MEET RAVINDER DHADLI

My name is Ravinder. My nickname is Romy. I’m 54 years old. I have 3 kids, a husband to look after and a full time job. My job is demanding in terms of time and labour. I’m a self-made person. I came here when I was only 19 years old on my own in 1984. I came from Haryana, India. I graduated and obtained a Bachelor’s degree. On the last day of my exams I flew from New Delhi to Vancouver. I’ve had a long journey in Canada. I’ve spent more than half of my life here. I didn’t have any help or support from my parents or in-law’s side to buy a house, support myself and raise my family but I persevered. Growing up was like a sweet dream. I was the only daughter of my parents and I had 2 younger brothers. My parents loved me a lot. As I look back, I realize I’m lucky as my parents weren’t typical for the time. They gave me freedom and opportunities to learn and grow. It was a good experience. In the older times, female children weren’t desirable. Despite this mentality of the time, my parents were broad-minded and gave me opportunities to have good schooling and make a life for myself.

I’m not afraid of anything. Whatever is going to happen in your life is going to happen. Everyday is a challenge, but everyday is also a new day. But, beyond the day-to-day responsibilities of everyday life, there’s another passion and person in me. I’m me. There’s another Romy there. I’m my own personality. I like my own way, my own freedom. I like to be respected. I like to be loved. I would like to grow. I want to be something and someone, too. Once I finish all my responsibilities, I want to focus on the things I couldn’t complete while doing daily chores, like, further studies or a business where I can be recognized not just as a mother of someone or a wife of someone, but rather, as just Ravinder, just Romy.