Q and A with Officer Silh Temple volunteer Harpreet Kandra…
1. What is something people don’t know about you? I am an emotional person and can break into tears when I see someone in pain or helplessness. I can also get very angry/upset when someone is lying for selfish motives.
2. What was your most memorable moment? Why? I actually have a big list. The most recent one being when a VCAT matter related to planning application of our Sikh temple in Officer was withdrawn by 24 objectors. Honestly, we consider it a feat of some sorts- a win for multi-culturalism; a victory for harmony; a day when knowledge won over ignorance; and of course a day of new friendships.
3. What would your last meal be? Do I even need a meal- if it was the last one? Well I would prefer to not have it and share it with someone who is hungry or needy.
4. What do you love about being a volunteer? It gives me an opportunity to be selfless, to look beyond my life and troubles, it gets me in touch with other selfless souls, makes me appreciate what I have, it reminds me no matter what my situation is, I
can still contribute for well being of others and it makes others ‘understand’ that all of us are alike- just that everyone has been brought up in a different environment.
5. What event, past, present, or future, would you like to witness? Past- ‘The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Present- Hmmmm… May the Cricket World Cup. Future- I have many dreams- Better relations between India and Pakistan; Israel and Palestine; End of mistrust between religions; Our Prime Minister or Governor General from the Aboriginal community.
6. Favourite book? ‘The Secret’- Author Rhonda Byrne. It tells us about positive energies and the role that can play in transforming us, those around us and getting the best.
7. Which six guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party? I think just dinner- they may not like to party. Mother Teresa, Barrak Obama, Dalai Lama, Malala yousafzai, Justin Trudeau, Ravinder Singh, Head of Khalsa Aid Aishwarya Rai, and Miss World (1994, I think).
8. What has been your most embarrassing moment? Cannot remember anything specific. I have a poor memory with remembering names, get embarrassed when I am talking to someone- they know my name and I struggle to remember theirs.
9. What are your hobbies? One of the hobbies is to find a new hobby. Sleeping- as I don’t get a good sleep most of the time. Chatting with mates. Cherishing instrumental music and religious hymns. Driving.
Looking for an opportunity to create a small difference
10. What was your first or best concert? The first one was in Norway in a multicultural Ghazal event. A ghazal may be understood as a poetic expression of both the pain of loss or separation and the beauty of love in spite of that pain.
