ARRIVAL LOUNGE
FEELING AT HOME IN CANADA TAKES TIME
Aruna Bassi is a proud Canadian citizen, a wife, a mother of three, a professional and a woman who has successfully turned the uncertainty of starting over into a story of resilience and achievement.
By SHIPRA CHAUDHURY
When Aruna Bassi arrived in Canada on August 30, 1998, she brought with her dreams of a new life, a Bachelor of Arts degree, a love of dancing and cooking – and, like many newcomers, a healthy dose of excitement mixed with uncertainty.
Her husband, Bharti, was already settled in Canada. He returned to India for their marriage, and soon after, the newlyweds began their Canadian journey together. It was the beginning of a new chapter – one that would bring challenges, opportunities, laughter, learning and, eventually, a deep sense of belonging.
The early years were not always easy. One of the biggest challenges Bassi faced was the language barrier. Knowing a language and actually navigating everyday conversations in a new country can be two very different things! There were moments when words did not quite come out the way she intended, and probably a few occasions when a smile had to do the work of a dictionary.
But Bassi persevered. She learned, adapted, and gradually became more comfortable in her new surroundings. Like so many immigrants, she discovered that settling into a new country is not something that happens overnight. It is built one day, one experience, and sometimes one slightly confusing conversation at a time.
What made the transition easier was Canada itself. Bassi especially appreciates the country’s multicultural environment, which allowed her to embrace her new home without giving up the culture and traditions that shaped her.
Her Indian roots remain an important part of her life, and food is certainly one of the most delicious ways she keeps those roots alive. A vegetarian by choice, Bassi enjoys cooking traditional dishes for her family. Her one son and two daughters have grown up enjoying her homemade sambar, idli and fritters – the kind of comforting food that turns a meal into a family gathering and makes everyone suddenly interested in being in the kitchen!
For Bassi, cooking is more than simply preparing a meal. It is a way to share culture, create memories, and bring her family together. Along with dancing, it gives her a wonderful connection to her heritage while allowing her to embrace the experiences of life in Canada.
Family and tradition also play an important role in Bassi’s professional life. Both she and Bharti come from families with a background in the salon industry, and they are proud to continue that legacy in Canada.
Today, Bassi works at Bharti Beauty Parlour, where she combines creativity, experience and a genuine desire to help people look and feel their best. For her, the beauty business is about much more than hair and beauty – it is also about people.
“A salon can become a place where conversations flow, friendships develop and, occasionally, someone walks in needing a little beauty advice and walks out with a smile, just like you did!” says Bassi.
Over the years, Bassi has built a life that reflects both where she came from and where she is today. She is now a proud Canadian citizen, a wife, a mother of three, a professional and a woman who has successfully turned the uncertainty of starting over into a story of resilience and achievement.
Her advice to newcomers is straightforward: “Have a plan and know what you want to achieve, but don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. New opportunities may feel unfamiliar at first, but they can also reveal strengths you never knew you had.”
Looking back on her journey since that August day in 1998, Bassi sees Canada not simply as the country she moved to, but as the place where she grew, adapted, and built a beautiful life.
And perhaps that is the real beauty of her story: she didn’t leave her roots behind when she came to Canada. She brought them with her – and watched them grow into something new.