SAVE THE DATE – SEPTEMBER 21, 2024
Thank you Calgary for making the 2023 Gala a success!
View the list of winners on the 2023 Winners page.
Gala pictures are posted now. Go to our Gala page.
Thank you to all our sponsors and partners!
Please follow us on social media for information on our upcoming 2023 Gala .
This evening was a testament to the hardworking immigrants who have come to Canada and made it their home. It was an honor to be here among other inspiring, highly accomplished members of our community and to see the unity and the strength with the large turnout. This evening was such an important aspect, where we could show our future generations that hard work, dedication and persistence pays off. That you can retain your roots and still integrate into the Canadian society and reach new levels. We can reach the glass ceiling, touch it and break it.
Gulshan Dua, Rashmi Dua and Parul Dua Makkar
Dashmesh Culture Centre was honored to be part of the inaugural event. It was inspirational to see all the great humanitarian work being done in the Calgary community by great individuals and organizations. This type of event is more than a awards program, it provides a platform to showcase the great work being done in the community and to encourage more individuals, families and organizations to get involved in the community and make a difference. Great job by organizing committee for putting on a great event and we look forward to supporting this event for years to come!
It is wonderful to celebrate the many contributions made to our city by Calgary’s South Asian community. So many people and organizations are incredibly involved in philanthropy and service. I am thrilled that the South Asian Inspiration Awards were started to recognize them.
Amtul Siddiqui
What a wonderful way to celebrate alongside the people and organizations that contribute to the strength, diversity and beauty of our city! It was truly inspiring to meet so many changemakers and community-builders in one place - some that Calgary Foundation knows well and others that were new to us. I was most struck by the diversity of heritages and cultures reflected in the room - all sharing a common message of pride, belonging and selfless service.
Ingrid Wasylyshen
Being a SAIA award winner was an amazing experience for me. I was really moved and touched by the significance of creating history means a lot to me.
That has made a big impact in my life and moving forward this is such an humbling experience to keep me grounded in my life.
Harpal (Harp) Sandhu
SAIA’s Mandate
SAIA’s mandate is to recognize role models and change makers within the South Asian community and allies who contribute to progress and significant positive impact in and for the South Asian community through their Life, Work and Play.
In between Awards Galas SAIA will share vignettes and stories from the history of all South Asians in Alberta to understand how our community became so well established. This will provide an opportunity for our youth to learn of the resilience of the South Asians through the last 100 years to present day and undoubtedly be inspired by people with whom they can identify.
SAIA will use this platform to create awareness and to promote gender equality/equity in the South Asian community. SAIA will also seek to enhance cultural diversity, promote intercultural trust and understanding, and reduce racism between communities, in particular between South Asian and other diverse communities. Through this recognition and promotion, SAIA aims to inspire others to learn and engage in cultures outside of their own within Canada. SAIA is a non-partisan and secular organization.
