Charan Khehra has varied life experiences including education, public service, and community building. He was an assistant professor in India, an executive officer in the U.K. civil service, an economist with Alberta government, and then until his retirement in 2005, he served the Alberta NDP opposition caucus as the executive assistant to the leader and director of special projects.

He is a co-founder of Daughters Day and has served on numerous community relations councils, trade union bodies, public agencies, and non-profit organizations — promoting social justice, human rights, democracy, and peace.

He is a recipient of the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers Rise award, the SAGE award for public service, and the Alberta Centennial medal for community service. His formal education includes M.A., MSc, DGA, and a graduate certificate in education.