DARPAN Magazine, hosted its 12th Annual Awards in the company of esteemed social, business, and political elites. The presenting sponsor for the spectacular red-carpet event was the Royal Bank of Canada. The evening took place at Aria Convention Center in Surrey on October 7, 2022.
DARPAN Awards Night 2022 was marked by the red carpet sponsored by Preston Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Ltd. and was buzzing with prominent members of the South Asian community, political dignitaries, and socialites. The beautiful cocktail lounge sponsored by WBI Home Warranty had guests mingling and enjoying the hospitality. The awards event was a spotlight that added shine and glamour to the evening while the entertainment added pizzazz and exuberance to the soiree. It was a night to remember and cherish.
Also spotted at the event were prominent political guests like MP for Surrey-Newton, Sukh Dhaliwal; MP for Surrey Centre, Randeep Sarai; MLA for Surrey-Panorama Jinny Sims; MLA for Vancouver-Langara, Michael Lee, MLA for South Surrey-White Rock, Elenore Sturko, MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers Rachna Singh, and MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, Mike Starchuk.
Former Mayor of Surrey, Doug McCallum; Former Premier of British Columbia, Christy Clark, and Ex BC Supreme Court judge & former Attorney General Mr.Wally Oppal were also among the dignitaries present.
With over 800 guests in attendance, this black-tie affair commenced at 6:00p.m. in the backdrop of grandeur. On the red carpet, a live media station interviewed esteemed guests asking them their expectations for the evening.
Photographers were busy capturing beautiful moments and dancing performances set the stage for the night ahead.
Canadian actor and television personality Huse Madhavji was the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
This multi-talented host, actor and producer is the former face of Star! Canada and has starred in HBO Canada/Direct-TV’s hit comedy Call Me Fitz starring Jason Priestly, where he received his first Gemini nomination and NBC/CTV hospital drama, Saving Hope.
MC Madhavji kicked off the festivities, which included a Bhangra performance by Shan-E-Punjab Arts Club; and the much-anticipated awards ceremony.
Ten amazing individuals from the South Asian community were recognized for their extraordinary achievements and for reflecting their heritage in a remarkable way. These 10 South Asians, identified as leaders, who embody the spirit of community and give back to greater Canadian society, were honored with the prestigious Darpan Extraordinary Achievement Award.
Martin Thibodeau, Regional President of RBC for BC region and Kam Raman, Vice President, Group Advantage presented Dr.Gurtej Singh Sandhu with the International Sensation Award.
Paul McDonald, Sales Manager, at Preston Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Ltd. presented the Industry Marvel Award to Dr. Rajpaul Attariwala.
Gordon Houston, Executive Vice President & Nav Grewal, Associate Vice President of WBI Home Warranty Ltd. presented the Artistic Visionary Award to Tarun Nayar.
Mohamed Mansour, Vice President of Sales of Allure Ventures Inc presented the Community Crusader Award to Dr.Balbir Gurm.
Alex Holme, Director of Sales, ML Emporio Properties Ltd. presented the Breaking Barriers Award to Harleen Dulay.
Jeet Dhindsa, President and CEO of Van Gogh Designs presented the Heritage Defender Award to Raj Bhandal.
Yves Giroux, Vice President & Perminder Chohan, Managing Director at Desjardins Financial presented the Corporate Engagement Award to Raghwa Gopal.
Amar Doman, owner of BC Lions, presented the Spirit Of Sport Award to Amarveer Singh Dhesi.
Balraj Mann of the BM Group of Companies presented the Young Wonder Award to Sarthak Tyagi.
Reggie Raju of Peace Arch Duty Free presented the Advancing Philanthropy Award to Manjit Gill and Darcy Gill.
The night ended with a special entertainment performer who is known to be a legend in the South Asian music industry, and even internationally. Listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest selling bhangra solo artist of all time, with sales of over 4.9 million records over the span of his career. The globally celebrated Malkit Singh had guests dancing the night away to his foot-tapping songs, bringing an energetic end to a spectacular night.
