Dear Editor:
Speaking before a full house of distinguished guests at the Shadbolt Centre on Friday, May 4, Burnaby's new Citizen of the Year, Kehar Singh Aujla, began by comparing himself to a "candle facing the sun." But to all of us in attendance, who had just listened to Mayor Derek Corrigan list off Mr. Aujla's tireless and diverse volunteer schedule, it was clear that the 78-year-old on stage with the royal blue turban was in fact the brightest light in the room.
Kehar Singh's humble opening line towards the end of the appreciation dinner, which recognizes volunteers who give so much of their priceless time to the City of Burnaby, reminded me of something I heard at a concert recently.
"Inside each of us," said the singer, "there is a light brighter than a thousand suns." Ever since Kehar Singh retired in 2006, he's been letting that considerable light shine through all over Burnaby, inspiring community members of all generations and cultures to follow his selfless lead.
Thank you, Mr. Aujla, for all you do, and for sharing a gracious and generous acceptance speech that gave us all a moment in the sun.
Harman Pandher, Burnaby school trustee
