Dhaliwal, Paul Singh

Photograph of Paul Singh Dhaliwal. Dhaliwal is seen wearing a suit and tie, along with a hat. He is smiling and facing the camera.

Collage of Gurbaksh Dhaliwal's family photographs consisting of 6 photographs.

Group photograph of nine South Asian men taken in a studio setting. Sitting from left to right: unknown, second from the right is Paul Dhaliwal, center is Bachan Gurm, Meva Kutani is the second from left, Bukhtaar Singh the first from left. Standing left to right: Karma, Chanan Mala, Hari Singh (a tailor), Benny Grewal.

Group photograph taken outside the Hillcrest gurdwara in 1937. Paul Dhaliwal is seen in center, and next to him on left is a wrestler by the name of Yagar Singh. Gurbakh Dhaliwal's father is the fifth person from the left.

Group photograph taken by Columbia Studio in Vancouver, BC. From left to right: Bibi Mohinder Kaur, Harnam Kaur (mother of Mohinder Kaur), Bhagat Singh Dhaliwal (Gurbaksh Dhaliwal's father's uncle), four year old Balwant Dhaliwal. Standing: Paul Dhaliwal on the left, Hari Singh Dhaliwal on the right.

Creator: Dhaliwal, Paul Singh

Interview with Mr. Paul Singh Dhaliwal describing his life, particularly focusing on his move to Canada and the changes he faced. Mr. Dhaliwal's father lived in Canada for several years but died before bringing his family to Canada. Paul Singh came to Canada in 1932 at the age of 16 and lived with his uncle, Bhagat Singh. While on his journey to Canada he met some people who helped him cook his food and get his health examination done. He and his uncle used to work at Greenlake Mill. After that mill shut down in winter, he lived with his uncle in Abbotsford where his uncle had property and a house, before going to Ducan to work at Hillcrest mill. During the Second World War, Dhaliwal attempted to sign up for service, but was denied after taking the medical exams. During the war, it was easy for him to find work. After the war, and after the British left, it was easier for him to travel to India and back. In 1945, he was spotted by an American promoter while wrestling and he was given a passport, allowing him to travel. He went from place to place and wrestled in high profiled matches. He made hundreds of dollars per match. In 1950 he decided to quit wrestling and was married. Afterward, he focused mostly on his trucking business. This is a full length interview recorded at Mr. Paul's residence.