The 5th Annual DARPAN Extraordinary Achievement Awards were held at the Aria Banquet & Convention Centre in Surrey on Friday, September 19. The event honoured ten remarkable South Asian individuals who embody the spirit of community and believe in giving back through their own avenues in an effort to build society. The evening featured a keynote speech by Anuradha Koirala, a social activist from Nepal who has rescued and rehabilitated thousands of females from sex trafficking.

These award recipients were:

• Young Wonder - Anoop Virk
• Artistic Visionary - Sirish Rao
• Industry Marvel - Anita Huberman
• Advancing Philanthropy - Gunwant Bains
• Community Crusader - Dr. Raghbir Singh Bains
• Corporate Engagement - Peter Dhillon
• Breaking Barriers - Dr. Gurdev Singh Gill
• Heritage Defender - Naad Foundation, Amarjeet Singh
• Spirit of Sport - Arjun Gill
• International Sensation - Anuradha Koirala

Also spotted at the event were Honourable BC Premier Christy Clark; Dianne Watts, Surrey Mayor; Jinny Sims, Member of Parliament; Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education; Amrik Virk, Minister of Advanced Education; and Members of Legislative Assembly Harry Bains and Raj Chouhan.