Harmohan Singh Walia Acknowledged for Community Services

Harmohan Singh Walia, who is a humble, proactive and much respected member of the Indian community in Australia, has received many awards for his services towards the community. In January, 2019,  the Consul General of India, Sydney Mr. Vanlal Vawna has commended his services with a “Certificate of Appreciation” at the celebration of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas and World Hindi Day on 9 January 2019,  while United Indian Associations Inc (UIA) recognised him with a “Certificate of Excellence” award as ‘Community Person of the Year’.

Mr Walia has demonstrated exceptional commitment by providing outstanding and distinguished community service and bridged the gap between a common migrant and Australian community since 1991.  His passion for community work led him to be a news reader for three different Punjabi radio stations, namely Sydney (live), and Brisbane & Perth (on phone) from 1993 to 2001. Unavailability of internet at that time was no obstacle for communication as latest news from India was faxed to him by his father. He was a Broadcaster at SBS Punjabi radio program in Sydney from 2003 – 2004. Mr Walia is the first Indian, who contested federal election in Australia from Mitchell (NSW) in 2004 as a Labor candidate which further commends his community involvement. The NSW Labor recognised his services by awarding a prestigious McKell Award for his meritorious services to the Australian Labor Party in November 2017.

He conducted seminars with the help of a team for overseas students at the Australian Sikh Association Inc., Glenwood from 2009 – 2012, educating them about the culture and their future prospects in Australia.

He also had the honour of carrying the Olympic torch during Sydney 2000 Olympic Games from Green Acre. He is the founder member of GOPIO in Sydney and the current President of GOPIO Sydney North West chapter, helping underprivileged school children in India. Mr Walia is playing an important role in GOPIO International as well and serving as Chair of Bylaws/Constitution Amendment Committee world-wide.

Mr Walia was born and brought up in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. He graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana (Punjab University) and post-graduated as an Industrial Engineer from Thaper University, Patiala and studied in Australia to further his professional career.