Shakti Awards 2023
March 25th, 2023
The Shakti Awards held on March 25th, an annual event that has been honouring local women since the year 2000, once again proved to be a night to remember—celebrating women and their Shakti, the power within. At the sold out Shakti Awards presented by Brian Jessel BMW, guests enjoyed an evening of an inspiring keynote address by Raminder Dos[1]anjh, a well known South Asian activist, founding member of the India Mahila Association and pioneer who has advocated for women’s rights for over 50 years. Guests were welcomed by Anju Bedi on her melodious sitar and captivating perfor[1]mances by Sanya Dhingra, Harmanpreet Kaur, Dance Away, Spirit of Dance and Deepika Sitoskar.
16 local women were recognized for their accomplishments, determination, courage and grace with the Shakti Award.
Award recipients and their sponsors are as follows:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Raminder Dosanjh.
Sponsored by Brian Jessel, BMW.
Indigenous Inspirational Leader: Gail Stromquist.
Sponsored by Tarka and Spice It Up Foods.
Academic Award of Excellence: Jatinder Kaur Bir.
Sponsored by PICS.
Athletic Award of Excellence: Saje Brar.
Sponsored by Magic Malts.
Athletic Achievement: Sarb Lidder.
Sponsored by Elegant Glass.
Artistic Award of Excellence: Huma Shoaib.
Sponsored by Annie Ji Singh.
Business Award of Excellence: Harp Sohal.
Sponsored by Wave Skin Care.
Business Award: Shubha Choudhary.
Sponsored by Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Community Service: Sunita Dhir.
Sponsored by PLI Auto Gallery.
Community Service Award of Excellence: Josephine Chauhan.
Sponsored by Keyways Mortgage Inc.
Corporate Award of Excellence : Juggy Sihota.
Sponsored by Veza Global
Entrepreneurial Award of Excellence: Rajbir Grewal.
Sponsored by Verka Foods.
Entrepreneurial Award of Excellence: Rajbir Grewal.
Sponsored by Verka Foods.
Media Award of Excellence: Tarannum Thind.
Sponsored by Hollycrest Properties Ltd.
Media Award: Dr. Jasmine Kaur.
Sponsored by Tony Hayre
Award for Resilience: Harnaaz Grewal.
Sponsored by Real Time CPA Accounting
Funds raised at the Shakti Awards will go to Shakti Society, a grassroots not-for-profit organization that is committed to empowering women, children and families. Like every year, scholarships will be provided to young women from local high schools. Shakti Society holds various events through the year such as Wellness Days, Healing Circles, Women’s Lunch[1]eons and Community Cafes on issues that impact women and families. Shakti Society also hosts the Shakti Film Festival every October to showcase women centric and social justice films from around the world.
Sonia Andhi and the Shakti Awards organizing committee would like to thank all those who helped make this year’s event a huge success, especially the sponsors, donors, volunteers and guests. For additional information on the Shakti Awards, Shakti Society or to learn how to become a sponsor or nominate for next year, please email shaktiso-ciety2000@gmail.com
