of India to Germany.
Gurdial Singh Padda
Founder, New Delhi Restaurant NORWAY
He was a police officer in India but when the police released a criminal caught by him on bail, he decided to travel along a different path. His was a different journey. He travelled to 35 countries, doing different kinds of work and finally settled in Norway, a country that did not have a single Indian restaurant. He encashed on the zero competition and he ended up opening many restaurants.
Gurinder ‘Rishi’ Singh Aitaan
Managing Director, SKA Group | President, All India Prajapat Samaj (Youth Wing) INDIA
His ancestral profession was into bricks and brick kilns. He is proud that bricks from his kilns have been used in the construction of the sacred sarovar in the Golden Temple and several parts of the main building as well. It is perhaps the blessings of the Guru that as he rises, he gives a helping hand to his fellow citizens. Gurinder ‘Rishi’ Singh is Director, SKA Infrastructures and President of the All India Punjab Prajapat Samaj (Youth Wing).
Gurmeet Singh Kular
Managing Director, Kular Group | President, Federation of Industrial & Commercial Organisation
INDIA
He was the district hammer-throw champion for two years, plus the magnet of a large joint family of 60 members, for over 70 years. In 1986, the President of India felicitated his family. All this has given this industrialist-cum-politician a different sense of fulfilment and balance. Decorated with many awards, he was also conferred a Confluence Award (Skill, Talent & Leadership) by the British Parliament in 2018.
Gurmit Kaur Deo
Karpal Singh & Co
MALAYASIA
Her husband, Karpal Singh Deo, was a fiery crusader for the constitutional rights of people of his country. He became Malaysia’s legal legend, known as the Tiger of Jelutong and a Member of Parliament. In 2011, he received the Glory of India Award of Excellence. But her world was shattered once Karpal succumbed to injuries in a car crash. Ever since, she has been holding the reins of her late husband’s empire, wiping her tears off, bringing up the children. So well has she proved herself that the Malaysians now find him in her!
Gurnam Singh Pamma
Founder, Pamma Farms
USA
Serving his community is his nature. Once a farm labourer working at 1.35 cents an hour, he is now a leading farmer of Yuba City, California, with 5,000 acres of farms, and actively contributes to the needs of his community. Following the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 in India, he served as the vice president of the World Sikh Organisation which was formed to protect the interests of global Sikhs.
Harcharan Singh Saini
Managing Director, International Capitals Co
KUWAIT
In 1992, he built a gurudwara in Kuwait, which is now visited by the locals. He ensures every Indian gets the required support when in Kuwait. Though, for one, he was brought down to zilch as the country was invaded and the entire Gulf trembled. He had to flee the country to save his family and himself. The hero went through Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Pakistan to reach the safety of his country. The invasion had destroyed everything, yet he got back to his karmabhoomi and grew his business to greater heights.
Hardeep Singh Puri
Union Minister (IC) for Housing & Urban Affairs and Civil Aviation | Minister of State for Commerce & Industry INDIA
Hardeep Singh Puri has devoted over 40 years to public service as a teacher, diplomat, author and now minister. As a minister in Prime Modi’s government, he has been actively working on India’s urban transformation, the robust growth in the civil aviation sector and in shaping the nation’s trade and industrial policy.
Hardial Singh ‘Karan’ Buttar
Director, Buttar Construction Ltd UK
In India he was a clerk in the Punjab National Bank some 15 years ago, but in a rash moment, he almost committed a suicide. The new life seemed to be a blessing from the Guru himself. He moved to England illegally, worked for some time as an illegal immigrant and started his construction company. Now, he is a permanent residence of UK with a multi-million pound company.
Harjinder Kaur Talwar
MD & CEO, Comvision India Pvt Ltd | President, FICCI Ladies Organisation
INDIA
She grew up in Haryana where gender disparity was at its peak. Men pointed at women. But it did not make her weak. She, has however, shattered the gender stereotype to become a businesswoman in the specific area of intelligent traffic/transport solutions. Helping every woman get equal rights like her male counterpart is her motto and she is fighting hard for it.
Harjinder Singh Chahal
Founder, Taj Mahal Restaurants GERMANY
He was probably one of the best volleyball players in India but left the game for his father. He moved to Germany to study Economics, but ended up working in restaurants. He changed 36 jobs in seven years before setting up his chain of restaurants, Taj Mahal. Then there was never any looking back. He also became the Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress for 15 long years in Germany and now works to serve humanity.
Harjinder Singh Kukreja
Social Activist, Influencer and Businessman INDIA
Seeing his father and uncle doing well in the hospitality business, he decided to join them after college. Little did he know his new interest would help people and enhance the image of Sikhs in a positive way. He has taken to sky diving wearing a turban in Melbourne. It was, he says, an effort made to raise a voice in favour of Sikh religion. A well-known social media celebrity, Harjinder is a man of honour.
Harmeek Singh Chugh
Founder & Chairman, Plan b Group UAE
Coming from a well-to-do family, he was over pampered. Nothing mattered to this poetry lover until his father’s company collapsed and bankruptcy stared the family in the face. Beginning from ground zero, he worked 16 hours a day to break all records, until success kissed his feet. Harmeek took his company forward, wholly and solely on his own shoulders with a full-service package of advertising, events, PR and film production under his belt.
Inderjit ‘Indy’ Singh
Founder & Executive Chairman, Fiducian Group Limited AUSTRALIA
What do you expect a product of The Doon School, a metallurgical engineer from IIT Kanpur to do? Ride the best? Indy had the best examples from his grandparents and the best advice from his parents. But the best wasn’t to happen soon. Applying for around 100 different jobs, he was rejected from everywhere. He had the guts to call it his best phase which made him put his best foot forward and today he is the leading financial advisor in Australia.
‘Bibi’ Inderjit Kaur
President, All India Pingalwara Charitable Society INDIA
A medical expert, she has given her life to the less fortunate, the differently abled people of the society. Call her Florence Nightingale or Mother Teresa, she is Bibi for all, the Patron President of Pingalwara, taking care of a specially abled lady of 106 years, a pair of conjoined brothers, among others. What matters to her the most is not how many or who knows her, but who smiles looking at her. A practicing doctor, she breathes wellness for others.
Iqbal Singh Nandhra
Chief Executive Officer, Nandhra Engineering Construction Co Ltd
TANZANIA
In his three decades in the construction industry in Tanzania, he has built a bridge between India and Tanzania. From a job to owning a starred organisation to losing it all and then gaining it all back is no mean feat, he today has a marked presence in his homeland too. Though, what takes our heart away is watching him selflessly serve people at gurudwara or those who knock at his door.
Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar
Former Chief Justice of India INDIA
From being the first in his family to study law to leave a legacy for his children, he is a real influencer. Although he was an exemplary student with a gold medal in LLM, he had to struggle a lot in his initial days. He is a living example that no failure is big enough to crush the spirit of a goal-oriented person. He was the 44th Chief Justice of India and gave many landmark Judgements such as the triple talaq and the Right to Privacy Judgement.
Jagjeet ‘Jag’ Kapoor
Managing Member, Terra Ventures | President & COO, Saison USA
As a chair for the chartered membership of Silicon Valley TiE, Jagjit Kapoor has made some impressive choices and moves in the world of business. He has never compromised on his desire to achieve what was in his heart and mind. Like a true phoenix, he rose from the ashes and flew higher than before. Without relying on any formal training, he made his way to the top only because he believed in himself and his diligence. He bought the plane the year he was about to go bankrupt.
Jasbir ‘Jas’ Wouhra FMCG
Director, East End Foods PLC UK
When he moved to the United Kingdom some five decades ago, he set up a company that sold pulses and rice to the Indians. He is now a millionaire, but it is music that stirs his soul. He keeps things very simple – work hard and let music nurture his alter ego. He has written many songs and dreams of singing in Bollywood someday.
Jasbir Singh Kullar
Founder, Sunrise Kiwi Packing USA
The new country challenged him as he entered, but he is a warrior. Coming from a rustic backround in India, he brought farming to a new pedestal and rose from the soil to soar into the sky. Today, he owns hundreds of acres of Kiwi farms and is feeding the world with this fruit.
Dr Jaswant Singh Sachdev MBBS, MD, FAAN
Neurologist, Hayden Veteran Medical Centre USA
A meritorious student, author and physician with a zeal for community service, Dr Jaswant Singh Sachdev has been building bridges of interfaith amity by inviting people of a different religions to the gurudwaras and showing these people the true meaning of Sikhism. He has been conferred the ‘Outstanding Citizen’s Award’ in 2004 by the Arizona American Asian Community for civic voluntary work.
Gen Joginder Jaswant Singh Marwah PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC (Retd)
Former Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army | Former Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, INDIA
A war veteran, trained mountaineer, master strategist, ace shooter and a regular contributor to regimental and other professional journals, General Joginder Jaswant Singh is a man who wears many caps. He is the first Sikh to lead the Indian Army and has been decorated with the prestigious Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal and Punjabi Ratan. Not only this, he has also served the nation as the 14th Governor of Arunachal Pradesh.
Kanwarjit Singh Dhanjal
President, Just Instruments Inc CANADA
With the aim to be unique and successful, he is a maverick who doesn’t wait for things to happen; he makes them happen. From taking up the first job in war-torn Iraq to starting his own venture and making it to the elite circles of Canada, he has to his credit many accomplishments in his life with his humble approach. He has also played a key role in expanding the Indo-Canadian trade and commerce.
Kulddeep Buttar
Founder & Chairman, Buttar Group of Companies CHINA
Denied the job of an accountant owing to his education, Kulddeep Buttar had no choice but to take up the job of a security guard. But that was in 1990. Today, he manages six companies in Hong Kong, each of which have self-owned offices in key locations. Over the years, this 51 years old Punjabi has won many awards, including Asia’s Greatest Leaders 2017 awards.
Mahanbir Singh Grewal
President, Guru Nanak Society of Australia AUSTRALIA
An adventurer who has turned challenges into bridges to success, he feels both hard work and play are equally important to get ahead in life. After spending his childhood in India, he moved to Malaysia and did Mechanical Engineering. But life wanted him to be a giver. After working as an engineer, he moved to Australia and joined the Labor Party in South Australia to contribute to the Sikhs.
Mamta Mahajan
Chairperson, East African Growers Group of Companies KENYA
Life seemed like a fairy-tale to her: a loving husband, three adorable daughters and wonderful friends and family. But everything changed when it took her husband away too soon. Being more of a practical person, I had little inclination towards religion or spirituality. But now she too finds a lot of peace and solace in listening to the self-development programmes and the weekly Satsangs of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji.
Chef Manjit Singh Gill
Advisor, ITC Hotels | President, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations INDIA
The world loves Dal Bukhara, some even carry the Ready-to-Eat packets. Ever wondered who tested and tasted it continuously to bring it to such a loved version? Easily recognisable in his distinctive red turban that he always sports, he is decorated with the Lifetime Achievement award by the Indian Ministry of Tourism He has put India on the map of the most-loved cuisines. He feels that there are four essentials which must be adhered to while cooking: knowledge about the characteristics of the ingredients, an emotional connect with the food, concentration and finally good thoughts when cooking.
Manjit Singh Wasu
President, Impact International JAPAN
At school, he wanted to be in Bollywood. He even cut his hair; his father did not talk to him for six months. But life for him was destined differently. He followed his father’s footsteps, who was instrumental in the joint venture of Hero Honda in 1984, entered in the field of export in Japan and started his company that today exports machinery in various parts of Asia. He calls his company a place where people and ideas meet.
Manmohan 'Mani' Singh Grewal
Managing Director, Sandy Crossing Enterprises, Inc
USA
He has no desire to be filthy rich, but would certainly like to do as much as possible for his community and humanity at large. Life in India, Liberia, England, Canada and the USA has taught him that no religion is higher than humanity. He wants to take Guru Nanak’s message of love and peace to other communities. He joined politics in the USA not for power, but to serve fellow humans.
Manmohan Singh 'Manny' Kohli
President & CEO, Matt & Nat CANADA
Vegan fashion? What could that be? Among other things, it is the love of this man who once wore the most fashionable clothes to impress his friends, unknown that he would one day become a world renowned brand. He moved to Canada and partnered with a friend, but when recession hit the world, his friend gave up. Manny did not Going by his gut instinct. He bought his friend’s stakes at four times the price and today has grown 20 times with the brand having over 200 stockiest worldwide.
Dr Manmohan Singh
Former Prime Minister of India, Government of India
INDIA
A brilliant scholar, he has been an economist, bureaucrat and politician. His first tenure as Prime Minister became known for high economic growth, rolling out of rural employment guarantee scheme, MNREGA and signing of the Indo-US nuclear deal. The first Sikh in office, Singh was also the first prime minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full five-year term.
Mohinder Pratap Singh
Ambassador of India to Mongolia
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee refer to him as the Red Turban Protocol Officer. He was the first diplomat to have had a Hindu crematorium built in Sharjah and, in 35 long years of his service, has organised visits of over 250 foreign Heads of State, including Queen Elizabeth of United Kingdom, Presidents of America, Russia and South Africa along with Pope John Paul II.
Sir Mohinder Singh Dhillon
Founder & CEO, Africapix Media Ltd KENYA
Nominated for Prix Italia best documentaries, saved by God after a fell out of a helicopter at 8,000 ft, he moved the world with his pictures of drought-hit Africa. A fearless TV journalist, photographer, cameraman and filmmaker, Mohinder Singh Dhillon has encountered and survived many life-threatening situations, risking his life for the greater good during Kenya’s freedom fight. He went that extra mile to show the world the atrocities of war and the adversities of famines. No wonder he was knighted by Prince Philip.
Prof Nathu R Puri CBE
Pro-Chancellor, London South Bank University | Founder Chairman, Purico Group Ltd UK
CBE Prof Nathu R Puri is a Nottingham based businessman and philanthropist who has given the world as much as he could. He was a Pravasi Bharatiya awardee in 2015 and is so crazy about cricket that he has been promoting cricket by hosting dinners and rewarding the cricketers to keep the passion for the game at a high.
Navneet Singh Chugh
Founder & Managing Partner, Chugh LLP USA
There are very few people who believe that the most unselfish thing in life is to do charity! Navneet Chugh is one of them. He is a lawyer and accountant by profession but works hard to raise funds for charity. In the last 25 years, about a $100 million have been raised by him for the good of the community.
Dr Parvinder Singh Pasricha
Former Director General of Police of Maharashtra state INDIA
The 30th police commissioner of the Mumbai police, he is the second Sikh officer to head the capital city of Maharashtra and was the Chairman of 14 historical gurudwaras in India. We all salute him for playing a major role in restoring peace among various communities following the 1992–1993 Mumbai riots. He was conferred with the President’s police medal for distinguished service and the Indian police medal for meritorious service by the Indian President.