Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated DARPAN Extraordinary Achievement Awards return this year on September 19, 2025, at the elegant Aria Banquet & Convention Centre in Surrey, British Columbia. A signature event in the South Asian community in BC, the Awards recognize and celebrate individuals who have made a mark in their respective fields while embodying the spirit of leadership, innovation, and positive impact.
Organized by DARPAN Magazine, this prestigious annual gala is now in its 15th year and continues to shine a spotlight on trailblazers of South Asian descent across Canada and globally. From business and philanthropy to arts, sports, and corporate engagement, the Awards aim to uplift and amplify voices that inspire change and contribute meaningfully to society.
Over the years, the DARPAN Extraordinary Achievement Awards have honoured a diverse group of changemakers. Past award recipients include Tim Singh Grover, coach to Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade and others; Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, inspiring activist, founder, and executive director of the women-led NGO Afghan Institute of Learning; Dr. Narinder Kapany, hailed as Father of Fibre Optics; Toronto Raptors’ Superfan Nav Bhatia; trailblazing inventor Dr. Gurtej Sandhu; Khalsa Aid founder Ravi Singh; and USB co-creator Ajay Bhatt, among many others.
Each year, the event brings together over 800 guests, including community leaders, business professionals, elected officials, and media personalities, to celebrate excellence and be inspired by stories of courage, resilience, and success. With dynamic performances, a red carpet experience, and an atmosphere of glamour and prestige, the Awards night has become a cornerstone event for the South Asian community in British Columbia.
As we prepare for the 2025 edition of the Awards, nominations officially open on May 26, 2025. This is your chance to shine a light on someone making a difference—whether it's a community volunteer, an emerging artist, a business leader, or a heritage defender. Nominations are open across several categories, and we invite individuals and organizations to participate in recognizing the extraordinary among us.
The DARPAN Extraordinary Achievement Awards are more than just accolades—they are a celebration of the community's spirit, success stories, and the power of representation. As the South Asian diaspora continues to grow and thrive in Canada, events like these ensure that contributions are acknowledged and that future generations are inspired to dream big.
Stay tuned for more updates and nomination details on www.darpanmagazine.com and follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content and announcements. Join us on September 19, 2025, for a night of inspiration, recognition, and celebration at the DARPAN Extraordinary Achievement Awards.
