Awards 2010
Image Caption: Simon Fraser University Clan wrestler Arjan Bhullar (right) receiving an award from Joginder Singh Ahluwalia (left) at DARPAN Magazine’s Extraordinary Achievement Awards.
Visit http://www.darpanmagazine.com/2010/10/darpan-magazine-red-carpet-gala-awards-2010/ for more award photos.
DARPAN Magazine’s Extraordinary Achievement Awards were a roaring success. With over 550 guests in attendance, Bollywood Banquet Hall & Convention Centre was transformed into a sizzling star studded affair akin to the Oscars. The who’s who of the South Asian community mixed, mingled, and partied until the wee hours of the night , while truly experiencing the glamour and romance of the Oscar’s after dark.
The evening’s Keynote speech was given by Gurbaksh Chahal, the South Asian self-made multi-millionaire, who spoke directly about the theme for the event: ‘Ordinary People, Extraordinary Achievements.’ He elaborated on his own inspiration, hurdles, and successes as an ordinary South Asian, who has exemplified Extraordinary Entrepreneurship on a global scale. His gripping advice about staying true to your roots and being connected to your community resonated with the crowd. Zain Meghji, Canada’s most recognizable entertainment reporter on Canadian television served as Master of Ceremonies. His knack for story telling and engaging the crowd, while making them laugh bolstered the landmark event.
To start off the night, a live sitar and table duo entertained guests in the Oh So Glam Lounge, a sensational fashion show courtesy of Crossover Bollywood Se enthralled guest, while 25 beautiful DARPAN models posed with guests at the celebrity photo wall. The night’s festivities were capped off by a live performance by En Karma, North America’s preeminent Bhangra band and a live DJ.
The most important theme for the night was the Extraordinary Achievement Awards. With ten categories and one special accolade handed out, the goal was to recognize how ordinary people have done extraordinary things and in turn have uplifted humanity to a whole new level. The awards focused on South Asian citizens getting outside of themselves and doing the extraordinary things that touch the lives of not just one or two people, but hundreds and thousands of individuals. “It is our hope that the life and work of these awardees will serve as an inspiration for all South Asians to realize the power of their dreams,” said Publishers, Gurvinder Hundal and Ramneek Dhillon. “Starting this year, we intend to find all the gems of the South Asian community and will honour them with DARPAN Magazine’s Extraordinary Achievement Awards – we hope this simple act will trigger the ripple effect of inspiring more South Asians to do the extraordinary.
| Category | Extraordinary Achievement Award Recipient |
| Corporate Engagement |  Tony Singh In honour of his extraordinary achievement as a South Asian entrepreneur |
| Young Wonder |  Afraj Gill In honour of his extraordinary achievement in academia and community initiatives. |
| Industry Marvel |  Balinder Johal In honour of her extraordinary achievement as a South Asian in the film industry. |
| Community Crusader |  Charanpal Gill – PICS In honour of his extraordinary achievement as a leader in giving back to the South Asian community. |
| Breaking Barriers |  Belle Puri In honour of her extraordinary achievement as the first South Asian television journalist. |
| Advancing Philanthropy |  Hari Varshney In honour of his extraordinary achievement to many charitable ventures. |
| Heritage Defender |  Baltej Dhillon In honour of his extraordinary achievement of overcoming adversity to represent South Asians in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. |
| Spirit of Sport |  Prab Rai In honour of his extraordinary achievement as an athlete.(His Brother Accepted On his Behalf) |
| International Sensation |  Gurbaksh Chahal In honour of his extraordinary achievement as South Asian entrepreneur on a global scale. |
| Artistic Visionary |  Jarnail Singh In honour of his extraordinary achievement in the arts.(Accepted by Nina Grewal, MP on his behalf) |
| Special Accolade |  Arjan Bhullar In honour of his achievement of winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in India |
