Meet the Barking for a Better Punjab Team

Compassionate team dedicated to rescuing and caring for strays.

Dr. Surinder Paul Sharma

Aerospace Engineer | Community Advocate | Environmental Visionary

Born in Chuhar Chak, Moga, Punjab, Dr. Surinder Paul Sharma is a distinguished aerospace engineer with over 45 years of experience in satellite technology. He completed his BSc in Aeronautical Engineering at Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, and later earned an MSc from the University of Toronto. At 69, he achieved a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a focus on satellite programs, earning the Best Dissertation of the Year award.

Dr. Sharma played a pivotal role in pioneering satellite communication, including being part of the world’s first commercial satellite launch aboard NASA’s Space Shuttle. He served as Vice President at Sirius Satellite Radio, leading a $1.25 billion satellite deployment project, which earned him induction into the U.S. Space Foundation Technology Hall of Fame.

Now focused on his native village, he leads initiatives in waste management, rainwater harvesting, renewable energy, and stray animal control, driven by his belief that empowering villages is essential for India’s growth.

Dr. Sharma is a certified yoga instructor, an active community advocate, and continues to inspire with his commitment to innovation and service.

Dr. Iqvinder Singh Gill

Veterinarian | Management Professional | Advocate for Community and Animal Welfare

Dr. Iqvinder Singh Gill brings over three decades of veterinary and managerial expertise. He earned his BVSc & AH in February 1983 from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, and furthered his education with a Business Management degree from Saint Mary’s College, Moraga, California, in 1990.

Professional Contributions:

Practicing veterinarian in the United States since 2004 and co-owner of five veterinary hospitals.
Engaged in non-profit initiatives, collaborating with organizations like Sahaita and Roundglass.
Actively promotes veterinary education and community welfare, hosting seminars and creating awareness about careers in veterinary medicine.

Social Advocacy:

Raised awareness about drug addiction and mental health among NRIs through educational campaigns and resources.
Organized political awareness events during Nagar Kirtan in Yuba City to encourage informed voting.
Supported farmers’ movements by facilitating discussions and donating medical supplies.

With his vast clinical, managerial, and community engagement experience, Dr. Gill is now focused on founding a non-profit organization to address the challenges faced by stray animals through spay/neuter programs, veterinary education, and pet adoption initiatives.

Sukhwinder Pal Chugh

Veterinarian | Business Owner | Advocate for Animal Welfare

Born and raised in Punjab, Sukhwinder Pal Chugh completed his Veterinary Science degree in 1990 from the renowned Punjab Agricultural University. After migrating to the United States, he earned his ECFVG certification at Tuskegee University in 1996, marking his dedication to veterinary excellence.

Since 1997, Sukhwinder has focused on private veterinary practice, emphasizing preventive medicine and holistic pet care. As a member of the Indo-American Veterinary Medical Association (IAVMA), he has strengthened his expertise in building partnerships and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

Sukhwinder’s journey reflects his unwavering commitment to animal welfare and his roots in Punjab, driving impactful initiatives for the betterment of stray animals and pets alike.

Kulbir Singh Khehra

Veterinarian | Business Owner | Advocate for Animal Welfare

Kulbir Singh Khehra earned his veterinary degree from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, in 1996, followed by a Master’s in Veterinary Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1999. After becoming a licensed veterinarian in the United States in 2003, he founded Madera Animal Hospital, which he owned from 2007 to 2018.

In 2014, he opened Caldwell Pet Hospital in Visalia, which he sold in 2022 but continues to serve as a veterinarian. Kulbir has been an active member of the Indo-American Veterinary Medical Association (IAVMA) since 2016, assuming the role of Treasurer in 2022.

With decades of expertise in veterinary medicine and business ownership, Kulbir remains committed to advancing animal welfare and veterinary excellence.

Dr. Hardeep Bhakhri, DVM

Veterinarian | Small Animal Surgery Expert | Community Advocate

Dr. Hardeep Bhakhri graduated from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, in 1997 and moved to Canada, where he completed his clinical rotations at Tuskegee University, Alabama. With expertise in small animal surgery, internal medicine, and care for rodents and pocket pets, he became a licensed veterinarian in California in 2000.

Dr. Bhakhri has worked in various veterinary clinics, including emergency services in New York and ELC Veterinary Clinic in California since 2006. As a former member and secretary of IAVMA for over six years, he also owned multiple veterinary practices and a farm in California.

Passionate about community welfare, Dr. Bhakhri is now dedicated to supporting initiatives to control the stray dog population in Punjab, working alongside Dr. Iqvinder Gill to strengthen and expand their impactful mission.

Gunleen Chahal, RN

Pediatric Registered Nurse | Advocate for Underserved Communities

Gunleen Chahal is a skilled pediatric registered nurse with extensive experience in acute and outpatient care. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of San Francisco and has worked with children from birth to 18 years, focusing on patient advocacy and quality care.

With a background in biology and a passion for community health, Gunleen has actively contributed to underserved populations by delivering patient education and improving care workflows. She has also volunteered for organizations like Project Homeless Connect and international healthcare programs, demonstrating her dedication to making a difference.

Gunleen combines her medical expertise with leadership skills to foster better healthcare for children and their families.

Want to join the team?

We are always looking for passionate individuals who share our love for dogs to join our team at Barking for a Better Punjab. If this sounds like you, email us at barkingforabetterpunjab@gmail.com and tell us how you can make a difference and what sets you apart!"