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Travels: My job with ICI involved stints as Export
Manager which involved travel overseas. I have been to 80
countries and am on my 24th passport. Post retirement, I
started travelling to study 'Sikh Migration' to
non-English speaking countries about which there was only
limited information available and thereby completing the
global Sikh migration map. I have written 3 books on the
subject: 'SIKHS IN LATIN AMERICA' (8 countries), 'SIKHS IN
ASIA PACIFIC' (11 countries), 'SIKHS IN CONTINENTAL
EUROPE' (17 countries).
Family and Marriage: Although I thought I had a
western approach to life, I got married in a traditional
so-called 'arranged marriage' in 1967 to Livleen.
Success of Indian marriages is entirely due to Indian
women ('Bharatya Naari') and in my case too. I was only
the enabler - Livleen brought up the children on her
own. She managed relationships with the larger family
including my parents and siblings. I encouraged her to
have a job as I believe that a mother's exposure to the
outside world is good for the family. She opted for
being a teacher including at the prestigious American
School of Bombay meant basically for expat children. In
India, we have domestic help (cooking, cleaning and
chauffeuring). We have 2 children: daughter, Dr. Mini
Kahlon, who is the Founder Vice Dean, Dell Med School
and son, Gurtaj in Mumbai. Mini prompted us to join
Olli.
Influences, Childhood Memories & Mentors: The
family environ was one of religiosity, hard work,
honesty, and austerity. I was mostly self-motivated - my
parents never told me anything as to what to do. I, on
my own, decided what and where to study, which
profession to choose, where to live. My sole objective
was to move upwards for which getting 'top grades' was
essential in a very competitive India.
Hobbies: Travelling has been our passion - too
many to enumerate. Some of the most memorable have been
3 road trips: (1) Road trip in USA driving 6000 miles in
20 days covering 10 states, visiting 26 National Parks
(2) Road trip in NZ from southernmost to northernmost
point in 15 days. (3) Croatia road trip along the
Adriatic was another scenic venture. We have traveled by
Amtrak all over the USA in the luxury of 'Bedroom'
accommodation. We have had several Eurail trips all
across Europe. Alas, travel has become difficult -
getting old! I have been playing golf since 1960s. Most
memorable was winning 'Challenge Silver Bowl' (handicap)
at Tollygunge Club, Calcutta (1968), the first Indian to
win! We used to have 'Family golf tournament' in
Chandigarh for several years.
For my unabridged SWARN STORY, Please email me at
swarnsk@gmail.com
or contact me on
+91 9815517100
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