MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — October 10, 2025 — The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) hosted more than 700 guests, including business leaders, dignitaries, and community members, at its Dhanteras Gala 2025 — an evening dedicated to entrepreneurship, cultural pride, and social impact.
Held at the IKON Event Space in Mississauga, the annual gala underscored the Chamber’s growing national presence as a voice for Hindu professionals and entrepreneurs across Canada.
The event opened with a Ganesh Vandana performed by Vidhi Sharma and a Dhanteras Pooja led by Pandit Kannan Bhattacharya, invoking blessings of prosperity. Emcees Vedanshee Patel and Maharshi Jani guided the evening with grace and humour, setting the tone for a celebration that blended tradition with forward-looking ambition.
In opening remarks, CHCC Chair Abhishek Tanwar and Co-Chair Ganesh Parida highlighted the Chamber’s collaborative spirit. Convenor Nitheen Rao and Co-Convenor Nikhil Sabharwal spoke on innovation and unity, while President Kushagr Dutt Sharma outlined CHCC’s expanding advocacy role, its growing chapter network, and plans for the India Trade Mission 2026 — a major initiative to strengthen bilateral business ties.
Honouring Leadership and Achievement
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards recognizing excellence in business, public service, and community leadership.
- Member of the Year – Minesh Patel, for uniting 21 Indian community organizations through volunteerism.
- Social Service Award – Dr. Nitin N. Ghorpade, a cardiac surgeon recognized for humanitarian work.
- Inspiring Woman of Excellence – Harshida Acharya, global logistics executive at Fulfillment IQ.
- Excellence in Entrepreneurship – Kundan Joshi, Founder and CEO of TheAppLabb and Al Labb, noted for AI innovation.
- Arts and Culture Award – Aditi Patil, Calgary’s youngest professional singer and rising cultural ambassador.
- Excellence in Public Service – D/Cst. Sneh Patel, Peel Regional Police, for leadership in inclusive policing and hate-crime prevention.
- Excellence in Business – Subhash Khanna, Montreal entrepreneur and philanthropist.
- Professional Excellence – Prof. Vern Krishna, O.C., for his role in shaping Canada’s National Mobility Agreement for lawyers.
- President’s Award – Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, for her contributions to governance and equality.
- Global Hindu Award – Danny (Digvijay) Gaekwad, U.S.-based entrepreneur and philanthropist advancing Hindu excellence worldwide.
- Lifetime Achievement – Dr. V. I. Lakshmanan, pioneering scientist and humanitarian.
Each award reflected the Chamber’s commitment to celebrating individuals who combine professional success with service and integrity.
Among the evening’s distinguished speakers were Himadar Maddipatla, President and CEO of ICICI Bank Canada, Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh, Acting Consul General of India in Toronto, and Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Member of Pakistan’s Parliament.
Elected officials from all levels of government attended, including MPs Garnett Genuis, Sonia Sidhu, and Anna Roberts; MPPs Deepak Anand and Sheref Sabawy; and several city councillors.
The Chamber used the occasion to launch its Annual Magazine and unveil its new tagline, signaling a refreshed vision for 2026. The evening also included the formal announcement of new CHCC chapters and details of the Trade Mission to India, to be chaired by Dr. Rakesh Kantaria with President Sharma.
Cultural performances, including a powerful musical set by award recipient Aditi Patil, added vibrancy to the gala’s celebrations.
The Dhanteras Gala has become a cornerstone event for the CHCC, growing in scale each year since its inception in 2022. The Chamber’s past galas in Oakville drew significant attention for showcasing business excellence and promoting cultural collaboration among Hindu-Canadians.
Beyond its flagship event, the CHCC has hosted national networking sessions, business forums, and webinars aimed at fostering economic growth and professional development. Its leadership frequently engages with municipal and federal stakeholders, ensuring that the perspectives of Hindu business owners are included in Canada’s broader economic and policy discussions.
Founded to provide a unified platform for Hindu entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors, the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce continues to expand its reach across the country. Its programs focus on mentorship, trade, policy advocacy, and cultural preservation — bridging Canada’s business community with its South Asian heritage.
As President Kushagr Dutt Sharma noted in his closing remarks, the Chamber’s mission “is not only to celebrate success but to create pathways for future generations.”
The Dhanteras Gala 2025 concluded on that forward-looking note — a night that honoured excellence, embraced unity, and reaffirmed the growing influence of Hindu-Canadian professionals in shaping the nation’s economic story.
For more information on upcoming programs and membership, visit chcconline.ca.
