MR.TIM SINGH GROVER -INTERNATIONAL SENSATION AWARD
For more than 35 years, Tim S. Grover has been the preeminent coach, mentor, and advisor to sports’ greatest icons, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Charles Barkley, Maxx Crosby, Aaron Donald, Paul Skenes, Jason Heyward, 7x Mr. Olympia Phil Heath, and hundreds of champions in the NFL, MLB, NHL, golf, tennis, and the Olympics. Tim is the New York Times bestselling author of WINNING: The Unforgiving Race to Greatness and RELENTLESS: From Good to Great to Unstoppable.
Tim appears around the world as a keynote speaker and consultant to business leaders, athletes, and elite achievers in any area, teaching the principles of relentless drive, result-driven performance, mental toughness, and the ultimate winning mentality. He appeared throughout ESPN/Netflix’s THE LAST DANCE, and appears regularly on many major media outlets.
He is also the creator of the original online series BREAKTHROUGH and the digital training platform “The Relentless System.” Tim earned his Master’s degree in Exercise Science and his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at University of Illinois-Chicago. As a former NCAA Division I basketball player at the University of Illinois-Chicago, In 2010 Grover was inducted into the UIC Hall of Fame with the Life Time Achievement Award.
KEERIT JUTLA -CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT AWARD
Keerit is the President and CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration BC (“AME”) and the first South Asian as its President in its 100 year history. He is a lawyer with a decade of experience in the natural resource sector, working with and acting for both mining companies and First Nations. Keerit is passionate about responsible natural resource development and brings with him a depth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the entire spectrum of mineral exploration and development.
Prior to joining AME, Keerit spent two years with the BC provincial government at the Environmental Assessment Office and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, where he focused on promoting permit efficiency for mineral exploration projects and operationalizing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, striving to build permitting certainty to both companies and First Nations. Keerit has also practiced regulatory and Aboriginal law across a variety of industries, including oil and gas, oil sands, pipelines, LNG and mining.
Over his career, he has assisted companies and First Nations to develop impact benefit agreements and negotiate joint venture deals and equity investment for First Nations in the natural resource sector. Keerit holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Western Ontario and a Master of Arts in political science from the University of Windsor. He completed a Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor at the University of Alberta, with an applied focus on natural resources and Aboriginal law.
GARY THANDI-COMMUNITY CRUSADER AWARD
Gary Thandi is the Founder and Executive Director of Moving Forward Family Services (MFFS), a non-profit organization in Surrey, BC, dedicated to providing accessible and low-barrier mental health services. With a Master’s Degree in Social Work and extensive coursework towards a Doctorate in Education, Gary has over 20 years of experience in social work. As the Founder and Executive Director of Moving Forward Family Services, he has created a revolutionary model that provides free and affordable mental health services through supervised volunteers and practicum students in counselling programs. This model ensures that those who cannot afford traditional therapy still receive the support they need; and that new counsellors can learn about the unique needs of South Asians throughout BC. Under his leadership, MFFS offered 15,000 free sessions of counselling in the previous year; and of the 5,000 paid sessions the agency provided—the average fee paid was between just $5.00 & $8.00.
Gary's work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2023 BC Achievement Foundation’s Community Award, the 2023 BC Crime Prevention-Safer Communities Award, and he was chosen as BC's representative for the 2024 Canadian Association of Social Workers’ Distinguished Service Award. His contributions have also led his counselling agency to win Charity Village’s 2023 Best Nonprofit Volunteer Program award. His efforts extend beyond just service provision; he is also deeply invested in the professional development of new social workers and counsellors, hosting over 200 students from various programs across Canada. This not only enhances the skills of these future professionals but also ensures that more people can access the mental health support they need. He recruits therapists with second-language abilities and provides services in over 20 languages.
He is a familiar face at charity gala events, where he supports local initiatives, and he frequently networks with senior leaders from government, non-profits, and the education sector. Through these interactions, he helps to develop strategies and best practices for the care of South Asian community members in need of counselling support. His outreach efforts at community fairs, public events, guest presentations, and lectures further amplify the impact of his work—and spread the word that these services exist.
BALJIT SINGH DEO-ARTISTIC VISIONARY AWARD
Filmmaker, Director, and Cinematographer in the Punjabi entertainment industry. Originally from the UK, relocated to Vancouver in 1997, where his career in the entertainment world truly began to flourish. He holds a BEng (Hons) and a master's degree in microelectronics and initially ventured into the high-tech industry, working as a designer and project/program manager for various prestigious companies. For the past two decades, he has been immersed in bringing stories to life with a distinctive visual style and deep narrative approach. His journey, which started with a passion for photography, evolved into a love for filmmaking.
This evolution led him to direct a range of critically acclaimed music videos and films. His photos have been used for operas in France, and he has been honored as a Hasselblad Masters finalist. Additionally, his work has featured as the opening page on Adobe's website. He received awards for best director, cinematographer, and editor, and has had the pleasure of collaborating with renowned artists such as AR Rahman, Diljit Dosanjh, Gippy Grewal, Amrinder Gill, and Ammy Virk to name a few.
JASNEET NIJJAR-SPIRIT OF SPORT AWARD
Jasneet Nijjar has been an exceptional sprinter. She worked hard not only in athletics but academics too. She’s involved in the community and inspiring young female athletes. She is the First South Asian female to represent Canada in track and field team at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She currently plays for the Washington State Cougars. She trained locally with coach Jessie Dosanjh with the Universal Athletics Club in Surrey. Some of her other accolades include Female athlete of the year, Paris 2024 Olympian, Sassy award, USTFCCCA-All Academic , 2019-2024 PAC 12 academic honor roll, and 2019-2024 WSU President’s honor roll fall and spring.
RANDIP JANDA-BREAKING BARRIERS AWARD
Randip has worked as host and analyst on Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi since 2014. In 2017, he joined Sportsnet 650 as a radio show host. His recent and most notable achievement is becoming Colour Analyst for the Vancouver Canucks, the first South Asian broadcaster to hold that position in the NHL. His accomplishments in sports broadcasting were recognized at the 2023 NHL All-Star Game, at the launch of the NHL’s United by Hockey Museum. Randip is one of the featured changemakers in the exhibit, celebrating hockey's trailblazers. Six years ago, Randip started working with the Vancouver Canucks on their inaugural South Asian Night celebrating the community. Every year, Randip works tirelessly to ensure musicians, dancers, visual artists, local businesses, community heroes, and local charities share this platform along with changemakers and pioneers in sports. Since 2022, South Asian Nights have been started by the LA Kings, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, and Winnipeg Jets, inspired by work done by Randip and the Canucks.
Randip is dedicated to elevating the stories of South Asians and other underserved communities, providing support through Sportsnet, HNIC Punjabi, and behind the scenes. An example being his work as Executive Producer on the documentary Press Breaker, which highlighted the career of female basketball player Harleen Sidhu and supported the careers of multiple South Asian filmmakers. Randip’s volunteering work includes emceeing fundraising events in BC over the years, including “A Night Of Miracles” in support of the BC Children’s Hospital, and the “Dice & Ice Gala” in support of the Canucks for Kids Fund.
His efforts with the last two events alone have helped raise over $1.4 million. Randip’s influence extends across the country, from speaking to youth at North Delta Secondary to meeting the public at PAMA (Brampton) during the We Are Hockey Exhibit, in which he is featured. He understands he is an example of what is possible. Representation matters for many who watch and listen to him, especially South Asian youth. Seeing someone who looks like them can have a lasting impact on a young mind.
GURPREET BAINS-HERITAGE DEFENDER AWARD
Gurpreet Bains, an exceptional individual and dedicated public school teacher who has made remarkable contributions to preserving and promoting the Punjabi language, won the Heritage Defender Award this year.
As the Head of the Languages Department and Science teacher at LA Matheson she has innovatively integrated the Punjabi language and culture into the multicultural fabric of the Surrey School District. She wants to amplify the students voices and agency around culture, all through Punjabi Language instruction. She has closely worked with the Ministry of Education on curriculum development and helped mentor new Science/Language teachers as a School Associate. She has facilitated and served as a volunteer educational consultant with "Being -Punjabi: Unfolding the Surrey Story" feature exhibition with the Museum of Surrey. She is the facilitator and co-curriculum writer for the District's Next Hundred Year Mentorship Program which focuses on mentorship through identity and have presented workshops at our local elementary schools. She is the co-founder and facilitator of Dhahan Youth Punjabi Literature Award in creative writing for BC Punjabi language students. Gurpreet's planning of Vaisakhi and Diwali festivals at Surrey’s public schools are phenomenal events, allowing a diverse student and staff body to celebrate Punjabi culture.
"My goal is to continue to educate, empower, and inspire a future generation of community builders and responsible citizens. After all, academic excellence is only achieved when you’re also a contributing member of your community."
DR. SANTABHANU CHAKRABARTI- INDUSTRY MARVEL AWARD
Dr. Santabhanu Chakrabarti is a prominent cardiologist specializing in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Congenital Heart Disease at St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, alongside being a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Chakrabarti serves as the Lead Physician for Device Services and Congenital Heart Disease Arrhythmia Services at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. He holds Staff Cardiologist positions at St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver General Hospital and BC Children’s Hospital since 2009, following his completion of the University of British Columbia’s Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship training program, the same program of which he has been the Director of since 2012 until March 2024. He has been practicing medicine for over 25 years, since graduating from Calcutta Medical College (MBBS) (as well as Post Graduate Institute of Medical Research & Education, Chandigarh (MD) , South West Deanery in the United Kingdom (Certificate of Completion of Training in Pediatric Cardiology) and University of British Columbia (Cardiac Electrophysiology) ; he has been serving the Vancouver community since 2007.
With extensive training in pediatrics and cardiology from India, the UK, and Canada, he has made significant contributions to clinical practice, medical education and community engagement in numerous realms. He is the Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh, United Kingdom), Fellow of Royal of College of Pediatrics and Child Health (United Kingdom) , Fellow and Diplomate of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada , Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society. He was also awarded the Fellow of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society in recognition of his contribution to the field of Cardiology in Canada. Dr. Chakrabarti has a remarkable record of achievements in the medical field, as well as to Vancouver and its South Asian community. Since 2012 to Spring 2024, he has led the Electrophysiology Fellowship Program at UBC, mentoring over 30 fellows and medical trainees who have gone on to become leaders in electrophysiology worldwide, in regions including but not limited to, across Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sudan, Denmark and Saudi Arabia. He is an accomplished researcher with interests in arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, and cardiac resynchronization therapy, contributing to significant advancements in these areas through multiple grants and collaborative studies. Since 1998, Dr. Chakrabarti has over 80 peer reviewed publications in esteemed academic journals in his field, with many of these studies contributing to significant, unique medical innovation concepts, and policy change.
Since 2014, he has received several academic and community grants to further his research, including from prominent organizations like Heart and Stroke, Medtronic, Abbott , Servier, Providence Healthcare Foundation, and most recently, $47K from Doctors of BC in 2023 to lead a provincial Physician’s Health Program. Since 2023 he also currently serves as the Chair of the UBC Cardiology Physician Wellness Committee. Dr. Chakrabarti has been instrumental in establishing protocols for cardiac device and MRI services in Lower Mainland, British Columbia and is a founding member of several non-profit organizations aimed at improving cardiac health outcomes and telemedicine access in rural India. He is also involved in several healthcare quality improvement projects across Providence Health Care including Physician Wellness, Endocarditis (Heart Infection) Management and so forth. He has made numerous radio and TV appearances to promote cardiovascular wellbeing and heart health to the South Asian community in Vancouver (Red FM, Joy TV etc.) and also continues to be a visiting lecturer at the University of Calcutta, Institute of Child Health since 2012.
MANJIT LIT- ADVANCING PHILANTHROPY AWARD
Manjit lit is a local businessman, White Rock resident, philanthropist, role model and an inspiration to all. Lit has been giving back to his community for decades, beginning in his younger years in London and continuing that tradition of giving since moving to Canada in 2010. Originally from Jalandhar, India, Manjit Lit is a true entrepreneur at heart. From a humble beginning of owning a small corner shop in London’s Southhall Market, he eventually became a successful property developer and felt he now had the means to give back to society. Lit has continuously supported many charities over the years, including the B.C. Cancer Society, Global Village Foundation, and Kids Play Foundation, Surrey Hospital Foundation and Peace Arch Hospital Foundation.
In 2022, he made a total of $400,000 in donations to four different hospitals and organizations. He gave $100,000 each to PAHF, Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) for Guru Nanak Diversity Village on his 73rd birthday. Lit was nominated for a Giving Hearts Awards in the Community Pandemic Response category for the AFP Greater Vancouver Chapter Awards in 2021. In 2022, Manjit was also presented with Peace Arch Hospital Foundation’s Friends of the Foundation Award in the Outstanding Donor category for his incredible leadership role in nurturing a culture of philanthropy.
AAMNA MUSHTAQ- YOUNG WONDER AWARD
Winner of the 2024 Loran Scholarship valued at $100K. Aamna was one of 36 grade 12 students chosen from over 5,000 applicants across Canada. Attended Princess Margaret Secondary. Pursuing Computer Science at UBC right now in her first year. She co-founded a social justice club at her school. Aamna said the club was created to create a space to raise awareness about issues happening locally and around the world. The club raised awareness for Palestine, humanitarian aid in Syria and Turkey and have an annual clothing drive where we donate clothes to the Surrey Women’s Centre. Aamna also co-founded and coordinated the campaign The Dignity Project.
The campaign aimed to break the stigma surrounding homelessness, “specifically the way people view unhoused people” in Surrey. Throughout the campaign, the group, which was made up of teenagers from across Surrey, set up kiosks throughout the city. “The idea behind the kiosk is to challenge the biases that people passing by may have, for example, thinking homelessness looks a certain way or that there is something people do to become unhoused.” Passersby were encouraged to take a photo with the kiosk and post it on social media with the caption, #lookinthemirror. The campaign also encouraged people to donate toiletry kits, non-perishable food items, clothing or cash to a local non-profit. Over $450 was donated to local non-profits, along with 65 toiletry kits, 150 non-perishable food items, 200 packages of socks and undergarments and over 250 articles of clothing.
