Archna completed her graduation and post-graduation in Physical Education with a full scholarship from Punjab University in Chandigarh. She was a national gymnast and soccer player who completed her Diploma in gymnastics from the National Institute of Sports in Patiala, India. After outstanding achievements, she completed the International Judging Course in gymnastics and went on to the 1982 Asian Games as a Technical Official. Along with working as the High School Director of Physical Education, a Sports Officer in gymnastics, she also worked for the Corporation Bank for two and half years in India.
Archna got married in April of 1985 and in the same year she moved to Canada to join her husband. As he was already settled here, she did not face as many challenges as most new immigrants, but did have to adapt to a new country, language, culture, and people. Initially, she spent most of her time focusing on raising her two boys.
An opportunity presented itself by a Canadian Immigration Officer who mentored Archna to become involved in the Canadian Gymnastics Federation. This led to positions of judging Elite Ontario and Canadian national gymnastics competitions. During these 4 years, she was recognized for her hard work and teaching skills. This resulted in an Honorary Certificate of Teaching from the Ministry of Education. She entered the school system as a supply teacher and after about a year, found her true passion. There have been many challenges along the way including the extra pressure of working harder being from a visible minority group at that time. Now, 21 years later, she is a successful elementary teacher with specialized training in ESL and primary education who has made a difference in many young children.
Aside from working fulltime, Archna has demonstrated excellent management and organizational skills being involved in different cultural events. She has volunteered as a Cultural Coordinator in many South Asian Community Organizations including India Canada Association, Durga Temple of Ottawa, ICCC, just to name a few. She was an executive of Patanjali Yoga as well. She has served as one of the directors of the Multifaith Housing Initiative as well as being Chair of the ESL Teachers of Ottawa Carleton School Board.
Currently, Archna is the host of the television show “Desi Ottawa” on Rogers TV and has interviewed many prominent Indo Canadians. She was nominated for the Samara Canada Award and has also received two Ontario Volunteer awards for her work.
By no means has Archna had it easy, but she is an example of how perseverance, optimism and hard work will always prevail.