Harpreet Kaur Chandi- International Sensation
Harpreet Kaur Chandi, aka Polar Preet, receives the International Sensation Award from Katie Yu, Regional Vice President, Commercial Financial Services of RBC
Harpreet Kaur Chandi, popularly known as Polar Preet, is a record-breaking explorer, British Army officer, and an inspiration to communities around the world. Born in Derby, England, to Punjabi immigrant parents, she has gone from navigating cultural expectations in a traditional South Asian household to becoming the first woman of colour, and the first South Asian, to ski solo to the South Pole.
In January 2022, Preet completed her first 700-mile solo expedition across Antarctica in 40 days, enduring temperatures below –50°C and pulling a sled heavier than her body weight. Her achievement was both historic and symbolic, carving a path for greater representation in exploration. She went on to attempt an even greater feat, crossing the entire Antarctic continent unsupported.
Though she fell just short, she set two Guinness World Records, including the longest solo unsupported polar ski journey by a woman. In 2023, she returned to Antarctica and set the female speed record to the South Pole in 31 days.
Beyond her physical accomplishments, Preet has become a global voice for resilience, representation, and breaking stereotypes. For her trailblazing work, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2022. She continues to inspire audiences as a speaker and mentor, particularly encouraging young South Asians to dream beyond limitations.
Now preparing to attempt the first solo female ski expedition to the North Pole, Polar Preet remains committed to showing that boundaries, whether cultural, physical, or societal, are only as strong as the belief we give them.
Steve Rai- Breaking Barriers
Steve Rai receives the Breaking Barriers Award from Leigh Heppner, General Manager, Preston Cadillac
Chief Constable Steve Rai is the 32nd Chief of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and the first South Asian to lead the city’s police force. His journey, from a young boy who immigrated from rural Punjab to the head of one of Canada’s largest municipal police departments, is a testament to resilience, service, and breaking barriers.
Born Satwinder Singh Rai, he arrived in Vancouver at the age of five. A neighbor, struggling with his name, called him “Steve”—a moment that came to symbolize the balance he would master between heritage and home. His father, who worked tirelessly in B.C.’s lumber mills before joining VPD’s maintenance team, instilled in him discipline, humility, and the value of hard work.
Chief Rai joined the VPD in 1990 as a frontline patrol officer in East Vancouver. Over three decades of service, he has worked in patrol, recruiting, human resources, and jail operations. He has served as a hostage negotiator, a public order commander during the 2011 Stanley Cup riot, and the officer responsible for rebuilding trust with Vancouver’s LGBTQ2+ community. His leadership is shaped not only by operational excellence but also by empathy and cultural understanding, often using his language and background to connect with vulnerable members of the South Asian community.
Today, he oversees nearly 2,500 staff, guiding the VPD with a vision of accountability, representation, and evolving policing for modern challenges. His story reflects the immigrant journey—one of sacrifice, opportunity, and belonging.
Inderpal Moga & Chani Nattan- Artistic Visionary
Inderpal Moga and Chani Nattan receive the Artistic Visionary Award from Jas Randhawa, Category Manager, Save On Foods
At a time when Punjabi beats echo across the globe, two Surrey artists are redefining what it means to be unapologetically Punjabi and proudly global. Inderpal Moga and Chani Nattan are not just riding the wave of Punjabi music, they’re shaping it.
Raised in Punjabi households, both artists grew up steeped in language, history, and hustle. Chani, born and raised in Surrey, first wrote songs about Sikh faith and community struggles before transitioning to commercial music in 2019. Guided by producer Intense and later collaborating with icons like Diljit Dosanjh, his penmanship quickly earned international respect. Inderpal, who began singing kavishris in Punjab, moved to Surrey with a dream and relentless drive, sending his first recordings to hundreds of artists before finding his perfect match in Chani.
Together, they’ve created a sound that is both rooted and revolutionary. Their breakout anthem DAKU became a global phenomenon, amassing more than a billion streams and introducing the world to their dynamic artistry. Since then, hits like 8 ASLE, Facetime, and Noormahal have cemented their place as genre-bending visionaries.
In 2025, the duo achieved another milestone: a JUNO Award nomination and a live collaboration with Punjabi legend Jazzy B—an unforgettable performance that brought Surrey’s energy to a national stage.
From kavishris to Coachella, their music carries ancestral pride and global swagger. For Inderpal and Chani, it’s not just about making hits, it’s about representation, community, and creating a soundscape where the next generation sees themselves, unapologetically and powerfully.
Delreen Motiwalla- Corporate Engagement
Delreen Motiwalla receives the Corporate Engagement Award from Juggy Sihota, Senior VP, Healthcare Excellence at TELUS Health
With over 25 years of experience spanning India and Canada, Delreen Motiwalla has built a career defined by vision, equity, and community impact. Today, as Vice President of Development at JA British Columbia, she guides the province’s most prestigious business recognition program, the Business Laureates of BC Hall of Fame, while driving fundraising strategies that expand life-changing programs in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. Under her leadership, JABC has reached young people across urban, rural, and Indigenous communities, ensuring opportunities for the next generation.
Her journey began in India, where she spent nearly a decade at Percept Limited, one of the country’s leading media and entertainment conglomerates. There, she helped secure Sahara India’s landmark INR 100 crore sponsorship deal with the BCCI—the largest in Indian cricket at the time—and led global projects including the Laureus World Sports Academy’s first visit to India. Twice honored as Star Achiever and Employee of the Year, she built her early career on resilience, creativity, and excellence.
Since immigrating to Canada in 2009, Delreen has held development roles with UBC Sauder School of Business and Bard on the Beach, where she strengthened donor campaigns and large-scale fundraising events. Her commitment to community has earned her numerous accolades, most recently the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025) for service and impact.
A proud immigrant, wife, and mother, Delreen believes deeply in collaboration and partnerships as the path to sustainable change, leading with integrity, humility, and an unwavering passion for giving back.
Sarbjit Cheema- Heritage Defender
Sarbjit Cheema receives the Heritage Defender Award from Samantha Vegh, Director of Operations, Allure Ventures
Sarbjit Singh Cheema is a celebrated Indian-Canadian singer and actor whose career has preserved and promoted the richness of Punjabi music and culture across generations. Born on June 14, 1948 in Cheema Kalan, Jalandhar, into a proud Jatt-Sikh family, Cheema discovered his love for music and sports at an early age, excelling in kabaddi, hockey, and athletics while also performing songs at family gatherings. His passion deepened during his years at Lyallpur Khalsa College, where he was part of the bhangra team that won recognition at college, university, and state levels.
Cheema immigrated to Canada in 1989, but his roots in Punjab remained central to his artistic journey. Under the guidance of mentors Balraj Bassi and B.S. Narang, he honed his musical craft, leading to the release of his first album, Yaar Nachde, in 1993. His most iconic song, Rangla Punjab from the 1996 album Mela Vekhdiye Mutyare, became an anthem celebrating Punjabi heritage and identity.
Expanding his artistry, Cheema made his acting debut in 2004 with Pind Di Kudi, further showcasing Punjabi stories on screen. Over the years, he has released numerous albums and films, earning admiration for his commitment to cultural expression.
Beyond music and film, Cheema is deeply devoted to his family and heritage. Married to Kamaljit, with two sons, he has balanced his life as a cultural torchbearer with his role as husband and father.
Through his voice, vision, and dedication, Sarbjit Cheema continues to defend and celebrate Punjabi heritage worldwide.
Dr. Shimi Kang- Industry Marvel
Dr. Shimi Kang receives the Industry Marvel Award from Balraj Mann, Chairman, BM Group of Companies
Dr. Shimi Kang is an award-winning Harvard-trained psychiatrist, best-selling author, and global thought leader dedicated to advancing mental health, innovation, and human connection. With over 25 years of practice, she has pioneered programs that have transformed care and education, including founding the Future Ready Minds Leadership Programs and the Youth Concurrent Disorders Program at BC Children’s Hospital, one of the world’s first initiatives for youth facing both mental health challenges and addictions.
A Clinical Associate Professor at UBC, Dr. Kang also serves as Director of Mental Health at the Centre for Neurology Studies and leads groundbreaking studies on plant-based medicines for addiction and depression, helping to shape the future of evidence-based, novel therapies.
Her influence extends globally through hundreds of media appearances on outlets such as BBC World News, The Washington Post, CBC, and CTV, and her TEDx talk on adaptability has inspired millions worldwide. She has authored three international bestsellers, The Dolphin Parent, The Self-Motivated Kid, and The Tech Solution, translated into over 20 languages.
Dr. Kang’s contributions have earned her the Governor General’s Award for Leadership in Women’s Health, the Diamond Jubilee Medal, the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, and multiple national awards in addiction and mental health.
Despite living with hypermobility syndrome and chronic pain, she exemplifies resilience, becoming one of the first Canadians to receive a peripheral neuromodulator implant. Through science, advocacy, and empathy, Dr. Kang champions curiosity, compassion, and courage as the keys to human thriving.
Red FM Canada- Advancing Philanthropy
RED FM receives the Advancing Philanthropy Award from Anupam Paul, Director, TechioSoft
Red FM Canada has long stood as a pillar of generosity and solidarity in the South Asian community, its radiothons and outreach efforts raising millions for global and local causes. In a powerful recent demonstration of service, RED FM raised over $1.5 million in a single day to support families affected by catastrophic floods in Punjab, working across its stations in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto.
Since its first radiothon, RED FM has built a track record of mobilizing community resources in response to crises. Over the years, the station has raised more than $21 million for charitable causes including the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Guru Nanak Food Bank, along with disaster relief efforts for the Fort McMurray wildfires, and earthquakes in Haiti and Nepal.
When floods hit Punjab in August, 2025, with over 1,900 villages submerged and thousands displaced, Red FM’s radiothon enabled listeners to pledge through its multiple stations. The collected funds are being channeled through SAF International (Sikhi Awareness Foundation) for emergency response, rehabilitation, and long‐term rebuilding.
For Red FM, philanthropy is not occasional, it’s consistent: rooted in culture, driven by compassion, and powered by community. Their unwavering commitment to service has made them a beacon of hope for South Asians in Canada and beyond.
Jeevan Badwal- Spirit of Sport
Gurinder Badwal (on behalf of Jeevan Badwal) receives the Spirit of Sport Award from Nav Grewal, President, WBI Home Warranty Ltd.
At just 19, Jeevan Badwal is already rewriting the story of Canadian soccer and inspiring a new generation of South Asian athletes. Born and raised in Surrey, his journey began with Surrey FC, nurtured by a family whose love for soccer became both his foundation and his fuel. With his parents providing unwavering logistical and emotional support, Jeevan has grown into a player who embodies resilience, skill, and determination.
A versatile center midfielder, Jeevan is known for his box-to-box play, sharp ball control, and tactical intelligence. His breakthrough came with Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 and the Canada National U20 team, where he quickly distinguished himself as a rising star. At just 17, he was the youngest player at the Whitecaps’ preseason in Marbella, Spain, and played a pivotal role in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, starting all three matches for Canada. His selection to the 2023 MLS NEXT All-Star Game further cemented his profile as one to watch.
In 2024, Jeevan’s progression through the Whitecaps academy culminated in his professional debut. A year later, he marked a milestone moment at BC Place, scoring his first MLS goal in a 3–0 win against Seattle Sounders, helping extend the team’s unbeaten streak to a franchise-record 11 matches.
For Jeevan, every game is more than just soccer, it’s a symbol of possibility. As a proud South Asian Canadian, he carries with him the hopes of his community, proving that with passion, hard work, and support, barriers can be broken and dreams realized on the global stage.
Hargun Dhillon- Community Crusader
Hargun Dhillon receives the Spirit of Sport Award from Amit Midda, Founder and Director, Skymart Canada
At the age of 21, Hargun Dhillon is redefining community health for South Asians in Canada and beyond. A first-generation Punjabi Canadian and senior kinesiology student at UBC, Hargun is the founder of Age Strong Unity Wellness Society, the world’s first multilingual, trauma-informed nonprofit fitness program designed specifically for Canadian South Asian seniors. Since its launch, Age Strong has delivered hundreds of free, culturally tailored exercise classes, engaging more than 2,000 elders and sparking a grassroots movement that has inspired other communities to launch their own programs.
Hargun’s commitment to health equity extends globally. In Punjab, India, he helped establish three rural health clinics, providing free medications and preventive care to nearly 200 low-income families. Closer to home, he co-founded the Ignited Resilience Mentorship Foundation, which supports inner-city, at-risk high school students with mentorship, academic guidance, and scholarships.
With nearly 7,000 volunteer hours, Hargun has quickly become a trusted advocate for long-term, sustainable change in health and wellness. He has presented at national conferences, sharing his vision of community health models that bridge generations, cultures, and systems of care.
Recognized for his innovative leadership and service, Hargun’s journey is just beginning. Rooted in his South Asian heritage and driven by a deep sense of responsibility to his community, he is determined to create lasting impact both locally and globally. Above all, Hargun believes that true strength comes from unity, compassion, and empowering others to thrive across all stages of life.
Daisy Bains- Young Wonder
Daisy Bains receives the Young Wonder Award from Dr. Harinder Dhanju, President, Pacific Oral Health Society
In a pool of over 6,000 applicants nationwide, Surrey’s Daisy Bains stood out as one of just 36 recipients of the prestigious Loran Scholarship, a $100,000 award that recognizes exceptional leadership, character, and service. A student of École Kwantlen Park Secondary, Daisy embodies sincerity, resilience, and the power of staying rooted in values.
“Becoming a Loran Scholar feels like I’ve opened a door to growth and reflection,” she shares. “It’s not just recognition of my actions, it’s a promise to keep working for positive change.”
Daisy’s journey to this achievement included rigorous national selections and final interviews in Toronto. The moment she was chosen remains unforgettable: “My mom and I couldn’t hold back our tears of joy, it was life-changing.”
Her impact extends beyond academics. She co-founded the BIPOC Racial Equity Program at her school, addressing cultural awareness gaps and promoting inclusivity. She also brought her Punjabi heritage to campus by forming a Giddha dance team, blending tradition with leadership to build community pride.
At heart, Daisy is a grounded teenager guided by her Sikh faith. She finds joy in family, cherishes time with her two sisters and parents, and admits to being a “huge shopaholic.”
Looking forward, Daisy hopes to return to Surrey as a general practitioner, serving the very community that raised her. With humility, determination, and a fierce commitment to equity, Daisy Bains is already shaping a brighter future, proving that true leadership begins with authenticity and service.
