An entrepreneur from Amritsar who began his first company from a garage in Waikato has been awarded by Hamilton City Council for his exceptional service to the community.
Jujhar Singh Randhawa, fondly known as Jay, won Hamilton Civic Award on September 21, 2023. The annual event acknowledges residents who have made extraordinary contribution to the city. The winners are nominated by members of the community, with nominations assessed by the local council.
“I am a great believer in social giving. My involvement within the community over the past 24 years has been rewarding, and I would like to continue this further.
“I feel honoured with this award. It means a lot to me, and I've received congratulations from friends, family, and the global community. The Civic Award stands as the pinnacle of recognition at the local government and city level, underscoring the profound impact of my contributions,” says Randhawa, who won the award under the category of Services to the Communities.
His journey from Amritsar in northern India to New Zealand began in 1998. Since then, he has been actively involved in various community groups, dedicating his time and efforts to making a positive impact.
He initially worked in Waikato as a refrigeration engineer, starting his first business, JSR Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, from his garage in 2000.
When asked about his community work, the 45-year-old shared, “I am involved in multiple organisations, both Indian and Kiwi," he explained. "As a devout Sikh, I regularly donate 10 per cent of my earnings and try to help others to support charitable causes. Even through our businesses, my wife and I ensure we give back to the community."
Randhawa, who also has three other businesses in the Waikato region–Zephyr Pure Air Ventilation, JSR Management and Hillcrest Spinal Centre–says, "I consider social giving to be a basic service standard in my work ethics. For this reason, I have involved myself in many governance roles over the years.
"For instance, our business JSR Refrigeration and Air Conditioning has never charged any non-profit organisation for chiller or freezer hire. In addition, we run the Hillcrest Spinal Center, where we provide free services to children under 13, with the costs covered by our profits."
Randhawa, who resides in Tamahere, Hamilton, with his wife and children, acknowledges that every achievement comes with its own set of challenges, but stresses the importance of persevering and moving forward.
For aspiring migrants in New Zealand, Randhawa offeres valuable advice. "Retain your cultural roots and values while embracing and respecting other cultures."
He remains dedicated to serving the community and has ambitious plans. "I will continue to serve the community in every way I can," he declared.
Randhawa encourages others to embrace community service. "I think this is an innate quality," he said. "If it makes you happy to serve others, please don't shy away from it."
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