Milestone celebration brings together distinguished dignitaries, business leaders, entrepreneurs and community changemakers for an evening celebrating leadership, achievement and community spirit.
SURREY, BC | October 26, 2026 – The Times of Canada proudly celebrated its 15th Annual Diwali Gala & Awards on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Reflections Banquet Hall in Surrey. The milestone celebration brought together an esteemed gathering of dignitaries, elected officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals and community changemakers for an evening dedicated to recognizing excellence, celebrating achievements and strengthening community connections.
Celebrating 15 years of recognizing outstanding contributions within the South Asian community and beyond, this landmark occasion reflected The Times of Canada’s continued commitment to highlighting inspiring individuals, celebrating leadership and providing a platform for voices that make a difference.
The evening welcomed distinguished dignitaries and elected officials, whose presence added significance to the celebration and underscored the importance of recognizing leadership, public service and meaningful contributions to society.
Scotia Wealth Management proudly served as the Title Partner of the 15th Annual Diwali Gala & Awards 2026. Their valued partnership played an instrumental role in bringing this milestone celebration to life. The Times of Canada extends its sincere appreciation to the Scotia Wealth Management team for their generous support and continued commitment to community engagement, leadership and excellence.
Recognizing Excellence and Community Leadership
A highlight of the evening was the prestigious awards ceremony, which honoured exceptional individuals and organizations for their professional accomplishments, entrepreneurial achievements, leadership and contributions to the community.
Presented in partnership with distinguished sponsors and community partners, each award recognized a unique journey of dedication, perseverance and impact.
The 2026 award recipients and presenting partners included:
- Business Person of the Year – Dave Mann, presented by Scotia Wealth Management, recognizing his outstanding entrepreneurial leadership, business accomplishments and contributions to the community.
- Community Crusader Award – Dr. Reetinder Kaur, presented by Western Community College, honouring her dedication to community advocacy, education, organ donation awareness and meaningful social impact.
- Emerging Business Award – Events by B Planning, presented by Jassal Signs, celebrating entrepreneurial vision, innovation and the growing impact of an emerging business.
- Trailblazer Award – Dr. Farah Rattansi, presented by Walia Law Group, honouring her pioneering contributions, professional achievements and commitment to creating new pathways for others.
- Legacy Award – Vivek Savkur, presented by Legacy, an initiative by Undo Fundo, recognizing his enduring contributions, leadership and lasting impact.
- Youth Entrepreneur Award – Sohan Seemakurthy, presented by National Bank of Canada, celebrating entrepreneurial ambition, innovation and the achievements of a promising young business leader.
- Sports Excellence Award – Gurleen Dhillon, presented by Sameer and Ankur Kaushal, Realtors, recognizing her dedication, sporting achievements and commitment to excellence.
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Nalini Bhui, presented by Aheer Transportation Ltd., honouring her remarkable journey, lasting accomplishments and contributions over the years.
- Exemplary Service and Leadership Award – Staff Sergeant Mohit Paul, presented by ICICI Bank, recognizing his dedication to public service, leadership and commitment to community safety.
The Times of Canada extends its heartfelt appreciation to all award presenters and sponsors for their generosity and partnership in celebrating individuals whose achievements continue to inspire and make a difference.
An Evening of Culture, Celebration and Connection
Beyond the awards ceremony, guests enjoyed an exciting evening featuring vibrant cultural performances, a spectacular fashion show, festive entertainment and valuable networking opportunities. The celebration also featured the unveiling of The Times of Canada’s special Diwali magazine edition, showcasing inspiring stories, community achievements and voices from across the region.
The evening provided a meaningful opportunity for business leaders, elected officials, professionals and community members to connect, exchange ideas and celebrate the spirit of Diwali while recognizing individuals who continue to inspire future generations.
Event Highlights & Photo Gallery
Relive the memorable moments from The Times of Canada’s 15th Annual Diwali Gala & Awards 2026. Explore photographs and highlights from the evening, featuring the red carpet, distinguished dignitary appearances, award presentations, cultural performances and special celebrations.
- Opening Ceramony & Magazine Unveiling
- Award Ceramony
- Red Carpet Ceramony
- Entertainment
- Gift Giveaway
15 Years of Connecting and Celebrating the Community
Over the past 15 years, The Times of Canada has continued to build a platform that celebrates the achievements, stories and contributions of the South Asian community. Through its print publications, digital platforms, editorial features, community initiatives and signature events, the organization remains committed to connecting people, recognizing excellence and amplifying voices that inspire positive change.
Reflecting on this significant milestone, Geetanjli Sharma, Editor-in-Chief of The Times of Canada, shared:
“Reaching our 15th Annual Diwali Gala is a significant milestone for The Times of Canada. What began as a vision to create a platform for our community has grown into a longstanding tradition of bringing people together, celebrating achievements and recognizing those who make a difference. We are deeply grateful to our Title Partner, Scotia Wealth Management, our award-presenting partners, sponsors, dignitaries, award recipients and everyone who has supported this journey over the years. Their continued trust and support have made these 15 years truly meaningful.”
As The Times of Canada celebrates this milestone, it looks forward to building on its legacy of community engagement, recognition and storytelling, continuing to bring people together and celebrate the individuals and organizations shaping our communities.
About The Times of Canada
The Times of Canada is a South Asian media publication and social media platform dedicated to informing, connecting and celebrating the community. With a 15-year legacy, the organization provides a platform for community voices, business leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers through its quarterly print publications, digital editions, editorial features and community events.
