Davinder Singh Rahal, QSM, JP from New Zealand Conferred with Honorary PhD (Doctrin De Philosophy) in Climatology & Climate Change
Davinder Singh Rahal, QSM, JP from New Zealand Doctrin de Philosophy
is
The Pride of New Zealand
Recipients of Honorary PhD are recognized as Resource person of international repute in Community Development, Education and Management
Mission of Honorary PhD is to produce Technologists of calibre by imparting quality Education to the students
Mission of Honorary PhD is to promote research and extension among Universities and other research organizations in all aspects of research, extension and training.
Mission of Honorary PhD is to undertake consultancies and studies in Community Development, Education and Management
Mission of Honorary PhD is to provide advisory services in Community Development, Education and Management
Exclusive Interview with Davinder Singh Rahal, QSM, JP from New Zealand Ph.D (Honoris Causa)
Davinder Singh Rahal, QSM, JP
Question: What inspired you to enter into Climatology & Climate Change?
Answer:
To find one definitive reason that inspired me is difficult as I’ve always had the concept of climate and environment in the back of my mind. However, through the world I have been observing changes for a period of time. The alarming severity of forest fires, the intensity of summers, changes in seasonal effects and the ocean conveyor belt. Such variability and frequency of these events, as well as being a community leader and spokesperson made me contemplate, if we don’t act now, then when?
Motivating me further to delve into this field aside from my observations were, discussing seasonal changes in New Zealand and abroad, noticing certain climate and environmental trends locally and globally, and the notion that our planet and any of its changes affect and connect us all. For example, in agriculture which is a prominent industry of New Zealand, harsh climactic, environmental and weather changes will affect the yearly production, quality and maturation of crops. Also, for tourism, excessive weather conditions or unpredictability will make tourists hesitant to visit certain locations.
Question: Since how long, you been into Climatology & Climate Change and in which cities you have been associated for research, commercial and training programs?
Answer:
Due to my other commitments and activities as being a leader of the community, time did not present me with the opportunity in the past to explore this in as much detail as I would usually conduct my social and community services. As it is impossible for me to remain silent on this, I have developed momentum to contribute significantly and raise awareness on what is approaching its peak in terms of harm and damage to the climate, environment and all 7.9 billion of earth’s residents.
I firmly believe, it is time to stop prioritising and advancing the economy at the expense of ecology. It is vital to give equal significance and priority to save ecology. Especially before all that remains is economy, which too would collapse without ecology. Then we are left with neither the economy nor ecology. Ecology is sustainable without economy; however, economy is not sustainable without ecology.
Question: What are your future plans for commercial, research and training programs in Climatology & Climate Change?
Answer:
I believe all change begins at an individual level before it becomes a movement. Therefore, all my future plans in Climatology and Climate change will begin at an individual’s level. These plans include:
· Commercials: focusing on the local problems as identified and expressed by the locals for an authentic representation of the climatic changes being faced by them.
· Research: this will include studies that will be conducted in urban and rural settings over a period of time to understand effect and variability. Research will include:
o Temperature rise: seasonal temperature during the research period.
o Rainfall: recording the rainfall in cm/mm and comparing it to the previous year’s data.
o The onset of monsoons: the arrival of monsoons, the Southern Oscillations, and others are determining factors to what extent climate change has happened.
o Seasonal period: the differentiation of different seasons.
· Training Programs: educating and spreading awareness is the key to making the general public aware and understand its significance. It includes:
o Workshops/Seminars: to educate people.
o Walks: gathering locals for awareness walks.
o Campaigns.
Question: What kind of businesses can be started in Climatology & Climate Change? What minimum infrastructure would it need?
Answer:
The basic business ideas focus on decreasing the carbon count and lowering the usage of fossil fuels. These will include the undermentioned:
1. Electric vehicle company: to decrease the use of fossil fuels and carbon, switching to electric vehicles will be beneficial for the climate and environment.
2. Carbon offsetting business: reduction of carbon emissions and carbon footprints, this start-up will be helpful in providing funds to reduce carbon release.
3. Energy consultant/ Energy consulting companies: these companies focus on providing energy audits to government and non-government organizations on their usage of electricity and will provide recommendations for the conversation of energy and the judicious usage of the same.
4. Sustainable energy equipment company: these companies focus on the making and instalment of solar panels, wind farms, and bioenergy projects.
5. Green beauty products: reduction in carbon and to bring innovation in beauty products.
6. Landscaping business: integration of green solutions to traditional farm methods.
The minimum infrastructure to this will be:
Sustainable source of energy that can be used in the existing medium of transport.
Equipment to reduce carbon emission.
Farmland for turning into greenfield and from that judicious use of plant products.
Question: What are your recommendations to improve the standards of journals publishing research articles on Climatology & Climate Change?
Answer:
It is important to ensure journals are expressed in a manner that the public can identify, relate, and connect with. Although at times it is difficult to avoid jargon, it is immensely helpful for simple terminology to be used and written with user-friendly English or the relevant language. This will make more of an impact with readers who can then better understand and hopefully, implement any positive learnings and actions.
It is helpful for journals to have a title which reflects the theme and to have the aims, objectives and an abstract written which will permit the reader to follow with clarity as well as provide a clear description of what information the reader will find and what direction the journal will head in.
To continually improve the standards of journals, they must have intense preparation based on high-quality materials and sources. In this field the conclusion, advice, and suggestions should be applicable in theory and practically in a manner which is realistic of the reader. Lastly, thorough proof-reading is required.
Not all journals are accessible due to a payment required to download or view the material however, it will be helpful for those costs to be as nominal as possible so items published can be accessed whilst simultaneously allowing the journals to continue and have their quality upheld.
Journals should be attractive and have a purpose to make a change in society and impact the public which in turn would spark further interest.
Question: What are your recommendations to improve syllabus of Climatology & Climate Change for more creativity, applications and opportunities?
Answer:
Any syllabus aimed towards protecting the climate and environment should continuously strive to improve academic quality set out in institutions. It is essential that it fosters a sense of real connection with the climate and environment, and nurtures passion.
The syllabus should be dynamic like our real-life situations. The new fields, problems or discoveries should be incorporated as promptly and as efficiently as possible to enable continuous learning, discussion, and awareness which in turn would raise curiosity and efforts to form strategies to overcome climate and environmental issues.
At its core, this field of study and research is extremely vast. The basic levels of the syllabus or academic journey should focus on being broad, to include as many subjects as possible, each with a certain level of depth. Once the syllabus advances and an individual has found the subject, they have an inherent preference towards, then the focus should be on going into as much depth as possible. It is common for an individual to be eager to learn everything and cover all subjects in any field of study. Although such enthusiasm is appreciable, it is difficult to do so if one wishes to indulge in something with great depth and detail.
Further to this, to ensure relevance of the syllabus and its subjects, it would be beneficial to have a review every 3-5 years in line with input or data contributed by governmental or non-governmental organisations, educational institutions, researchers, activists, and the likes. A thorough review and analysis like this should make the syllabus robust, reliable, and relevant.
Question: What is Climatology & Climate Change? What are the major branches in Climatology & Climate Change?
Answer:
Climatology is a discipline of study concerned with the earth’s climate and factors affecting past, present and future climactic changes. By recording and analysing atmospheric and weather patterns over time, patterns and trends are further explored to understand what occurs on regional and global scales and identify the conditions, whether natural or artificial that cause them to rise. Additionally, three themes are involved which are weather patterns regulating normal conditions in different countries and regions across the globe, the interdependence and interplay of factors influencing the weather like temperature and sunlight, lastly to examine the manner in which weather changes over time.
Climate change is the long-term change in weather patterns, behaviour, and events over periods of time ranging from decades to millions of years. It looks at changes in the patterns of things like temperature, rainfall, sea level, and extreme weather events like droughts and storms resulting from changes in the earth’s atmosphere. Such change influenced directly or indirectly by human activity alters the atmosphere and climate and observed is the variability over a comparative time period. There have been times of climate change in the past, however, we are currently seeing rapid changes.
Some of the branches of are physical, regional, applied, and dynamic.
Question: What are your recommendations to frame guidelines on funding of research projects on Climatology & Climate Change?
Answer:
To begin with guidelines must be clear and concise. There should be a vision, mission, purpose, values, and realistic goals which are measurable and realistically obtainable. Any proposals presented should have a thorough explanation of how and where the funding shall be utilised. This could be in the form of a financial statement and breakdown which is professionally prepared in order to support the research and build confidence.
Funding should reflect the scale, capacity, and potential of the research to benefit the climate, environment, and public. Moreover, it should accurately represent the current situation and more critical priorities which are demanding at that time and cannot be ignored. Priority could be given to research that effectively tackles climate change and reduces environmental pollution.
Projects presented should be authentic, unique, and be prepared to genuinely benefit the climate, environment, and public. Lastly, the project should be sustainable to ensure all efforts placed in initiating and maintaining the project are long-held and the project achieves what it promised.
Question: How can universities produce revolutionary PhD and Post Doc thesis and dissertations on Climatology & Climate Change? What are your recommendations to improve the academic standards?
Answer:
Most universities have numerous courses and guidelines for the various levels of study and courses available. To ensure advancement and progress, potential candidates should be made aware of what is required of them and the academic journey they’re about to embark on. This could be done through events hosted for a day or two which focuses on this alone, similar to a careers’ day hosted by universities.
After initiating this journey, some candidates spend an excess amount of time which could be used for their other valuable efforts or strategies due to a lack of teachers or instructors to provide additional assistance. Increasing the number of teachers, tutors or teacher’s assistants would require more funding. But the boost in the numbers of such essential members of the academic team would be immensely helpful. To maintain and improve academic standards, cooperation and unison between teachers, students, institutions, and the government is required.
To promote revolutionary and extraordinary work, the government must be enthusiastic and dedicated to support research so that researchers and students develop innovative and creative proposals with autonomy and any assistance they may require. Rather than feeling restricted, their efforts and emotions should be focused on relevant and credible research.
To reward and acknowledge the strenuous journey, universities should promote and endorse their talent which will motivate more researchers and potential candidates to venture into this field to spend their time and resources making more substantial contributions.
Lastly, it is essential that universities and their administrators maintain transparency and honesty in fund management to ensure the regular maintenance of funds and trust. The future of education, climate and the environment are dependent upon the knowledge and education of individuals.
Question: What are your views on Climatology & Climate Change?
Answer:
Apart from being an interesting subject of concern, I believe that this field holds a great future not just in the present world but for the generations to come, because climate change and its effects aren’t something that can be changed overnight. The process will take time to have its full effect.
Climatology looks deeper into the atmosphere and climate change, together constituting a broad field in which research is still ongoing and facts are being added. Earth’s complexities and the life that it sustains, are still a field of interest.
My personal view on Climatology and Climate Change is:
A diverse field of research, where new methods and discoveries can be made.
The field that is changing ever since and has a great evolution after human civilization.
Global climate change is a subject of concern and studying climatology and climate change will be helpful to learn the facts and figures and to create a path forward.
Apart from these two, there are other disciplines, which will aid the teaching-learning process.
The field has become vulnerable, so immediate action should take place
before it gets worse.
Question: How can students seek job and career opportunities in Climatology & Climate Change?
Answer:
As the opportunities are vast and varied, the journey begins with education. As one progresses through their school years and eventually enters university, they would have made their foundation and focus in this field of study, work and research.
It is then encouraged to prepare portfolios and compile as many necessary qualifications as required to initiate and excel in their career and benefit from any opportunities presented.
Additionally, students should be aware of the environment around them, as universities or organisations associated with their university maybe interested in hiring. Students may acquire experience and exposure by getting involved in projects, internships or even volunteering which may result in job and career opportunities. One must also be willing to benefit from an opportunity regardless of rural or urban settings and locale.
Having a careers day would be beneficial and those who wish to advance their careers should approach their seniors and other team members to gain understanding of the experience or additional qualities required or recommended to progress.
Question: What job titles are available in Climatology & Climate Change?
Answer:
The following job titles exist:
Climatologist: one who studies the atmosphere or climate and the patterns of it, focusing on the seasonal effect on various parts of the earth.
Geoscientist: studying the geology of the earth. Their study focuses on the various geological aspects of earth over a period of time and how that has affected the climate.
Environmental Engineers: engineers of the environment work on the development through their innovations, creating a perfect blend of technology with the environment.
Environmental Specialist: an environment specialist holds specialization in what’s best for the environment and constantly works on innovative ideas that will protect the ecosystem.
Sustainability Consultant: a consultant is accountable for providing sustainable methods and ideas that will help in replacing the non-renewable sources of energy.
Conservationists: conservationists focus on conserving the natural resources and provide alternatives for the judicious use of the same.
Associate Professor: education is proved to be beneficial in building a better teaching and learning world. The professorship is fruitful in creating and bringing the talent that will work for the cause, from a much earlier stage.
Researcher/Research Assistant: a researcher focuses on re-working in the existing system, so as to get more precise with the statistics and data.
Environmental Lawyer: the judicial system plays a significant role in providing security to the environmental workers and a checkpoint for those who break laws. They provide the right guidance in protecting the environment.
Question: Which are Typical employers in Climatology & Climate Change?
Answer
A field in which such diversity could generate opportunities holds these typical employers:
Climatologist: this is the most typical one, which one can become upon pursuing their Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in climatology or atmospheric science.
Geoscientist: next to climatologists, employers look for geoscientists, students who earned a degree in a geoscience realm like geophysics.
Environmental Engineer: this has become a new field that demands an engineering background in the environment or in related fields like general or civil engineering.
Environmental Lawyer: holding specification in the legal matters of nature and its natural resources, one can go into this field by studying environmental law or environmental policies
Professors: the field of education provides the most typical employer.
Question: Which are the courses available in Climatology & Climate Change?
Answer
Climatology itself is a diversifying course but climate change holds many courses which are part of providing bachelor, master, and post-doctoral degrees. These courses are:
The field has been open to many research works and these works are being published in journals, for the general public to learn from the basics to complexities. The journals thus published hold research work along with the basics from experts involved from all around the world in their areas of expertise.
Davinder Singh Rahal, QSM, JP is influencing journals in Climatology & Climate Change:
International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation
International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management
Question: What are your recommendations to write a world class research article in Climatology & Climate Change? What essential components and factors must be there?
Answer
For research to be world-class, it lies in the topic that would draw mass public attention. So according to me, I would suggest the following for writing a research article:
Choice of topic: a topic of worldwide concern should be selected, as it will broaden the chance of effective research and will be helpful in collecting statistical data from the whole world. In this way, a major problem can be dealt with.
Statistical Data: climatic changes and their effects can be studied through statistical analysis, so in my opinion, statistics can be helpful in the selection of research work.
Hierarchy of Problems: the problems under climatic changes are turning more and more with each passing day, so the issues should be placed in a fashion of how it has affected and in what areas, enabling more scope to address it publicly and thus will be effective research.
Time Management: investing time is the ultimatum in deciding how good the research is. The more time you give, the better the results.
Essential components and factors: for research to be effective, the key role is being played by the topic we choose to address, how it has affected the place of concern, time, bio-geo-chemical factors, its flora and fauna, the weather condition, seasonal effect, sun cycle, rainfall, and many others.
Question: What are your recommendations to write a world class case report in Climatology & Climate Change? What essential components and factors must be there?
Answer
Nothing makes a work world-class than the work itself. A good quality report can be written but a world-class report lies in the art of presenting it to the world.
My recommendations for a world-class report lies in:
Choice of topic: picking up a problem of concern broadens the chances of having an effective study of that. Topic and its body should contain the major addressable problems so that it can reach a wider audience easily.
Data: collection of data, and effective representation of that is what makes a report more reachable.
Presentation: a report presentation and the art behind that makes it accessible and approachable.
Time: investment of time is the deciding factor.
Essential components and factors:
A report is accountable for effective study in a shorter span of time, so it should be near to precise and should include things that can grab attention. The components of a report should be maintained in its appearance, structure, and content, while the factors should focus on the content we choose, which includes climate, weather, seasonal cycle, rain, humidity, temperature, and others, that will help in terms of making the report a world-
class report.
Question: What are your recommendations to write a world class review in Climatology & Climate Change? What essential components and factors must be there?
Answer
Scientific reviews are in huge demand these days because of their flexibility. Reviews can be easily updated. Recommendations for that are undermentioned:
Topic and audience: an interesting topic, field, and a well-defined issue to be addressed are key points.
Search and Research: the process of reviewing a paper requires the collection and checking of relevant papers to that. The way how it’s managed and addressed determines the quality of the paper.
Data representation: data are important to define the efficacy.
Making notes: notes are important so that each issue of concern will be addressed the way it should be.
Surveys: important in developing data.
Usage of feedback: this is vital for a review and will help in the collection of diverse views.
Remaining up to date: lesser the gap in the publication of the previously updated version, the faster it will reach.
Components and factors:
For addressing something related to climate change, the components are the ones that determine the same. These are the climatic factors like temperature, humidity, rainfall, seasonal cycle, and others.
Question: What are your recommendations to establish a world class research institute for Climatology & Climate Change?
Answer
For the success of the research institute, the cause for making that is the base, and there’s no better reason than climate change for establishing one.
To establish a world-class research institute, the following are the recommendations that we should keep in mind:
Operational Environment: an environment that will hold the cause and will be accountable for providing proper infrastructure, exposure to nature, and a surrounding of better quality. This includes the infrastructure and the facilities made available to the students.
Network: building of a network system, collaborations and alliances will bring more talent and resources.
Quality of life: an integral part of our ecosystem, this is important because this is going to decide the future outcomes and the functioning of the research institute. This includes physical infrastructure along with housing facilities, recreation, green spaces, etc.
Research Culture: this is an important one, as this is the baseline. Curious talents and the cause will provide an active teaching-learning process, which will ultimately foster a valuable research culture.
Financial aids: finance is the pillar, so fundings are resources that will help in the smooth conduct of the research institute.
Question: What are your recommendations to improve employment and scope in Climatology & Climate Change?
Answer:
To improve employment and scope in this field it starts from:
Raising awareness: not many have the full grasp about the repercussions of climate change, and still, things are getting worse day by day. So, the first big step will be bringing about a change in people’s mindset and outlook towards this. So raising awareness, spreading the news of how bad things are getting affected is the first step. In this way, more people will be driven to work for the cause.
Creating more job opportunities: to expand the scope, there’s a need to create more job opportunities, so that people will feel invested in working for the cause.
Providing job securities: job securities are important and should be made
interesting and with certain upgrades.
Question: Would you start a campaign to request government to offer free of cost internet to all people of your country as fundamental right, because it plays a significant role in education, awareness, implementation of government policies and economic development of country
Answer:
Despite having a significant role in education, awareness, implementation of policies, and economic development, I don’t think I will conduct a campaign like that. A campaign like that will surely be helpful but will bring excess freedom to the internet world. Playing a significant role doesn’t and shouldn’t come free of cost.
I’ll campaign for cutting the price down to an affordable one so that people can easily have easier access to the internet. My campaign will focus on the section of people who aren’t able to afford it. For them, I’ll campaign to have the internet free
of cost, but not for all the people of the country.
Question: What are your recommendations to authors, who are writing Books on Climatology & Climate Change for more creativity and understanding of the subject?
Answer:
To the authors who are writing books on climatology and climate change for more creativity and understanding of the subject, these are the following recommendations:
Consistent in writing.
Research: more research means more precision. This will help in having a better book. The work should be focusing more on facts and figures, data analysis, and creative inputs such as field visits, pictures, and others.
Outlining ideas: all the ideas should be put together so that nothing is left out.
Routine writing: sticking to a proper schedule of writing makes way for a better book.
Time management: time is an important part. With time, comes the patience of writing in an effective way that will create an impact.
Language: writing a book, the language should be easily understandable, and should be made available in a language that can be easy for a bigger section of the public. Plus, it should be made available in other languages as well if possible.
Creating an audiobook, and podcast to discuss the book would reach a wider audience.
Conducting surveys and human-to-human talk, which will make the book more authentic, and the general public will be able to relate more to it.
Question: What according to you are the Top 5 major challenges (research problems) which need to be resolved urgently by world’s scientists in the area of Climatology & Climate Change?
Answer:
The field of research is like an ocean and the area of climatology and climate change is a very challenging subject itself because we humans still haven’t unfolded many facts and figures of nature. This field has so many lacunas that need to be addressed by the scientists and researchers, but, here are the top 5 challenges that should be resolved urgently:
Climate change mitigation and adaptation (carbon emission): according to UN data, carbon emission has reached 50% since 1990, causing global warming.
Pollution: a problem worldwide which is affecting the resources and life on earth. Its expansion has become life-threatening and is bringing unwelcomed natural calamities, thus creating an effect on the global climate.
Shifting to renewable energy: fossil fuels are aiding global greenhouse gas emission, so there’s a need of shifting to an efficient and easily accessible renewable source of energy. The hour calls for a better sustainable resource that will be resistant to climate change.
Sustainable food: the food industry has been playing a significant role in polluting soil, marine, and water ecosystems. Research should be more driven towards this and should be shifted to nutritious plant-based diet models, to reduce carbon emission.
Waste management: the waste generated from human civilization is contributing to global climate change via carbon, so there’s a need to discover better methods of waste management like green toilets and
adaptation of waste management techniques.
Question: What are your recommendations to improve standards of Conferences in Climatology & Climate Change? How can they be brainstorming and more creative?
Answer:
Conferences are excellent opportunities to engage with colleagues and others to learn what is happening in a local, national or international context. It provides a chance to discover and understand how we or others perform duties to improve the climate and environment. What aspects we fall behind in and how to improve or inform others what we excel in and how they can achieve the same. Protection and improvement of the climate and environment is dependent on collective action and effort.
We are constantly looking at new, creative, and innovative ways of helping the climate and environment, so conferences are very helpful and informative to those attending. Conferences regardless if those attending are from institutions, organisations, or individuals, it should be inclusive of all attending and motivate all to participate to boost morale and go above and beyond with the notion to continuously strive to do better.
Brainstorming is most enjoyable, effective, and creative when individuals work together, contributing their immensely helpful and valuable knowledge and personal experience especially when they come from all walks of life, experience and age. Brainstorming maintains momentum as it requires all present to think thoroughly, positively and that each contribution is significant. Many attending are interested in supporting the climate and environment therefore, will attend with family, friends or others who all can learn, network and connect with the rest of the world and gain new knowledge and understanding.
Question: Which major challenges do you see to establish New Zealand as world leader in Climatology & Climate Change?
Answer:
Despite New Zealand having a picturesque landscape, its natural resources like water has to travel great distances before reaching treatment facilities and the public. One of New Zealand’s major industries is agriculture and farming. As we know there was approximately 37 million livestock in 2020 including sheep, dairy cattle, beef cattle and deer. All sediment and excrement running off the land pollutes water and water pathways which poses an ongoing problem.
A reduced level of vigour and commitment from the government hinders the potential to tackle climate and environment issues. The government must understand how significantly and swiftly our decisions and actions influence our environment. There must be dedicated and robust change to attain a clean and healthy climate. Meaning allocating better budget towards promotion, education and awareness of the climate and environment whether through schools, universities, governmental or non-governmental organizations and the likes. A country whose intellectuals and leading forces aren’t appropriately recognised or equipped discourages others from joining that goal.
There should be increased learning and awareness on this topic which is constantly accessible and comprehensible. The information must be disseminated in a way that is constant, updated and places emphasis to do further research and innovation in this field.
The lack of transparency, enthusiasm, awareness, rules and regulations, lack of unification in councils, political and other leaders must be overcome.
Question: Any other thing, you would like to share with World on Climatology & Climate Change?
Answer:
The world out there is the reason why we exist, we’ve no right to exploit it. If something’s available to us, free of cost, it doesn’t mean we own it. So, the wake-up call is long gone now, it’s time to act now, act for earth and its residents. There is a general saying “what you sow, so shall you reap”. Climate change has become a real thing now, and we’re the ones who will be facing the wrath of nature. Everything is in our hands, and everything starts with us. Be more vigilant and start with small steps. Educate your close ones and ask them to educate others and thus a community will be there.
The researchers, scientists, and the government have been working, but now it’s on us, on how we start dealing with this and what we are giving back to earth. Rebuild the world that you want to live in and for your future generations to come by.
Davinder Singh Rahal, QSM, JP
Davinder Singh Rahal, QSM, JP I arrived in New Zealand in November 1988 and after a period of resettlement I commenced business in 1993. My experience of 23 years in the hospitality industry allowed me to interact with the community and better understand social welfare. After my success in the hospitality industry, I moved to property investment. Even though I have a busy schedule I still take the time out to contribute to the community. I played a vital role in establishing the Sikh Gurudwara in New Zealand.
I have been conferred with various prestigious awards and titles for my contributions towards the welfare of the community, environmental and social services including:
The Queen's Service Medal, 2012 honoured by the Government of New Zealand. QSM is established by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. QSM is a part of the New Zealand Royal Honours system and beyond what is expected to serve the people of New Zealand.
Justice of the Peace for New Zealand, 2008.
Hind Rattan Award 2022 honoured by NRI Welfare Society of India.
Founder & Chairperson of Life Vision Society Incorporated, 2015.
Founder member of The Auckland Sikh Society Incorporated.
Founder & Chairperson of Enviro Care Trust.
Founder of Environment Wise Trust.
Founder of Climate Care Charitable Trust.
International Achievers Award 2021 honoured by Indian Achievers Forum.
The Pride of India Award.
Former President of GOPIO Auckland South New Zealand Inc. Organization of People of Indian Origin.
I did have a concept of the environment for some time however, due to my other commitments and activities, time did not present me the opportunity to explore this further. As I have a level of affinity towards the environment, this time the opportunity to explore this concept presented itself and my spark for the environment developed momentum.
Our efforts towards protecting our environment and climate are collective, as our actions have an immediate and direct impact on our lives. What happens in one city or country is bound to affect another as we are all part of the same world. Therefore, to act in unison to protect the collective whole is vital.
I conduct seminars to promote awareness and sentiment of the environment and its living factors such as humans, animals, marine life, plants and non- living factors such as oxygen, water and other elements, and human life by advocating for the preservation, protection, and enhancement of New Zealand’s and the world’s environment including and without limitation to waste management, plastic use, recycling, understanding the interdependence and interplay of ecosystems and their parts whether living and non-living, and to act to maintain a clean environment and mitigate harm, misuse and unsustainable use against the environment.
Despite being active in the community for 21 years, I have a revitalized energy to do more to help the community and our society like I have been since 2001. I have the same motivation and dedication to act for the welfare of mother nature and our society through which we are all connected.
I have also supplemented environmental protection by looking into imperfect food, which is food that is still edible and what can be done for it, so it can reach those in need and simultaneously reduce food waste burden on landfills and the environment.
During the COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand, I started another project called Feed The Need. Through this project I have arranged free essential food parcels which were delivered to those in need such as the elderly, those who are less mobile, or unable to access food banks. The parcels were distributed around the South Auckland region and the donations were sufficient to make 7,460 meals.
I did a similar project in 2011 where I gave food parcels to people in need. Elderly people who are often forgotten, who no one comes to meet, those who can’t drive, walk, or even leave their homes. When we deliver the food parcels to these people you can see tears in their eyes because they are so appreciative and thankful. These interactions are ones which motivate and inspire me to continue helping those in need.
I donated a car to Life Vision Society in 2017 for a free transport service for those who find it difficult to get to medical appointments. This could be due to reasons such as the inability to drive, immobility, financial restrictions or being unable to access transport.
My upcoming project called Food Rescue is focused on volunteers picking up and distributing surplus, harvested and cosmetically imperfect food. This project is focused on improving and creating a better understanding of food waste and its environmental impacts. Food waste creates a big carbon footprint and has negative effects on society. Through eliminating food waste, we can reduce the burden on landfills and create a better food system for everyone.
I am a happily married person with 3 children. In my opinion education plays a major role in life, it makes you self-reliant, gives you confidence and self-respect. Keeping this in mind I motivated my children to gain the best level of education. With God’s grace my son and daughter completed a medicine degree and both are doctors. I also am grateful to my family for supporting me and allowing me to reach this level of glory.
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