In Focus | Dr. Vikram Grewal

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.

What is your name?
Dr. Vikram Grewal.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born and raised in India then moved to Canada 15 years ago. I completed my dental education in Los Angeles, then worked and cared for the smaller communities of B.C. like Chetwynd and 100 Mile House, then moved to Kelowna about two years ago.

Who is your favourite person to time with and why?
Actually, it's two people, my wife and son. The time I spend with them is most fulfilling.

If you could go anywhere in the world at this moment, where would you go and why?
I would go to Athabasca Valley (Jasper-Banff), because it is the most beautiful place I have visited.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
My favourite local store is Moolix as my son and I love to go there for ice cream during the summer.

What is your favourite activity?
Hiking.

If you had to choose: Pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Tacos, hands-down always.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
During my high school years, I used to participate in debate competitions. In Grade 11, I was in a debate competition where the topic of debate was provided 10 minutes before the start of the competition and you were not allowed to take notes to use as guide. I had everything planned in my head for the topic. I reached the stage, and I froze. I could not relay my thoughts into speech. I was embarrassed enough, never to participate in a debate competition again.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I get inspired by the smaller, daily events around me more than the larger impacting events. I believe that inspiration, learning, improvement and growth is an ongoing process. I find the little things that the people in my immediate circle do, inspire me the most.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I was born into a military family and as such, we moved around quite a bit all over India. Every two years my father would be posted to a new place. This always used to be the exciting part of our lives, as we would get to see new places and people. Until Grade 6, my brother (Grade 4 for him) had never seen mountains. At this time, my father was posted to a place in the Eastern Himalayas called Kalimpong. Our first vivid experience of this place was when we arrived at our temporary residence, there was a gentle breeze coming up from the valley and it was bringing clouds up with it. You could see the clouds creeping up the side of the mountains. So my brother and I, who had never experienced mountains, let alone being at an elevation where you could stand amongst the clouds, just stood there and felt the clouds brush up against us for hours, at least that’s what it felt like.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would that be?
Give everyone a reason to smile. All day, every day of their life.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hanging out with my wife and son by Lake Okanagan and if it is warm enough, possibly swim.

Where do you give back to the community?
As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, I participate in our association’s global initiative called 'Give Back A Smile', wherein I provide free dentistry to women who have been in an abusive relationship and have endured dental trauma. For this program, I have worked with the Kelowna Women Shelter. In addition to this, my team at Okanagan Smiles provides free oral hygiene presentations and demonstrations in local elementary schools all over Kelowna and West Kelowna.

Where would you sneak away to, in Kelowna, to spend some time alone?
The view point behind the Harvest Golf Club. It overlooks the course and has a panoramic view of Kelowna.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see larger companies set up their headquarters in Kelowna, so this could support the local community with more sustainable jobs. I would also like to see the rental and housing market be more affordable for younger citizens. This allows them the opportunity to have more financial stability resulting in Kelowna retaining younger talents.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Location, weather, people.

What are three things on your bucket list?
1) Swim with whale sharks in the Maldives
2) Scuba dive with manta rays at night time in Hawaii
3) See my son grow up into a happy, responsible individual

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you
There is a reason the others don’t know that about me. Let’s keep it that way. Mystery is fun.

What is the name of your business?
Okanagan Smiles.

When did you get into/start this business?
I acquired Okanagan Smiles dental practice about two years ago.

What is the goal of your business?
We are a dental office that provides modern dentistry in a comfortable setting. We strive to provide an environment where people can be eased of their fear of dentistry and where their dental concerns have been well addressed. Okanagan Smiles also provides patients with excellence in esthetic dentistry.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Earlier in my life, when I was completing my dental education, I was in Los Angeles while my wife and son were living in Vancouver so she could work and support our family. During this time I found it extremely challenging to miss out on the times when my son was taking his first steps and developing his toddler personality.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I was born into a very caring family, who taught me good morals, hard work, dedication and work ethic. I worked towards a profession that compliments my personality. I am married to a beautiful wife, who inspires me every day. I have a child who teaches me how to enjoy life and its moments everyday. I would have it exactly the same and wouldn’t do anything different.

What do you always find yourself saying?
I live by the slogan of BC Lottery Corporation: 'Know your limit, play within it.'

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
The Dalai Lama.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support your community. This not only financially supports your surrounding community, but also builds relations within it.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest moment was becoming a father.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Sharon Grewal and the hard-working team at Crystal Hills Organics for their determination and innovation. To see an organization starting from one person and through hard-work, smart decisions, teamwork, and well-researched products, they have acquired heights that only a few can dream of.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna.