WASHINGTON (TIP): Indiaspora’s Founder, MR Rangaswami, has been recognized by the Canada–India Business Council with its new 2020 ‘Global Service Award’ for launching Indiaspora and connecting the Indian diaspora globally.

The award was presented virtually on Thursday as part of the Canada-India Business Council’s virtual Diwali Awards from 5 pm – 6 pm EDT, according to media release.

The inaugural award is given to an individual who demonstrates excellence, and a record of exceptional service for the betterment of others.

The ‘Global Service Award’ recognizes selflessness, dedication, and a significant contribution to either Canada or India. “It’s an awesome privilege to accept this award from the prestigious Canada-India Business Council,” said Rangaswami, a Silicon Valley software executive, investor, and entrepreneur. “This award will give us momentum on our journey of connecting the Indian diaspora globally and making an impact,” he said. “We view Canada and Indo-Canadians as an integral partner in this mission.” “MR  has served in numerous ways throughout his life, with grace and humility. What he has done in eight short years through Indiaspora, by convening, mobilizing, and catalyzing key diaspora leaders in the United States and around the world, is nothing short of remarkable,” said Victor Thomas, President and CEO of Canada-India Business Council. “We are thrilled to recognize him with the Canada-India Business Council’s first-ever ‘Global Service Award.’”  “The 1.6 million strong Indian community — affluent, hard-working, peaceful and fully integrated into the Canadian ethos — is a living bridge fostering people to people ties between India and Canada,” said Apoorva Srivastava, Consul General of India in Toronto. “The community is making a significant contribution to the growth and prosperity of Canada, which is well recognized by Canadian society and the government.”

“There are several organizations who are working tirelessly for the well-being of the community members,” said Srivastava,  one of the presenters at the Diwali Awards event.

“Indiaspora is one such organization, which since its inception, has amplified the voice of the community and transformed it into a vibrant and dynamic force.”

“I congratulate Rangaswami and the Indiaspora team for their stupendous work in the service of the community. Today’s award is a recognition of their efforts in helping the community to unite together for their common good,” said Srivastava.

As part of its “Global Connect” program to lead high-level delegations of the Indian diaspora to different countries, Indiaspora organized a delegation of their members and prominent friends from the US to Canada to meet Canadian, Indian, and Indo-Canadian leaders in government, academia, philanthropy, the arts, finance, business and technology in October 2018.

The “Track II” diplomacy meetings took place in Toronto and Ottawa in the wake of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) proposed earlier that month, as well as Prime Minister Trudeau’s trade trip to India earlier that year, the release said.

“MR is a true example of how to provide selfless service while making a meaningful impact in the world through various initiatives, including as founder of Indiaspora,” said Sukesh Kumar, a Partner and National Leader of KPMG’s India Practice, and an Indiaspora Patron who has played a leading role in Indiaspora’s Canadian activities.

“What makes him even more special is his humility and approaching every situation with a smile.”

“I was delighted to be a part of Indiaspora’s high-level delegation to Canada led by MR Rangaswami. The enthusiasm to engage with our group, which was evident among Indo-Canadian leaders in diverse professions, was testament to his amazing relationship building and convening capacity,” said Arjun Divecha, a US-based investor who is head of Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co’s Emerging Markets Equity team and an Indiaspora Founders Circle member who was part of Indiaspora’s delegation to Canada.

“Under his dynamic, visionary leadership, Indiaspora is fast becoming a premier organization working to build meaningful relationships across Indian diaspora leaders globally, including of course in Canada.”

Patricia Koval, Chair of the Canada-India Business Council will be introducing the ‘Global Service Award’ before Rangawami’s remarks.

Other Canada-India Business Council honorees include: Paytm Canada CEO Harinder Takhar with the Member of the Year Award; G(irls)20 Acting-CEO Bailey Greenspon with the Roy MacLaren Humanitarian Award; and Teck Resources Limited President and CEO Donald Lindsay with the Thomas Bata Corporate of the Year Award.