Volunteer commodore helps chart libraries’ course

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/09/2020 (1836 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jaideep Johar’s life has taken him from the high seas to Winnipeg’s public libraries.

Johar, who works as a manager for Transport Canada, volunteers his time with the Winnipeg Public Library board.

The 16-member board is an advisory body that advises and supports library management on all relevant issues.

“The governance, the dedication of the people, the ideas they bring to the table and how we are advocating for the library — it’s amazing,” Johar says. “I’m really learning from it and trying to contribute.”

The 49-year-old brings some unique experience to the board.

Born and raised in Bhopal, India, Johar began working at sea when he was 18 and obtained his captain’s licence at the age of 26.

He sailed tankers, passenger vessels, cargo ships and ferries all over the world for 20 years.

Johar fell in love with Canada after his travels took him to B.C. a few times.

He and his family immigrated in 2005, first landing in Vancouver and then moving to Winnipeg in 2008.

His experiences as a newcomer are at the root of his strong support for libraries and the services they offer.

When he arrived in Canada, Johar’s local library provided him with reading material, community contacts and various services that assisted him in settling well.

“I was in North Vancouver and the library there was the only source I could go to and get decent information about health (and) about how to apply for immigration status,” he says. “It also gave me an opportunity to use the computer, the internet and to print materials.”

Johar started volunteering with Winnipeg’s library board in 2017.

Some of his most meaningful volunteer experiences in the past few years have been representing the board to the public.

He has participated in the Pride parade as a member of the board for the last four years, and he represented the board this past March at city hall when he delivered a speech advocating for the library.

“Those opportunities have excited me very much,” Johar says.

The library board isn’t Johar’s only volunteer commitment. He volunteers on the city’s safety committee and on the advisory board for Winnipeg South Sikh Centre.

He has also volunteered for the Red Cross and the Punjab pavilion at Folklorama.

Johar fits it all in between his work with Transport Canada’s marine safety and security branch, and the online studies he is doing as he works toward a bachelor of marine studies from Memorial University in St. John’s.

When he isn’t working or volunteering, Johar spends time with his wife, Narinder, and their two children, Harshraj, 19, and Sage, 12.

“I really love this country,” he says. “This country has provided me with a lot, so I want to give back.”

The city is currently accepting applications for the Winnipeg Public Library board, as well as its other boards and commissions.

Applications are open until Oct. 16. Find a link to the application near the top of the city’s website at winnipeg.ca.

If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.