Born in Vancouver in 1976, Harmohanjit (Harman) Singh Pandher is a teacher of Punjabi language. He has been teaching Punjabi at Beaver Greek elementary school since 2005. He has also written a children’s book called, “Gurpreet Goes to Gurdwara” while another similar children’s book tentatively titled “Once Upon the Golden Temple” will also be published soon. His other published works include Welcome to Paldi, a place for everyone and a book of poetry entitled Sugar, Steel and the Maple Life. Along with teaching and writing, Harman has also been actively participating in various community organizations like SONG, SACH hub and PLEA. He speaks in this interview about his experiences of teaching Punjabi, writing books, working in the community, and Punjabi in Canada.

Short promotional video 1

Why did you feel the need to write “Gurpreet goes to Gurdwara”?  Why did you feel the need to write the book “Gurpreet goes to Gurdwara”? ਤੁਸੀਂ “Gurpreet goes to Gurdwara” ਲਿਖਣ ਦੀ ਜ਼ਰੂਰਤ ਕਿਉਂ ਮਹਿਸੂਸ ਕੀਤੀ? لکھن دی ٖضرورت کیوں محسوس کیتی؟ “Gurpreet goes to Gurdwara”

Short promotional video 2

What is the social perception of speaking Punjabi in public? ਸਮਾਜ ਦੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਬੋਲਚਾਲ ਨੂੰ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਦੇਖਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ?  سماج دے وچ پنجابی بول چال نوں کیویں دیکھیا جاندا اے؟

Full Interview:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Explore PUNJABI IN BC, for Interviews with K-12 EDUCATORS, ADVOCATES AND ACTIVISTS, STUDENTS, and WRITERS/JOURNALISTS.