Baljit Nagpal
HOST OF: Aap Ki Farmaish
YEAR STARTED: 1983
BALJIT S. NAGPAL (BIO)
Baljit Nagpal came to Canada with his family in 1967. His father was with the Indian Foreign service (MEA) and was posted to the High Commission of India in Ottawa. He left for India in 1970, however, Baljit and his brother stayed back for further studies.
Professional Career:
A graduate from University of Ottawa with Bachelor’s of Science (Computer Sciences).
Following graduation, Baljit's first assignment was with Bell Canada where he worked for a year and a half after which he joined the Govt. of Canada in the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), Environment Canada as Systems Analyst for 9 years. During his time at Environment Canada, he also worked in collaboration with the US government’s Fish and Wildlife Service and was sent to India on short assignments working with the Bombay Natural History Society, an NGO based out of Mumbai, India.
In 1984 he was promoted to be the Client Service Manager, Information Technology, Management Services Branch, at Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (DIAND). He was responsible to provide Information Technology needs/support to four Western Provinces of Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia).
In 1991, Baljit joined the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), a separate agency working along side with Global Affairs Canada as Manager, Data Center Operations.
In 1996, Baljit had the opportunity to work with the International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) division within CIDA and later moved to geographic branches within CIDA in managing International Development projects.
In 1998, Baljit was posted to Accra, Ghana as First Secretary, in the Canadian High Commission managing projects in the delivery of potable water as part of the development program in Ghana. He served there for three years.
Upon return, he joined the INDIA Program at CIDA (HQ) as the Project Team Leader (PTL) managing development projects in rural telecommunications in collaboration with the Ministry of Telecommunications, & Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Government of India. He was on the INDIA desk for two years and travelled extensively to India.
In 2003, he was posted as First Secretary, in the Canadian High Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan where he managed the implementation of Governance projects as part of CIDA’s development AID program in four districts of the state of Punjab, Pakistan.
He returned to Canada in 2005 and joined the CHINA desk where he worked on a diversified portfolio of projects (Education, Women Empowerment, Environment etc.). He served on the desk for 4 years and travelled extensively to and within China.
He retired from CIDA in 2011.
He has received many awards related to his work in CIDA, Ghana from the Government of Ghana, from the Government of Pakistan and Government of India.
While working full time with the Government of Canada in Ottawa, he taught taught part time at Algonquin and Carleton University for 15, and 2 years respectively.
After retiring, Baljit worked as a consultant Project Manager from 2014 until 2018 at Shared Services Canada where he managed & implemented several high-profile projects, in infrastructure and Cyber Security. One of the projects he managed won the best efficient project award in the shortest time period with completion on time and within budget, at the Government of Canada, Technology awards conference in Ottawa.
Personal:
Contributions as a Volunteer
During his university years (1970-1974), he was very active with the India Students Association (ISA) holding positions, first as an executive member, and later in 1973-74, as the President of the association. ISA at the time was a prominent association with a large number of students of Indian origin studying in Ottawa. One of the mandates of the association was to bring the community together by organizing major events like Diwali, Holi, exhibition of Bollywood movies, live shows of renowned Bollywood artists to Ottawa. During Baljit’s tenure as the President, he hosted Prime Minister of India Ms. Indira Gandhi where she addressed the Indian diaspora at the Chateau Laurier hotel in Ottawa. The Prime Minister was attending the Commonwealth Conference in Ottawa in 1973.
Baljit continued to bring live shows/Bollywood movies to Ottawa and was known the Bollywood king.
In the spirit of volunteerism, following his active role at the University, he wanted to continue to bring the community together with a stronger presence of the Indian diaspora in Ottawa. With his passion of music, Baljit started a new radio program in 1981 entitled "AAP KI FARMAISH", the first request show in Canada broadcast from CKCU 93.1FM. It’s been on the air for 44 years and continues to be on air today. He has been the producer/host of the show since 1981 volunteering and serving the community at large.
Baljit say’s “MUSIC has no borders” and through the medium of radio, and the music he presents, he brings not only the Indian diaspora together but also the people from the South Asian region & mainstream Canadians as well.
“Rain, Shine, or Snow, the show must go” is Baljit’s slogan.
Baljit through his program spins out your choice of music, brings innovative and ground breaking collection of music cut out for all living in Ottawa/Gatineau and within 100 km radius that enjoy Bollywood and non-Bollywood music. The program is heard all over the world via the internet. Aap Ki Farmaish has listeners from within Canada, the US, England, India, Mauritius, & the West Indies etc.
Baljit caters for listeners of all ages. He plays old to the latest songs, Ghazals, POP and Bhangra music. As the Producer/Host of Aap Ki Farmaish radio program, Baljit promotes local talent and events, supports community organizations, businesses and conduct interviews with community leaders, Provincial MPP’s and Federal MP’s & Minister’s.
Music you will love to hear on Aap Ki Farmaish……. selected Bollywood and non-Bollywood collection, commercial free. Interestingly, mainstream Canadians also have started to listen to Bollywood music.
Baljit has volunteered to train the youth in broadcasting for those who want to pursue in Journalism, media communications etc. CKCU is training ground for upcoming journalists. He is doing this in the spirit of volunteerism with the hope that someday our upcoming generation will have more opportunities in the mainstream media.
Baljit’s efforts as a volunteer has greatly impacted the community at large with the awareness he has brough over the years. “This is my contribution to the entire Canadian Society as a Volunteer” Baljit Says
The program is broadcast on CKCU 93.1 FM every Tuesday from 7 PM to 9:00PM
Other Hobbies:
Baljit is also a photographer. He has captured large number of pictures during his travels around the world.
Languages spoken:
English, Hindi, Pashto, and a little French.
Recent Awards:
i) Volunteer Service Award from Government of Ontario
ii) Volunteer Excellence Award from Indo-Canada Ottawa Business Council (ICOBC)
iii) CKCU radio station award for the longest serving (43 years) as a producer/host of Aap ki Farmaish
radio show
