Dr. Amritpal Singh
Shergil
Description
The World Sikh Organization of Canada is the most important organization for the Sikhs residing in that country as right from its inceptions in 1984, this organization has been watching the interest of Sikh
Diaspora. Dr. Amritpal Singh Shergil, a well known psychologist based in Surrey, Canada, appeared on the
forefront of this great organization when he was selected to head the WSO’s Executive 2014-2016. Dr. Shergil
was unanimously chosen to serve as the President of this organization for the said period. Dr. Shergil, a
Doctor by profession, had received his Doctorate in 1997, from UBC, where he has also taught as a sessional
instructor. He served as Director of Operations for Columbia Health Centre in Langley, BC, and has served
on several boards and commissions such as : CARF (Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation
Facilities); the National Ethno-Cultural Advisory Committee for Corrections Canada; and a Board Member
for Opting Community Services Society. His services in medical field as well as for the community make him
a role-model Gursikh. Realizing the importance of his role as President of the organization, he always rose to
the occasion to motivate the Sikh youth and promote leadership among them. The first leadership training
programme for Sikh youth was held under his stewardship.
After taking part in a rigorous application
process, 20 Sikh youths aged between 18-25 from across Canada including Newfoundland, Quebec, Ontario,
Alberta and British Columbia, were selected to take part in the program. Participants gathered in Calgary
from August 14 to 17, 2015 to receive leadership training in emotional intelligence, advocacy, community
building and social justice. Various others programs were also held to inculcate the spirit of service among
the Sikh youth. One of the programs relating to providing chair, packages, treats and baked goods to over
1000 women and children in shelters in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. Each package was a
accompanied by valentine cards prepared by Sikh children and students from schools and Gurdwaras to
show love for the depressed and destitute women and children. Dr. Shergil expressed satisfaction over these
celebrations and said “we are thankful for all the support we received in making this year’s event another
great success. It is inspiring to see how this initiative has received support from Sikhs across the country and
is playing a role in educating about the issue of violence against women and making it a topic of discussion
in local communities. Valentine’s Day may not be a Sikh celebration but we are glad that this initiative is able
to bring some happiness to those who are going through a difficult time and need to know that someone is
thinking of them.” When Justine Trudeau including four Sikh in his Cabinet. The entire Sikh community
felt proud and jubilant. Dr. Shergil as a representative of the community in the capacity of President WSO
Hailed the Prime Minister by saying that he had brought a proud day for Sikh Canadians. His following
inspiring words emboldened all over the world and particularly those living in Canada with new hopes. He
said Prime Minister Trudeau has committed to building an inclusive and progressive Canada and we look
forward to working with him and his Government as we enter a new era in Canadian politics.