SURREY – Darpan Magazine, hosted its 8th Annual Awards in the company of esteemed social, business and political elites by honouring Khalsa Aid Founder Ravi Singh with its International Sensation honours.

This spectacular red carpet event took place at Aria Convention Centre in Surrey on September 15. With over 700 guests in attendance, this black-tie affair commenced at 6 p.m. in the backdrop of glamour and grandeur. On the red carpet, a live media station interviewed our esteemed guests asking them their expectations for the evening, photographers were busy capturing beautiful moments; and a special achievement wall showcased some of the past award winners over the last seven years.

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 honoured with the prestigious Darpan Extraordinary Achievement Award. These 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

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 gave birth to 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.

Singh is a recognised advocate and speaker on humanitarian causes and has spoken regularly on national and international media on topics from the importance and dangers of field work to being a voice for oppressed minorities. He is also a recognised TEDx speaker.

Singh’s rеlіеf wоrk wаѕ rесоgnіsеd оn thе UK nаtіоnаl tеlеvіѕіоn show “Surрrіѕе Surрrіѕе”. He wаѕ rеwаrdеd fоr his еxtrаоrdіnаrу соmmіtmеnt towards рrоvіdіng thе rеlіеf аіd tо Burrоwbrіdgе, Sоmеrѕеt, durіng thе flооdіng thеrе.

In 2016, BBC made a documentary around Singh’s work in Northern Iraq titled The Selfless Sikh: Faith on the Frontlines. The film follows Singh’s journey as he provides aid to Yazidi families who have fled their homes to escape the brutality of Islamic State.

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.