Indian-Origin Volunteers Among Honorees at Canada’s Volunteer Awards 2025

The Government of Canada has announced the recipients of the 2025 Canada’s Volunteer Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations for their contributions to community service across the country. Volunteers of Indian origin were prominently featured among the honorees, with Bharat Rudra of Ottawa leading the list of 19 awardees. Other recipients of Indian descent include dental surgeon Dr. Raj Khanuja, Shiven Taneja of Ontario, and Amandeep Boparai of British Columbia.

Announcing the awards, Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, emphasized the vital role of volunteers in Canadian society. “Volunteers impact Canadians’ lives in countless ways. By getting involved in the causes they care about, volunteers foster stronger and more inclusive communities. Through the Canada’s Volunteer Awards, the Government of Canada is proud to honor some of the country’s most dedicated volunteers.”

The awards recognize 19 recipients and five individuals receiving special mentions for their work across a wide range of areas, including addressing social isolation, housing insecurity, business development in Northern communities, mental health, diversity and inclusion, and support for vulnerable populations such as children, families, and seniors. According to the government, their efforts reflect a deep commitment to strengthening communities and embody the values associated with Canadian civic life.

Each award recipient will also direct a grant ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to a nonprofit organization of their choice, further extending the impact of their work.

Bharat Rudra has been recognized for more than two decades of leadership in volunteerism. As co-founder and volunteer president of The Indus Entrepreneur Ottawa, he played a key role in supporting displaced professionals following the collapse of Ottawa’s telecom sector. Under his leadership, the organization has mentored more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, supported new ventures, and contributed to innovation in the region. He also helped establish TiECon Canada, which has grown into a leading conference in North America.

In other categories, David Rattray received the Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement Special Mention award. Regional awards were presented across the country, with Organigram Global named Business Leader in the Atlantic and Darlene David-Cashin recognized as Community Leader in the same region. Isabelle Ducharme was honored in Quebec, while Adam Lake received the award in Ontario. Additional regional recipients include James Klaassen for the Prairies and Jim Stauffer for British Columbia and the North.

Several individuals were recognized with special mentions for their community contributions. Dr. Raj Khanuja was acknowledged for his long-standing efforts to improve access to dental care in Orangeville, Ontario. More than two decades ago, he identified a growing gap in oral health services for residents without insurance and founded “Doing Positive in My Backyard,” a grassroots initiative that began with a free dental care day. Through this initiative, he has provided no-cost services such as cleanings, fillings, and extractions to underserved individuals, contributing his time, resources, and expertise while encouraging others to volunteer.

Other special mention recipients include Luka Brkljacic and Amanda Coombs.

In the Emerging Leaders category, Shiven Taneja of Ontario was recognized alongside Alison MacDonald of the Atlantic region and Donia Arfaoui. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taneja developed a practical solution to improve air quality and reduce viral transmission risks. After building a Corsi-Rosenthal Box, a do-it-yourself air filtration device capable of removing nearly 90 percent of airborne viral particles, he began offering to construct the units at cost for members of his community.

Amandeep Boparai of British Columbia was also recognized in the special mention category. As Chief of Operations at the SPARK Foundation, a youth-led nonprofit focused on life education and leadership, she has played a central role in expanding programs that have reached more than 5,000 young people across the province. Her work has supported youth in developing confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose.