Jaspal Atwal: Biographical and Personal Profile
Biography:
Jaspal Singh Atwal, born in 1955, is an Indo-Canadian businessman who has become widely known not just for his entrepreneurial ventures but also due to his past involvement in political controversies. Atwal hails from Pharala near Phagwara in Punjab, India, before migrating to Canada at a young age.
Family Details:
- Early Life: Born into a Sikh family in Punjab, Jaspal moved to Canada, where he has since established his life.
- Marital Status: Atwal is married, with some sources indicating he has children, though specifics about his family remain largely private.
Educational Qualifications:
- Schooling: Atwal claimed to have studied at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, though detailed records of his educational background are not widely publicized.
Career Growth:
- Business: Jaspal Atwal is involved in the construction business and is also associated with Media Wave Communications, which runs a Surrey-based online radio station.
- Political Involvement:
- He has been a long-time supporter of the Liberal Party in Canada, having donated to the party and being photographed with various Liberal politicians, including Justin Trudeau before his tenure as Prime Minister.
- Atwal was involved with the now-banned International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), a group advocating for Khalistan, which marked him with a controversial political background.
Controversies:
- Criminal Conviction: Atwal was convicted of attempted murder for his role in the 1986 attempt to assassinate Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver, Canada. He served part of a 20-year sentence before being paroled.
- Controversial Invitation: In 2018, he gained significant media attention when he was mistakenly invited by the Canadian High Commission in India to a reception during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to India. His invitation was rescinded the following day, but the incident caused a diplomatic stir.
- Legal Issues: In 2018, Atwal was also arrested for allegedly issuing death threats to a local radio station in British Columbia.
Recent News:
- Political Fallout: The 2018 incident with Trudeau led to significant political fallout, with opposition parties criticizing the government's vetting process. There's been no significant news about Atwal in recent years, suggesting he has kept a lower profile.
Top Ten Interesting Facts About Jaspal Atwal:
- Early Life in India: Originating from Punjab, his migration story is emblematic of many South Asians who moved to Canada seeking better opportunities.
- Criminal Past: His conviction for attempted murder placed him at the center of discussions about security and political associations in Canada.
- Business Ventures: Despite his controversial past, he has maintained business interests, particularly in construction and media.
- Khalistani Sympathizer: His association with the ISYF linked him to the broader Khalistani movement, which seeks an independent Sikh state.
- Liberal Party Connection: His long association with the Liberal Party and personal photos with key figures like Trudeau highlight his political affiliations.
- 2018 Diplomatic Incident: The invitation during Trudeau's visit to India was one of the most significant controversies in recent Canadian-Indian diplomatic relations.
- Legal Challenges: Beyond the assassination attempt, he's faced legal issues like the 2018 arrest for alleged threats.
- Community Involvement: Known in the Sikh community, he has been part of local political and cultural events, though often controversially.
- Media Presence: His association with Media Wave Communications has kept him somewhat in the public eye through local media.
- Public Apology: Following the 2018 controversy, Atwal issued an apology for the embarrassment caused to Canada and India, acknowledging his past actions.
This profile outlines the complex life of Jaspal Atwal, from his early days in Punjab to his controversial moments in Canadian politics and society.
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