Asian Star- Varun Katyal

Native Village/Country parent’s background

I was born and raised at Delhi, India. 

My father Mr. Vinod Katyal retired as a Bank Manager. However, He is an ardent Cricketer. Over the years, he has managed teams such as the Delhi Cricket Team and North Zone Cricket Team and has organized district-level Cricket tournaments in Delhi. Remarkably, he has been running a BCCI-affiliated Cricket tournament for over 55 years. 

My mother, Mrs. Vandana Katyal was a School teacher. After her retirement, she established a non-profit primary School which provides affordable education to children who cannot afford the high fees of private schools.

Your Early Education: 

I completed bachelors in Hospitality Management & Catering Technology, from Institute of Hotel Management (PUSA) Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. India.

When & Why You came to Canada

I have arrived in Edmonton Alberta as permanent resident in year 2015 on the basis of my Educational qualifications and work experience in Hospitality Industry.

Initially I landed in Sherwood park in 2010 with one year of Work Permit and left the country in 2011.

And subsequently applied for Federal Skilled Based Permanent resident program in 2014. Obviously, I immigrated for the Quality of life and Professional Growth.

Your career advancement initiatives, volunteer work and present occupation

Having 16 years of experience in hospitality management, I began my career as a Chef rising to various management roles. In 2020, while managing a Starbucks, I decided to pursue a career in Law Enforcement to better serve the community. For the past four years, I’ve been working as a Peace Officer in Traffic Enforcement.

As a volunteer, I’ve contributed to the South East Division of the Edmonton Police Service and supported various community organizations such as the Alberta Hindi Parishad, the Council of India Societies of Edmonton, the International Film Festival of Alberta, and the Bhartiya Cultural Society of Alberta.

I was honored with the Special Citizen Award by the Council of India Societies of Edmonton for my contributions to acting and directing Hindi theatre plays at community events.

Your Regret in Life

I don’t view my mistakes as burdens. Instead, I see them as the valuable learning opportunities that have helped shape my growth and development.

Pick Any One of Your Best Achievements

One of my best achievements was receiving the Special Recognition Award from the Council of India Societies in Edmonton for 2023-24, honoring my volunteer work in promoting Hindi language theatre.

Drama Arts has been my passion since childhood, though pursuing it as a career was challenging, given my middle-class upbringing in India. In 2022, after performing in BCSA’s Ramleela, I gained recognition in the community. This led to Alberta Hindi Parishad inviting me to teach Drama and direct Hindi performances for their students. 

I have also founded The Qala Troupe, Edmonton’s first Hindi language theatre group, which recently performed at the Thousand Faces Festival.

Were You Ever Discriminated?

I have never experienced discrimination at the workplace during my 8 years of occupation. However, as an immigrant, it’s not uncommon to occasionally face discrimination. I’ve heard comments about my skin color and origin, but I believe there is no room for hate or anger in my life. I choose to ignore such remarks while ensuring I speak out about them within the community to raise awareness and promote understanding.

However, for a while I have observed people of my own ethnicity Indian restaurants, shops and Quick Service Joints do not serve with the same excitement, courtesy and passion to our own people as compared to other which is unacceptable.

Are You Happy in Canada?

Yes, I’m very happy in Canada. I originally came here seeking a better quality of life. In 2018, I met my significant half, Jotika. In 2020, I became a proud father of a son, Viraj. I also got my first pet, Mango, who has deeply impacted my life by teaching me empathy and an unconditional love.

Career-wise, I’ve gained valuable experience and developed my communication skills. While living in Canada wasn’t my initial dream. However, after my first year stay as a temporary resident, I realized that this is a place is where everyone respects one another and lives with love and care making it feel like a home away home.

Any Comments on Canada’s Culture

The best part of Canadian culture is its diversity. People from different backgrounds, ethnicities & cultures coexist harmoniously enriching the country’s social fabric. This inclusiveness fosters mutual respect and allows everyone to maintain their unique identity while contributing to the collective community. It’s truly inspiring to live in a place where diversity is celebrated.

Any Comments on Canada’s Weather

Coming from a very humid part of the world to Edmonton’s dry weather has been quite an adjustment. I enjoy experiencing all four seasons here, with fall being my favorite. However, I do face some skin issues, like dryness, when winter arrives. Despite that, I have no complaints about Canada’s winters—I actually love them!

What Brought You Success in Canada?

I don’t measure success in materialistic terms. For me, success is when my family is happy, when I can spend quality time with my loved ones, friends, and community, and the reward is the smiles, love and blessings I receive in return. That sense of fulfillment and connection is what truly defines success for me in Canada.

Are You Willing to Help New Immigrants and How?

Yes, I would be more than happy to help new immigrants by sharing my experiences and offering guidance on settling in Alberta or any part of Canada. Having gone through the rigorous process myself, I understand the challenges and would love to support others in making a smooth transition. However, I firmly believe in following the path of Legal immigration.

Your Message for Canadians of Asian Origin

My message for Canadians of Asian origin is to embrace your heritage while also integrating into the Canadian way of life. Be proud of your cultural roots, but also take advantage of the opportunities this Country offers. Stay united as a community, support one another, and contribute positively to the Canadian society at large. It’s important to maintain your identity while appreciating the diversity and inclusiveness that make Canada so unique. Especially, in today’s World where hate is dividing us on the basis of religions. Please do not forget from where we all came, if not then please try to give respect to every individual and let’s not get diverted by the prevalent political agendas.