1960s – Education & Family

1937 – Early Life in Punjab

Arrived in Canada with his wife and young children, carrying the dreams of building a new life. They stayed with his brother-in-law in Waterloo for three months before renting an apartment. By 1976, Prithpal had saved enough to buy his first home in Canada for $35,000 — a milestone that marked the beginning of his Canadian legacy.

1975 – Immigration to Canada

Became a certified marriage solemnizer and has since performed nearly 2,000 wedding ceremonies, serving diverse communities across Ontario.

Early 1980s – Minister of Religion

1960s – Education & Family

1937 – Early Life in Punjab

Arrived in Canada with his wife and young children, carrying the dreams of building a new life. They stayed with his brother-in-law in Waterloo for three months before renting an apartment. By 1976, Prithpal had saved enough to buy his first home in Canada for $35,000 — a milestone that marked the beginning of his Canadian legacy.

1975 – Immigration to Canada

Became a certified marriage solemnizer and has since performed nearly 2,000 wedding ceremonies, serving diverse communities across Ontario.

Early 1980s – Minister of Religion

Became a certified marriage solemnizer and has since performed nearly 2,000 wedding ceremonies, serving diverse communities across Ontario.

Early 1980s – Minister of Religion

Became a certified marriage solemnizer and has since performed nearly 2,000 wedding ceremonies, serving diverse communities across Ontario.

Early 1980s – Minister of Religion

“I am an accidental Canadian,” Prithpal Chagger often says with a smile. But behind that modest phrase lies a remarkable journey of grit, transformation, and legacy.

Born in 1937 in Ludhiana, Punjab, Prithpal was the second of five brothers and two sisters. His ancestral village, Kultham near Phagwara, was home to generations of artisans and contractors. His great-grandfather Attar Singh worked for the British Viceroy’s office in Shimla, crafting lifelike wooden elephants that became legendary in colonial circles.

Prithpal’s father, Maluk Singh, born in 1910, had limited formal education but immense determination. He worked in a gun factory in Jabalpur to support his family. Thanks to his progressive wife, Bhagwant Kaur, daughter of Baghdad-based contractor Kehar Singh, Maluk was later educated in rudimentary English and certified in electrical supervision in Karachi.

In 1963, Prithpal married Sartaj, daughter of a prominent railway contractor from Calcutta. Though he longed to leave Ludhiana, family responsibilities kept him grounded. A desire to prove his worth to his father led him to Assam, where he began working as a contractor in tea gardens and later secured a contract with Military Engineering Services (MES) in Jalpaiguri.

After 18 months away, Prithpal returned to Ludhiana to fulfill a promise to his mother. Seeing his father’s declining health, he chose to stay and canceled his MES contract. Soon, he and his family became prominent contractors under the name Maluk Singh & Sons, securing major MES contracts at Halwara Air Force Station.

On April 11, 1975, Prithpal, Sartaj, Bobby, and Dayakaran landed in Montreal as immigrants. With no Canadian certification and a family to support, he accepted a labor job in his field, earning $5.50/hour — just enough to get by. At the time, one Canadian dollar equaled eight Indian rupees.

They stayed with his brother-in-law in Waterloo for three months before renting an apartment. By 1976, Prithpal had saved enough to buy his first home in Canada for $35,000 — a milestone that marked the beginning of his Canadian legacy.

Prithpal’s daughter Dayakaran was born in 1967, followed by his son Bobby in 1969. In 1970, he launched his own firm, SP Engineering and Construction Company, marking a new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey.

Prithpal’s journey is not just about personal success but about building a legacy. His children have carried forward his values of service, resilience, and leadership. His son Bobby Chagger has been active in community development, and his daughter Dayakaran has supported various cultural and social initiatives.

His extended family includes Bardish Chagger, a prominent Canadian politician and Member of Parliament for Waterloo, known for her leadership and advocacy — a testament to the Chagger family's enduring impact on Canadian society.

From crafting fences in Jalpaiguri to building a life in Waterloo, Prithpal Chagger’s story is one of transformation, courage, and quiet determination. His legacy continues to inspire generations — a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary journeys begin with an “accidental” step.

Prithpal Chagger’s great-grandfather, Attar Singh, was a master woodworker in the British Viceroy’s office in Shimla, Attar Singh’s lifelike wooden elephants weren’t just art—they were emblems of precision, pride, and purpose. Living to 110, he instilled values of craftsmanship and dignity that became the bedrock of the Chagger family. His work provided employment to local artisans, whom he treated as extended family, and his earnings often supported community welfare and religious causes.

Attar Singh – The Artisan Visionary

Amar Singh worked the land in Jabalpur alongside his brothers, Balwant and Kartar, embodying resilience and humility in every aspect of life. He upheld the family’s tradition of hard work and self-reliance, often extending a helping hand to neighboring farmers and laborers during challenging times. His quiet leadership and unwavering generosity laid the foundation for a family culture rooted in respect, compassion, and community support. Through his actions, Amar Singh nurtured values that continue to guide the Chagger legacy today.

Amar Singh – The Agricultural Pillar

Maluk Singh – The Industrious Father

Born in 1910, Prithpal’s father Maluk Singh began his career in a gun factory in Jabalpur, Maluk Singh’s journey from limited education to certified electrical supervisor in Karachi is a story of grit and growth. With his wife Bhagwant Kaur’s encouragement, he founded Maluk Singh & Sons, a respected name in military engineering contract space. His projects not only employed dozens but also uplifted families by offering fair wages and mentorship. He was deeply involved in gurdwara activities, often donating time and resources to community service.

Sartaj Chagger – The Steadfast Partner

Prithpal married Sartaj in 1963, the daughter of a prominent railway contractor from Calcutta. As a devoted mother of two, she has gracefully navigated the challenges of relocating from Punjab, India, to Canada, all while upholding her rich cultural heritage. Deeply rooted in traditional values, she instills in her children the importance of ethics and humanity service, ensuring they remain connected to their cultural roots. Her unwavering support and strength were instrumental in Prithpal’s journey—from their early days in Assam and Jalpaiguri to building a new life in Canada. Sartaj’s grace and resilience helped anchor the family through transitions, sacrifices, and triumphs. She actively encourages family members to strive for excellence in society and to extend a helping hand to those in need through humanity services. With a firm belief that God has blessed their family with prosperity, she embodies the spirit of gratitude and compassion.

As Guru Granth Sahib beautifully states, "Dhan Dhan Ram Das Gur, Jin Sachi Dhiyaayi," she taught her family to cherish and honor their blessings, fostering a harmonious and fulfilling life together.

Dayakaran Chagger – The Cultural Torchbearer

Born in 1967, Dayakaran has quietly championed cultural preservation and social service. Her compassion shines through her work in organizing Punjabi cultural events and supporting women’s initiatives. She’s known for mentoring youth and volunteering programs, continuing the Chagger tradition of service with dignity. Her efforts have helped keep family traditions and heritage alive for future generations.

Born in 1969, Bobby Chagger has carried forward his father’s entrepreneurial and civic spirit. Active in community development and business leadership, Bobby has played a key role in expanding the family’s impact in Canada. His work reflects the same integrity, vision, and dedication that Prithpal brought to every endeavor.

Bobby Chagger – The Community Leader