A STORY OF TRANSFORMATION GULZAR GROUP’S

Gulzar Group, one of the leading transportation companies in Canada, had humble beginnings.

In 2003, Sunpreet Sidhu and her husband Lally Sidhu, started the company with just two trucks. Lally’s desire to follow his father’s legacy and his interest in trucking, along with Sunpreet’s unwavering support and determination, led them to start Gulzar Group. The company was named after Lally’s great grandfather, Gulzar, and with hearts full of dedication and hope, they took the leap into entrepreneurship.

Sunpreet recalls, “At the time, I had very little knowledge about trucking. We both had so many thoughts and would often wonder what would happen if we failed. We would question if we would be able to manage it all. However, with God’s grace and our elders’ blessings, we worked our way to success.” Today, with a fleet of over 150 trucks, including containers, b-train loads, reefers, step decks, tractors, and dry vans, Gulzar Group has established itself as a reliable and trusted carrier in the industry.

Since its inception, Gulzar Group has been committed to providing top-notch transportation services to its clients across North America. Their dedication to quality has earned them recognition as a bonded Canadian/C-T PAT approved carrier, and their commitment to safety is reflected in the fact that all equipment is maintained in top condition according to government specifications by the service staff on site. This attention to detail ensures that clients receive the highest level of service and can rest assured that their cargo is in good hands. The company’s success can be attributed to its strong leadership, dedicated staff, and commitment to providing innovative solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of the transportation industry.

Evidently, Gulzar Group recognizes the importance of staying ahead of the curve in the transportation industry.

As such, the team is constantly planning to invest in technology and software to streamline their operations. The transportation industry has seen significant technological advancements in recent years, and these advancements have helped companies increase efficiency, improve safety, and reduce costs. By adopting new technology and software, Gulzar Group is eager to improve their operations, better manage their fleet, and provide even better service to customers. The importance of technology in the transportation industry cannot be overstated, and Gulzar Group’s investment in this area is a wise decision that will help them remain competitive in the years to come.

Sunpreet shares that the leadership at Gulzar Group places a high value on its employees and is committed to putting its clients and team members first. They believe that a happy and motivated workforce is key to success, and this is reflected in their policies and practices. The company is known for its employee-friendly policies, which include fair compensation, training and development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. In addition, Gulzar Group understands the importance of having a reliable workforce to ensure timely and efficient service to clients. To this end, they keep extra staff on hand at all times to ensure that customer demand is met and that they can provide the best possible service. This approach not only benefits their clients, but also helps to create a sense of job security and stability for their employees, which in turn contributes to a positive and productive workplace culture, and exceptional client service. Thanks to such a solid foundation, Gulzar Group is currently in a great place to grow and prosper. With their recent developments, they have opened a new warehouse in Delta, British Columbia, which will allow them to better serve their customers in the western region of Canada. Additionally, they have expanded their business into Calgary and Toronto by opening their first branches in these cities. These expansions show the company’s commitment to growth and their willingness to adapt to new markets. With their experience and expertise in the transportation industry, Gulzar Group is well-positioned to continue to thrive in the years to come.

Undoubtedly, behind any company’s growth are masterminds of great leaders, which Sunpreet is truly personifying. Beyond her business acumen, as a woman in a leadership role, the female powerhouse knows the importance of balancing her personal and professional life. For her, it’s all about planning. She runs on a strict schedule that allows her to keep up with the days and tasks. Every day brings new opportunities, and it’s crucial for the committed leader to plan for all kinds of situations. She values her team and ensures that they are supported and taken care of. Sunpreet’s dedication and leadership have helped Gulzar Group prosper and grow, and she continues to inspire others with her hard work and determination.

“To make the most of my potential, I tell myself five things every morning: “I am the best”, “I can do it alone”, “God is always with me”, “I am a winner”, and “Today is my day” I believe that every day is a new chapter with new opportunities, so it’s important to plan accordingly and be ready for anything that comes my way.”, shares Sunpreet. It is of no surprise that with this mindset and a strategic approach to her work, the motivational visionary has achieved great success in her career and continues to inspire her team to strive for excellence.

As the Director of Gulzar Group, Seema offers wise words of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to start their own businesses. According to Sidhu, having a goal in mind is crucial, but it’s equally important to consider different ways to approach it. She recommends finding at least ten different approaches to allow for personal reflection and a broad perspective on the goal. This, in turn, can help determine the best course of action. Additionally, Sidhu emphasizes the importance of planning, being flexible, and having the determination to see things through. She believes that with hard work, dedication, and the right mindset, anyone can achieve success in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Surely, the proof is in the pudding with the transportation triumphs of Gulzar Group!

Darpan Magazine hosted the inaugural Darpan Power Women of Influence 2023 at the breathtaking Vancouver Convention Centre on March 24th, 2023. The evening was a celebration of the spirit and power of women, amplifying the voice of South Asian women achievers living in BC and beyond to inspire women in the community to reach their full potential.

Close to 550 people attended the event; the majority were influential people from the South Asian community living in BC. Her Honour Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, attended the event, along with other dignitaries, including the first-ever South Asian Speaker of the House, Raj Chauhan; MLA for Surrey-Panorama, Jinny Sims; MLA for South Surrey, Elenore Sturko; and the first South Asian Supreme Court Judge and Former Attorney General, Wally Oppal.

The magical evening began with a red-carpet reception, greeting the guests with a flurry of cameras, flashing lights and a sense of excitement—attendees arriving in stunning outfits, reflecting the spirit of the occasion. On the red carpet, a live media station interviewed esteemed guests, asking them their expectations for the evening; photographers were busy capturing beautiful moments, and music performances set the stage for the night ahead. The beautiful cocktail lounge had guests mingling and enjoying the hospitality.

Huse Madhavji, a Canadian actor and television personality, was the Master of Ceremonies for the night. Talented local artists Shivangi Bhayana and Parv Sandhar entertained the audience with their musical performance setting the stage for the inspiring speeches that followed.

Her Honor, The Honorable Janet Austin, addressed the audience, appreciating the intention behind the first-ever Darpan Power Women of Influence. Martin Thibodeau, Regional President, BC, at RBC, also shared his valuable words with audiences, lifting the spirits of all those present. Anita Anand, the Minister of National Defence of

Canada, congratulated the team and shared her excitement through a video message.

Five remarkable women panelists from diverse fields - Host of CBC Vancouver News at 6, Anita Bathe, Regional Vice President at RBC, Devinder Gill, Attorney General of British Columbia Hon. Niki Sharma, Indian Actor and Former Miss Universe Lara Dutta, and Humanitarian and social activist Dr. Sakena Yacoobi were the star attraction of the event sharing their stories and insights on some of the most compelling issues faced by women around the world as Neetu Garcha from Global National moderated the discussion.

The event’s highlight was the DARPAN PowerTalk, where the panelists shared their experiences and stories on how they tackled challenges pertinent to their fields and professional journeys. A stimulating panel discussion followed, consisting of questions specific to each panelist and a set of generic questions, which led to them sharing their points of view and way forward on some of the most compelling issues affecting women worldwide.

Anita Bathe shared her journey as a woman of colour who wanted to be a journalist from a young age. As the face of one of Canada’s oldest and most renowned broadcasting networks, she delved into complex subjects, such as how women in the media sometimes have to play to society’s “beauty” standards.

Devinder Gill, the first female South Asian in BC to become a board executive at RBC and one of the biggest proponents of Diversity & Inclusivity in the corporate sector, shared her strategies and best practices for dealing with power structures within organizations early on in one’s career and how business leaders can support women from South Asian and other communities in their professional endeavours.

Hon. Niki Sharma, the Attorney General of British Columbia and the first woman of colour to hold this position across provinces in Canada, shared her experiences and insights on how women can break barriers and manoeuvre their way through politics.

Lara Dutta, who won the Miss Universe title at the age of 22, shared her insights on how to handle fame and success, what it’s like to be a part of the entertainment industry, and how young women can refrain from holding themselves to beauty standards portrayed at various beauty pageants.

Finally, Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, a crusader for women’s education, touched upon themes such as her motivation to use education to return to Afghanistan and empower women and her take on places like Iran and Afghanistan, where women are still fighting for fundamental human rights.

Overall, the panelists delivered powerful messages of empowerment and highlighted the achievements of women in various fields, reminding everyone present that women have the power to change the world. The panelists shared their personal stories, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them to achieve their goals, shining light on their experiences in breaking barriers and stereotypes, the importance of diversity and inclusivity, and how to create a more equitable society.

The evening culminated with a sumptuous and hearty dinner, as guests were treated to an exquisite meal, including a lavish assortment of desserts. As the night progressed, the dance floor heated up, and guests danced to the melodious voices of Shivangi Bhayana and Parv Sandhar.

“We are humbled to have hosted the first ever Darpan Power Women of Influence 2023, an opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of women in BC and beyond. Our gratitude goes out to the community for making the night a grand success, and we look forward to partnering and collaborating with the community to continue recognizing the potential of women in all walks of life!” shared Gurvinder Hundal and Ramneek Dhillon, respectively Founder and President of Darpan Magazine.

Tonight was dedicated to celebrating the strength, resiliency and exuberance of some impressive and highly accomplished South Asian females – and what an evening it was! It was an absolute honour for RBC to be the presenting sponsor of the 2023 Darpan Magazine Power Women of Influence Gala.”

– Martin Thibodeau, Regional President, British Columbia, RBC

It was wonderful to celebrate these powerful women and to hear them share their experiences and personal journeys as they challenged the status quo and broke barriers in their respective fields. What an incredibly inspirational and powerful event.”

What an incredible and humbling experience to be present at the Darpan Power Women of Influence Gala 2023. Such a privilege to hear these incredible, powerful and motivating South Asian Women speak of their personal journeys and provide advice to all the powerful women around the world.”

– Omira Janmohamed, Manager, EV Readiness, Canada, General Motors

Last night was the first Darpan Power Women of Influence gala (I sure hope it’s not the last! It was amazing and so inspiring). I was at the edge of my seat listening to the panelist.”

– Shirley Samujh-Dayal, Director, Operations, Coast Mountain Bus Company

Thank you Darpan Magazine and Vancouver for an unforgettable evening!!! Was an honour to be part of the Power Women of Influence Gala!”

– Lara Dutta Bhupati, Indian Actor and Former Miss Universe

Thank you, Darpan magazine, for having me at your amazing event. Events like this are so important to the community. It was an honour to share the stage with such inspiring women. I brought my daughter, and I am so glad she was in the presence of such strong/proud BIPOC women.”

Thank you for including me in your event on Friday. It was such a pleasure, and I hope you’re all so proud of what you were able to pull off. Everyone loved it, and I so enjoyed being part of it all.”

A Sincere Thank you to Darpan Magazine for having me at your Power Women of Influence Gala last night. What an honour it was to have the opportunity to meet such wonderful people & inspiring strong women; your kindness, hospitality & support are most appreciated. Thank you for speaking on the importance of empowering women and allowing me to shine a light on my beloved #afghanistan. It was truly an incredible evening with much-needed conversations.”

Darpan’s Inaugural Power Women of Influence Event celebrating South Asian Women and their accomplishments. Great speakers, empowering conversations, beautiful location, delicious food and excellent company! A company owned by two South Asian men hosting an event celebrating South Asian women! Thank you! Gurvinder Hundal, Ramneek Dhillon, Darpan Magazine.”

– Sonia Virk, Lawyer/Partner at Virk Viyas & Associate Lawyers

It was humbling to be on that stage and work to continue to break barriers and be self-assertive and put yourself out there as a woman and more so as a South Asian female”

The entire Darpan team should be very proud. It’s hard to believe this was the first event of its kind. You were all exceptionally organized, and it’s clear through every detail of the event that you all put your heart, drive, and so much care into it. I enjoyed the panel discussion and heard a lot of great feedback from others who felt the same (people I know and a number of people I’d never met before).” human trafficking has plagued India for centuries. In our modern world, little has changed; reports indicate that approximately 16 million women fall prey to sex trafficking in India every year. Shockingly, some of the victims are as young as nine years old. While the issue is undoubtedly distressing, there is still hope for these young girls forced into prostitution, thanks to selfless heroes like - Mrs. Triveni Acharya.

Renowned activist and the driving force behind Rescue Foundation, Mrs. Triveni Acharya, talks to Darpan about her journey from journalism to a human trafficking crusader.

Fondly addressed as “mummy” by all the rescued girls, Mrs. Acharya is a beacon of hope in the lives of countless girls who have been victims of human trafficking.

Mrs. Acharya’s journey as a human trafficking crusader began in the early 1990s when she was working as a crime journalist and happened to visit Mumbai’s red-light district — Kamathipura. Little did she know at that time that a simple assignment would completely change the course of her life.

“An actor was visiting the red-light area to get rakhis tied by sex workers. I offered to cover the event for

By Shweta Kulkarni