Kiranjit Duggal

In one of my quiet moments, I sat reflecting on Denzel Washington’s quote: “At the end of the day it is not about what you have or even what you have accomplished…it is about who you have lifted up, who you have made better. It’s about what you have given back.”  With the determination to put my thoughts into action, I began to seek out organizations that positively impacted humanity both locally and globally. Being encouraged by my daughter Ruchelle Heckburn, we both decided to visit a few Rotary meetings in Brampton. It was after our visit to the Brampton South Rotary Club we both knew we wanted to become members, and that was the beginning of my Rotarian journey.
It is with great pride and gratitude that I am serving as President for the period 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. 2019-20, Rotary theme was: Rotary Connects the World. This resonated with me, it was powerful and impactful. With this in mind, I embarked on my presidential first term by upholding the club’s values, objectives, and making a difference in the lives of the citizens in our community. Hence, I was able to embrace my position with poise and grace.
This experience has given me the privilege to work alongside some of the most phenomenal members who are fully committed to the work of the Rotary Foundation.  We started the new year with great enthusiasm to grow the membership, improve fundraising initiatives, expand, and continue our existing projects. Then came the COVID19 pandemic which has brought along some challenges such as the canceling of our fundraising initiatives and our face-to-face meetings. 

I am a wife and a mother of four children. I am Jamaican, a graduate of the University of the West Indies with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, along with further training and experience as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). This formal training has equipped me with the ability to critically evaluate the goals and objectives of our club and understand the responsibility we have as a service organization in supporting our community and the residents on an ongoing basis, especially during this pandemic. In honoring our commitments, we were able to support our partners during the crisis. 

The now magnified challenges of 2020 have adversely impacted each and every one of us globally. In alignment with the 2020-21: Rotary theme, Rotary Opens Opportunities this is the moment in time when we are energized into action as the Rotary support is greatly needed.   

I joined the Rotary Club of Brampton South in the late winter of 2013. Rotary allows me to connect the world of 1.3 million Rotarians that does good both in my local community and internationally. Since my school and university days, I have had a passion for Rotary and organized Quiz Competition for organizations like Rotary, Inner Wheel, etc. By joining Rotary, I had a great decision in my life, it has changed me and how I see the world. 

I have been the Club Secretary in 2013, back to back Club President 2015-2017, a Committee Member of International Services Project in 2016, Membership Committee 2017-19. Currently Club Bingo Chair for 2020-21. 

During my presidency, I received the 2015-16 Presidential Citation Gold from The Rotary International President K. Ravi Ravindran and the 2016-17 Membership Development Award from the District 7080 Governor William Proctor. 

I have attended the 2018 Toronto Rotary International Convention, 2020 and 2021 virtual conventions.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXosFJxJ4Jk   

Practicing water resources and environmental engineer by profession. My love to give back to society inspired me to join the Rotary Club of Brampton South (District 7080, Canada) as a guest in 2010. In 2011, I became a full member of the Club. I was appointed club secretary for the year 2012-2013, club president from 2013-2015, and have been the club treasurer from 2015 to current. Have actively participated in many RI conventions and other Rotary events at national and international levels. I have been doing community volunteering and fundraising for various charitable causes. I was honored with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award in 2014 Love nature, the environment, and traveling I strongly believe in service to humanity.