News Team Bios: Punjabi

Jasdip Wahla

Anchor, OMNI News: Punjabi Edition

Jasdip began his career in Canadian broadcasting when he joined OMNI BC in 2004. He began as a news reporter for OMNI News: Punjabi Edition and has since become the show’s anchor. Here at OMNI Jasdip enjoys the people and encouraging atmosphere.

Born in Gurdaspur, India, Jasdip immigrated to Canada in 2000. His interests led him to journalism where he began writing for a Punjabi newspaper while doing his undergraduate science degree in India. He then studied at the Punjabi University in Patiala completing a master’s of journalism and mass communication. Jasdip embarked on his professional journalism journey as a trainee sub-editor at a well known English daily newspaper. After that, he joined Jalandhar based Punjabi newspaper Nawan Zamana.

Honoured by many community groups, Jasdip is a well-known figure in the South Asian community. He consistently takes part of the Annual Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey and Vancouver, and for the last four years has participated in the 10k Sun Run. Recreationally, Jasdip enjoys walking and jogging daily, and spends as much time as possible exploring the local library. For those pursuing a career in television, Jasdip advises to do your research, as one would find this type of work very rewarding if they have an aptitude for TV news.

Email: Jasdip.Wahla@omnitv.rogers.com
Tel: 604.678.3834

Dilbar Kang

Anchor/Reporter, OMNI News: Punjabi Edition

Dilbar Kang joined the OMNI News team in 2004 as an investigative reporter for OMNI News: Punjabi Edition; a position that he says gives him the opportunity to be a big part of society and to build strong connections with the public. He has been the first to report on several major hard-hitting news stories in the community relating to domestic violence and gangs and has been acknowledged for his contributions by being named one of the 100 most influential South Asians in British Columbia by the Vancouver Sun.

Dilbar immigrated to British Columbia from the state of Punjab in 1993. Obtaining a master’s degree in politics, Dilbar started his career working as a radio talk show host and as a special correspondent for the local Punjabi language print media.

During his spare time, Dilbar volunteers with several community organizations including the BC Hydro Power Smart Team. He is well connected with the community, especially young Indo Canadian’s, who have created a Facebook fan page for him. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and three beautiful children, reading and writing, long morning walks, and running five days a week.

Email: Dilbar.Kang@omnitv.rogers.com
Tel: 604.678.3836

Shameel, Jasvir Singh

News Reporter / Coordinator, OMNI News Punjabi Edition

Jasvir Singh Shameel joined OMNI Television in 2012 as the Punjabi News Reporter / Coordinator for Toronto.

He began his journalism career in the early nineties after completing his post-graduate degree at Punjabi University in Patiala, India. Since then he has worked at several senior editorial positions with Punjabi media organizations in both India and Canada.

At the age of 17, he chose the nom de plume ‘Shameel’, and he is known by that name in the Punjabi literary and professional circles. He has also adopted this as his last name.

Shameel published his first book of poetry when he was in college in 1989. Since then he has gone on to author several books of poetry, political prose and biographies, and he has been writing for various Punjabi publications for last many years on social, political and cultural issues surrounding the Punjabi community.

His passion for Sikh and Sufi music, Yoga, meditation and other spiritual practices is based on his keen interest in different spiritual traditions of the world including Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism and Christianity.

Email: Jasvir.Shameel@omnitv.rogers.com
Ph. 416-764-7367

Kulvinder Kular

Senior Writer, OMNI News: Punjabi Edition

Kulvinder Kular joined Channel M (now OMNI BC) in 2003 as Assistant Assignment Editor. Later that year he moved to the Punjabi Edition as Senior News Writer and has been functioning in that role ever since.

Kulvinder holds Master's in English and Bachelor of Mass Communication degrees from Panjab University, Chandigarh.

He cut his journalistic teeth at The Indian Express, one of India's leading national dailies, where he was Principal Correspondent for Punjab. He immigrated to Canada in 1998, soon joining The Link, the oldest Indo-Canadian newspaper where he he remained editor for four years.

He is a Certified Translator from the Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia.

Kulvinder has also occasionally written for the mainstream media. His write-ups have appeared in The Vancouver Sun, the Province and the Toronto Star.

Email: Kulvinder.Kular@rci.rogers.com
Tel: 604.678.3833

Prabhjot Kahlon

Reporter, OMNI News: Punjabi Edition

Prabhjot Kahlon joined the OMNI News: Punjabi Edition team in 2008, where she currently works as a news reporter, covering issues surrounding politics, education, immigration and crime in the Metro Vancouver area. Working at OMNI Prabhjot enjoys the multicultural atmosphere, collaborating with a wonderfully dedicated team and meeting a variety of people from all walks of life.

Prabhjot studied at the Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar, India where she received her master’s and doctorate (PhD) in political science. She continued to be a research scholar working primarily on women’s issues in the Indian state of Punjab. She presented a number of research papers in regional, national and international conferences and her articles have been published in ascribed journals and books. In 2006, Prabhjot immigrated to Canada and began a career in journalism as a writer and editor for a local South Asian newspaper.

Prabhjot is an active member of her community being involved with such events as Vaisakhi, Lohri, Diwali; and Chinese New Year. She also appreciates research and has exemplary research skills seen in her studies regarding South Asian women issues. Prabhjot attests to her parent’s great leading qualities, stating that they have played an essential role in all her successes. For those few seeking a career in television, Prabhjot would advise them to build a great sense of responsibility and to keep updated with international and local news.

Email: Prabhjot.Kahlon@omnitv.rogers.com
Tel: 604.678.3835

Baldeep Singh Jhand

Reporter, OMNI News: Punjabi Edition

Baldeep Singh Jhand joined OMNI BC in 2008, where he works as a reporter for OMNI News: Punjabi Edition. As a reporter with OMNI News, he has worked on a number of different stories ranging from criminal court cases to social issues plaguing the community. He enjoys the contrast between hard news and feature story telling. Baldeep feels proud to be part of a remarkably diverse community and enjoys working for the interests of the people at large.

Baldeep was born and raised in District Kapurthala, Punjab, India, where he began his career as a lawyer. He moved to Canada in May 2002 and began working as a talk show host with Punjab Radio, later working with two other South Asian radio stations. His advice to those seeking a career in television is to be prepared to enter an eclectic field of many opportunities with many unexpected challenges.

Baldeep is living a happy life in Surrey, where family and friends play a vital role in his life and career. During his spare time, Baldeep enjoys sports (his favourite being soccer), reading good moral based books and is also on the path to completing a law degree in Canada. Baldeep is passionate about the Punjabi language and takes great pride in his command on it, saying “it’s his biggest asset.”

Email: Baldeep.Jhand@omnitv.rogers.com
Tel: 604.678.3856

Tarannum Thind

Entertainment Reporter, OMNI News: Punjabi Edition

Tarannum Thind has been working with OMNI for five years. Starting as a host for OMNI Television produced shows such as Chai Time, Fusion Fare and Community Calendars; Tarannum is now the entertainment reporter for OMNI News: Punjabi Edition. OMNI has provided Tarannum with a lot of opportunities that has helped her to grow as a broadcaster. She says that working with a team that is both inspiring and supportive helps to bring out the best in an individual.

Born in Mukstar, Punjab, India, Tarannum moved to Canada in 1997. Both of her parents were renowned theatre actors and she grew up watching them perform, eventually finding herself on the stage at a very young age. Her father, also a journalist by profession as well as the performing arts, helped shape her career to what it is today.

Tarannum has had the opportunity to host hundreds of prestigious community events. Being on stage in front of a live audience is something that she really enjoys. Tarannum also volunteers her time and support to help a variety of organizations, including Big Brothers, United Way, BC Children’s Hospital, Canadian Diabetes Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Email: Tarannum.Thind@omnitv.rogers.com
Tel: 604.678.3883

Surinder Pal Chahal

News/Sports Writer, OMNI News: Punjabi Edition

Surinder Pal Chahal joined OMNI BC as Punjabi News/Sports Writer in 2008.

He completed his education at the Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana, Punjab where he did both his Bachelor of Agriculture Sciences and Masters of Journalism degrees. Surinder was also involved in sports and extra-curricular activities. Apart from being a national level volleyball player, he was also considered one of the best writers at the University working for many years as the Editor of the University Magazine.

He completed his journalism training at the reputed English daily The Tribune, in Chandigarh. After completing his Master's, he joined Daily Nawan Zamana as a Sub-Editor. After that, he shifted over to the largest Punjabi newspaper, Daily Ajit, as the Senior Sub-Editor.

In June 2000, he joined the Hindustan Times, a leading national English daily as a staff reporter. Before immigrating to Canada in 2004, he filed several ground breaking news and sports stories.

Surinder is actively involved in various literary and volunteer organizations. His other passions include hiking, long distance running, and various other sports.

Email: Surinder.Chahal@omnitv.rogers.com
Tel: 604.678.3831

Nathen Sekhon

Producer/Director, OMNI News: Punjabi Edition

Nathen Sekhon began working with channel m (now OMNI BC) in 2005 as the Newsroom Researcher. During that time, he helped put together several feature pieces as well as working with the daily news assignment desk. In 2006, he became the Weekend News Producer for the weekend edition of the Punjabi News on Sundays. In 2007, he filled in as the Producer/Director for Punjabi Edition for 6 months and was later promoted as the Producer/Director of OMNI News, Punjabi Edition.

Nathen is a graduate of the Journalism Program at BCIT and obtained a Journalism Degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Nathen also serves as a volunteer working with youth through the Royal Canadian Air Cadets as an officer in New Westminster.

Email: Nathen.Sekhon@rci.rogers.com
Tel: 604.678.3848

Randip Janda

Assignment Editor, OMNI BC

Randip joined the OMNI BC News team as a Newsroom Researcher in January 2010.

Born and raised in the Lower Mainland, Randip completed his undergraduate degree in History and Political Science from Simon Fraser University in early 2010. Prior to working in news, Randip gained governmental experience in Ottawa while working for the Government of Canada's Department of Natural Resources and has also worked for the non governmental organization, Oxfam Canada, gaining valuable experience in tackling various social issues in the community.

Since joining the team, Randip has largely worked behind the scenes and taken part in a number of exciting projects, such as OMNI's impressive coverage of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the Punjabi Edition's coverage of the Lower Mainland's Vaisakhi celebrations in 2010. In January of 2011, Randip was promoted to the role of Assignment Coordinator.

Email: Randip.Janda@rci.rogers.com
Tel: 604-678-3840

Gautam Arora

Senior Editor, OMNI BC

After graduating from the prestigious Aurobindo Institute of Mass Communication in New Delhi, Gautam began working in television news as a camera operator with Zee TV. He moved on to also work with AAJ Tak and Tara Punjabi during which time he also worked in programming.

After moving to Canada in 2002, Gautam furthered his studies in film lighting, editing and still photography at Capilano College, BCIT and Langara College. In 2005, Gautam started working as a camera operator with channel m (now OMNI BC) and is now the Senior Editor.

Gautam has also been involved in print media as a still photographer and his work has been published in prestigious Indian magazines, Namskar and Swagat.

Email: Gautam.Arora@rci.rogers.com

Bhupinder S. Hundal

News Manager, OMNI BC

Bhupinder was appointed News Manager of OMNI BC in January of 2011. Since joining OMNI in 2004, he has worked as an assignment editor, producer, reporter and commentator.

Over the years, Bhupinder has been the leader in developing and executing OMNI BC’s special coverage. Most notably, he has planned and coordinated OMNI’s Election coverage as well as coverage of the 2010 and 2012 Olympic Games. While primarily working behind the scenes, he has also appeared on-air during OMNI News providing coverage and insight on a number of issues ranging from politics, crime and sports. Bhupinder also served as the play-by-play voice of OMNI’s coverage of the Canadian Men's and Women's Olympic Hockey teams during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Bhupinder is a well-respected journalist who takes pride in serving the Cantonese, Mandarin, and Punjabi communities by providing quality and informative news coverage for all of OMNI's viewers. Since taking the helm as News Manager, OMNI BC has captured the Jack Webster Award for Best Reporting in Chinese in 2011 and 2012. He is also responsible for OMNI News Punjabi National Edition, Canada's only national newscast covering the Punjabi community.

Bhupinder is a member of the Radio Television Digital News Association and the BCIT Broadcast Advisory Council. He is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and a winner of the Rogers Business Impact award.

Email: Bhupinder.Hundal@rci.rogers.com
Tel: 604-678-3853

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