By Dawn Morrison

After almost 50 years together, Teji (MA’72) and Nimmi (MA’77) Kanwal still share many things — a passion for education, a love of travel, and a truly giving spirit. They met in India in 1967, introduced by a mutual friend. Within weeks they were married and went on to build a happy and successful life in Canada. “Teji is more than my husband — he is my best friend,” says Nimmi.

A quick look around their warm and beautiful home reveals treasures collected from travelling the world (twice). Over the years, they have both earned Masters degrees from Dalhousie and touched many lives as beloved teachers, each with over 30 years’ experience in the classroom. Teji taught grade 12 English literature, and Nimmi taught elementary school.

Their shared desire to help others led to the establishment of the Nimmi and Teji Kanwal Bursary in 2014. The Bursary is awarded to a Dalhousie student in financial need, with preference for a female student. The first award was given out this past January.

Support for female students

This preference reflects the couple’s strong support for equal opportunity and empowering women. “Women and girls all over the world are not treated equally, and in some countries, given very little opportunity for education,” says Teji. “We strongly believe in education, and want to help women wherever we can.”

The couple established the bursary with an initial gift of $25,000 to Dalhousie, which they have since increased to $100,000.

“We started slowly, and built it up,” Teji says. “It is very gratifying to know the students are using the money for their education and to build a good life for themselves.”

A legacy of kindness

The Kanwals have supported many charitable causes over the years, including women’s shelters and breast cancer research. Nimmi was also involved with the Women of India Auxiliary, a group of women who raised funds to help those in need, both in Canada and abroad.

After taking care of each other for 50 years and making sure their extended family was cared for, they turned their attention to supporting others in the larger community.

“Giving to charitable causes has been more satisfying than I ever thought possible,” Teji says. “I sleep better at night knowing I have done a bit of good in the world.”