BRAMPTON, Canada (Diya TV) — Surinderpal Singh Oberoi’s journey is one of grit, determination, and service. A man who once walked away from his studies and home with only a few hundred rupees is now a celebrated philanthropist funding universities, saving lives, and uplifting the vulnerable through his “Sarbat da Bhalla” Trust.

Oberoi was born in Punjab and grew up under the watch of a strict father. After finishing matriculation, he refused to continue his studies. His father insisted on further education, but Oberoi wanted to chart his own path. With 600 rupees in his pocket, he left home, determined to build a future on his own terms.

He first worked as a laborer and later as a mechanic in Dubai. Life was hard, but he did not give up. When he returned home after five years, his father mocked him for becoming a mechanic. Hurt by the comment, Oberoi left again, returning to Dubai. This time, he started his own construction business, and with perseverance and faith, it flourished.

The most dramatic shift in Oberoi’s life came on March 31, 2010. Reading a newspaper in Dubai, he saw that 17 Indian men had been sentenced to death in the United Arab Emirates for the death of a Pakistani youth.

“How could 17 men be sentenced for one person’s death?” Oberoi recalled. Disturbed, he investigated the case. After working with law enforcement, lawyers, and families, he found that only three of the accused were directly involved. Determined to help, Oberoi paid the required blood money to the victim’s family. The result was the release and safe return of all 17 men to India.

Since then, Oberoi has saved nearly 150 migrant workers from the death penalty across the Middle East. He never intervenes in cases involving serious crimes like rape, murder, or narcotics. Instead, he focuses on workers who were caught in unfortunate situations while trying to earn a livelihood abroad.

“Many of those I helped are now living happily with families,” Oberoi said. “Some who were guilty met unfortunate ends, but the majority rebuilt their lives.”

Oberoi’s philanthropy does not stop at legal aid. His “Sarbat da Bhalla” Trust funds universities and educational programs for underprivileged youth. The organization is building institutions to provide affordable education and centers for children with special needs.

He also runs programs that provide pensions to senior citizens, free rations to poor families, and housing support for the homeless. In North India, his subsidized diagnostic centers make healthcare more affordable for low-income communities.

Even in Dubai, his team distributes free food packets and rations to struggling migrant workers. Notably, Oberoi funds these efforts entirely with his own money. His trust does not accept donations in cash or kind.

Oberoi often says he earmarks more than 98 percent of his income for charity. “Two percent is enough for me and my family to live a decent life,” he explained.

This weekend, Vishav Punjabi Bhavan in Brampton honored Oberoi for his contributions. The event brought together members of the Indian diaspora, who praised his dedication to service.

The guest of honor was Gurbux Singh Malhi, the first turbaned Sikh elected to any parliament outside India. Malhi hailed Oberoi as a role model for humanity and praised Vishav Punjabi Bhavan for promoting Punjabi culture in Canada.

Dr. Dalbir Singh Kathuria, representing the organization, highlighted its efforts to preserve the Punjabi language and traditions abroad. He described Oberoi’s life as an inspiring story of how one individual can change the lives of thousands.

Oberoi’s work stands as a beacon for migrants and vulnerable communities. From saving workers from the gallows to providing education and food to the needy, his life reflects the Sikh principle of “Sarbat da Bhalla”—the welfare of all.

What began as the journey of a rebellious teenager has turned into a mission that spans continents. Oberoi proves that wealth and success mean little unless shared with those who need it most.