Gurmit Sarpal has made the world around her a better place to live. She is revered within her community on how anyone can live an exemplary life. In 1976 Gurmit immigrated to Canada from India She is 68 years old married and has 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Aside from the cultural shock, she experienced upon arrival, she was also battling severe depression. To combat this black cloud, Gurmit took it upon herself to change her life by becoming involved in the community. From teaching traditional Indian music to children to writing health and spirituality articles for South Asian newspapers and radio shows, she completely transformed her outlook and influenced those around her.
It wasn’t long before she was approached with an offer of her own mental and physical health program on South Asian radio and television. In 2006, Gurmit founded the Royal woman Cultural Association, which has empowered hundreds of immigrant women to come forward to end tolerance for domestic abuse and violence. She has helped increase their self-esteem and nurture their artistic talents by alleviating their loneliness and isolation.
Gurmit also volunteers her time with Alberta Health Services as a community health advocate since 2007. Before immigrating to Canada, she completed her Nursing degree and uses her background to facilitate Workshop such as “Better Choice, Better Health” organized by Alberta health services. She has been raising charitable donations for Alberta children hospital. She was also featured in a book called “Proud Women, a collection of stories” written by the Calgary Immigrant Woman’s Association (CIWA) in 2009. She has been recognized by many important government officials and received awards including the Immigrant’s of Distinction Award (IDA), in 2015 for her almost 40 years of volunteer community services. United way recognizes the Royal Woman Association to pioneer the annual Anti-Domestic event in the N.E Calgary. DV events are held by RWCA with help from North Mcknight community services (NMCS).
Recently, a CBC News journalist wrote a special report in the Calgary Herald, on Gurmit titled, “Helping Woman Develop Better Mental Health”. Gurmit has dedicated her life to enabling those in need. As a natural role model in the communities she touches, she is a person to remind us to reach out to others in need.
