From Faith to Fortune: The Inspiring Journey of Mr.Baljit Singh
In the European landscape where questioning the divine is as commonplace as cobblestone streets, I stumbled upon a narrative that defied skepticism. Meet Baljit Singh, a Sikh entrepreneur thriving amidst the paradox of doubt and faith. Our paths crossed within the hallowed halls of our shared place of worship. A saga of three triumphant businesses was revealed to me- all orchestrated by a man who believes in a higher power.
Breaking the Ice: Unveiling the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Introduced to Baljit Singh, I set out to explore the depths of his entrepreneurial spirit. As we delved into the 1990s, his journey unfolded. He was an immigrant eager to embrace the new culture, armed only with the cadence of his dreams. His initial steps involved language learning and immersing himself in the intricacies of “Restaurant management.” Hailing from a family immersed in the scrap business back in India, Baljit Singh possessed invaluable experience in that sector. Yet, instead of immediately venturing into familiar territory, he chose to understand his new surroundings. Working in the restaurant hence became his first choice. Little did he know that this foundation would lead him to an extraordinary ascent.
Diversification and Philanthropy: A Unique Business Approach
He soon found himself ready to launch his hotel cleaning services. Simultaneously, he utilized his knowledge of the scrap sector to launch an international business. The success of these ventures paved the way for his third business—electrical services. When questioned about the seemingly unrelated third venture, he responded with a profound philosophy- I see talent everywhere, and to use that talent, it’s important to create jobs. His focus remains on uplifting others through selfless service to the community.
Cultural Harmony: Bonds Beyond Borders
Baljit Singh’s gratitude extends beyond professional success. He attributes much of it to the warmth and closeness he has found within the local Dutch community. He shared parallels between Indian and Dutch cultures, a refreshing departure from the common narrative of cultural shocks. In his eyes, all humans, regardless of skin color, share common emotions and connections. Reflecting on his initial struggles with gender equality, he candidly admitted feeling discomfort taking instructions from female colleagues. Today, he laughs at the once-menial feeling. He expresses gratitude for breaking free from a mindset that paralyzed his behavior towards women. He commends the practical Dutch approach to equality and mentality.
The Power of Trust and Transformation:
Mr. Singh underscores the value of trust in both personal and professional spheres. A trait he is proud to have learned and embraced in the Netherlands. Sharing a transformative anecdote, he recounts helping a previously disliked expat. He helped him organize a significant family event, catalyzing a positive change in the individual’s behavior. A reminder that sometimes, those hardest to love are the ones who need it the most.
The Happiness Blueprint: A Symphony Beyond Success
For Baljit Singh, success isn’t just a financial statement; it’s a melody that resonates with happiness. He stands as an example of the philosophy that tough times never last, but tough people do. His message to immigrants echoes a deep understanding of roots and progress: never forget your past, for it shapes your present.
In a world where doubt clashes with faith, Baljit Singh’s journey serves as a symphony—a harmonious blend of cultural chords, entrepreneurial notes, and the universal rhythm of human connection.
Jagdeep Kaur
I am an HR professional and a blogger with more than 15 years of experience working in the areas of General HR, Recruitment, and building start-ups. I live in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and love to write about my experiences and those of other expats in this beautiful country. My blogs, interviews, and poetry are a pure reflection of my personal interactions, thoughts, and experiences.