Kids Corner

People

Student, Writer, Social Justice Advocate:
Japreet Singh Lehal

Interview (& photo) by TALLULAH

 

 

 


Japreet Singh Lehal
Age: 20, born December 1993
Born: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada


Q:   How long have you lived in Vancouver?

A:   I have lived in Surrey my whole life.

Q:  What are your career interests?

A:   I began writing a newspaper column at the age of 17 and have written on a multitude of important topics affecting society. Currently I write a biweekly newspaper column in the Surrey Leader and a monthly column in the Peace Arch News.

In my column I have advocated against the Quebec Soccer Federation’s discriminatory turban ban, the Quebec Values Charter and a restrictive voter ID law. I have also advocated for the release of detained journalists in Egypt and a national inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women here in Canada.

In addition to being a writer and student at Simon Fraser University, I started the company GoResearch, which is an online platform that connects researchers and students. It helps innovative research to be propelled forward and gives students the opportunity to delve into the exciting world of research.

Currently I serve on the Board of Directors of Simon Fraser University’s Community Trust.

Q:   What are your passions and interests?

A:   I am very passionate about social justice, law and helping society. I plan to enter law school after I receive an undergraduate degree in political science.

In my leisure time I love to read, write, sing and play instruments such as the dholki, tabla and tumbi.

Q:   What do people know you for?

A:   I think a lot of people know me for my newspaper writings. Also, as the founder of GoResearch and my community involvement.

Q:   What are your thoughts on Vancouver?

A:   Vancouver is a city that means multiculturalism, diversity and acceptance.  As one who was born and raised in the Lower Mainland, I feel very fortunate to live where everyone is accepted for who they are and where the true multicultural spirit is represented. It is through this lens of diversity that we are able to see the beauty of the world.

Hence, Vancouver is in a sense a microcosm of the planet. The variety of cultures and backgrounds represented by the community in the Lower Mainland is truly amazing. The beauty of this diversity also goes hand in hand with the idea and my personal philosophy that though we are diverse and different in our own unique and wonderful ways, we are all equal.

Over the past decades, the Lower Mainland has been able to collectively develop a multicultural outlook. The result that has been achieved to date can certainly serve as a model for other cities around the world.


THE INTERVIEWER’S MUSINGS

I first came across Japreet Singh while doing Internet research and was struck by how much he had already achieved. Japreet didn’t mention that after graduating from secondary school he was awarded just under $50,000 in scholarships and has already been the recipient of many awards, such as Surrey’s Top 25 Under 25.

The photographic portrait I took of him and shown on this page was taken in the area of the Surrey Central Library and the newly constructed City Hall. This is the new visionary civic heart of Surrey -- a place of community -- the ideal backdrop for Japreet.

[Courtesy: Vancouver Is Awesome. Edited for sikhchic.com]
June 28, 2014
 

Conversation about this article

1: Sangat Singh  (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), June 28, 2014, 9:20 AM.

This is 'Nanak naam chardi kala teray bhanay sarbat da bhalla' getting down to business. Japreet, may you touch the sky. Remember, this is Waheguru's gift and may you never forget the Giver.

2: Jasbeer Singh (New Delhi, India), June 29, 2014, 8:18 AM.

Excellent, Bro! You're a good example for the youth of our community. Always excel! Best wishes!

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