Canada India Foundation congratulates Vasu Chanchlani on being the recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award from the Government of India

TORONTO, Jan. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Canada India Foundation (CIF), a non-profit organization formed to foster support for stronger bi-lateral relations between Canada and India, congratulated noted Indo-Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist and CIF Executive, Mr. Vasu Chanchlani, on becoming the recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award from the Government of India. Mr. Chanchlani was one of the 13 members of the global Indian diaspora, who received the award from the President of India at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 event, held in New Delhi on January 9.

Speaking on behalf of the organization, CIF Chair, Dr. V.I. "Lucky" Lakshmanan, said "The award is a testimonial not only to Mr. Chanchlani's pursuit of entrepreneurial excellence, but also to his passion for philanthropy expressed through his generous contributions to numerous worthy causes". "At CIF, we are very proud of our association with Mr. Chanchlani, which has resulted in initiatives such as the CIF Chanchlani Global Indian Award, the CIF Chanchlani Foundation and the Chanchlani India Policy Centre at University of Waterloo", he added.

The Consul General of India in Toronto, Mr. Akhilesh Mishra, said "For the Indian community in Greater Toronto Area, Vasu Chanchlani's name is synonymous with philanthropy. Through his consistent and generous support for numerous charitable causes and cultural initiatives, Vasuji has brought glory to himself, his family and the Indo-Canadian community. I am privileged to know him".

Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament and Co-Chair, Canada India Interparliamentary Friendship Group, also conveyed his congratulations. "Vasu is one of the most respected humanitarians in both Canada and India. It is not surprising that he would be honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award", he said.

Acknowledging the congratulations, Mr. Chanchlani said, "I am very happy to have been chosen by the Government of India for the award. I see it not just as a recognition of my humble contributions, but as a recognition of the people of Indian origin in Canada, who have brought credit to both their mother country, India, and their adopted country, Canada."  Beneficiaries of Mr. Chanchlani's philanthropic contributions have included Universities of McMaster, Waterloo and Toronto and Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

SOURCE: Canada India Foundation

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