Darpan Magazine, hosted its 8th Annual Awards this past weekend at the Aria Convention Centre in Surrey.

Over 700 guest attended the annual black-tie affair.

Once again the magazine recognized the notable achievements of individuals from the South Asian community for embodying their heritage in a remarkable way.

This year’s recipients were:

International Sensation – Ravi Singh

Young Wonder – Ali Janjiana

Artistic Visionary – Vic Sarin

Industry Marvel – Dr. Nemy Banthia

Advancing Philanthropy – Sardul S. Gill

Community Crusader – Jag Khosa

Corporate Engagement – Manjit Minhas

Breaking Barriers – Ken Herar

Heritage Defender – South Asian Arts

Spirit of Sport – Eric Basran

Canadian actor and television personality Huse Madhavji, who flew in from Toronto, 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.

The highlight of the evening was our Guest of Honour Ravi Singh, founder and CEO of Khalsa Aid organization. Khalsa Aid is an international NGO with the aim to provide humanitarian aid in disaster areas and civil conflict zones around the world.

The idea of taking the concept of langar aka Sikh community kitchen to people or regions that needed it the most launched the Khalsa Aid organization in 1999 in London, United Kingdom.

Starting with the first mission in Kosovo, Singh has worked in war-hit zones like Syria and Yemen; helped multiple countries struck with disaster like the Nepal earthquake, famine in Kenya, and Indonesia Tsunami; and aided refugee camps in Greece, Lebanon and Congo, among many others.

 For more on the gala, go to  www.darpanmagazine.com