- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Arjun Singh Bhamra
Edmonton, Alberta
Grant of Arms and Flag
January 15, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 244
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per bend sinister Or a demi-lion holding a mallet Gules and issuant from the division line, and barry compony Azure and Argent;
Crest
A demi-bear writing with a quill Or on a bundle of scrolls Argent and Azure;
Motto
ਨੀਰ ਹਾਂ ਮੈਂ ਖ਼ੌਫ਼ ਕੀ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਭੰਵਰ ਦਾ;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Symbolism
Arms
The white colour is a canting reference to Mr. Bhamra’s first name, which derives from the Sanskrit word for “pure” or “clear.” The lion is a canting reference to his middle name, Singh, which means “lion.” The mallet pays homage to one of Mr. Bhamra’s hobbies, woodworking, a craft which was also the profession of one of his grandfathers. The pattern evokes the artistry of brickwork and, therefore, masonry, symbolizing the trade shared by many of Mr. Bhamra’s ancestors.
Crest
The bear is a nod to the mascot of the University of Alberta, where Mr. Bhamra studied. The scrolls represent his love of reading, while also referencing his other grandfather, who was a poet.
Motto
This phrase in Punjabi, inspired by a line in a poem written by Mr. Bhamra’s grandfather, means “If I am water; why should I fear the hurricane?”
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on January 1, 1900, in Volume 0, page 0 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Alix Chartrand, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Debra MacGarvie
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual