TORONTO: The Canada-India Foundation honoured the USD 50,000 Global Indian Award to Vedanta founder Anil Agarwal at its 15th annual event this past weekend.

He donated the award money to a Canadian health charity working for the welfare of native Indians.

The metal mining tycoon praised the accomplishments of the 1.6 million-strong Indo-Canadian population in this nation while accepting the prize at a gala event attended by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, ministers, and Indian consul general Apoorva Srivastava.

"I have gone the world, but nowhere else have I witnessed the same level of ties between the Indian diaspora as I do in Canada. Make Canada proud by taking your company to new heights. You reside in the ideal nation in the globe "said Agarwal.

He said, Canada and India are very similar and compliment each other in a wide range of areas. The two nations are capable of amazing things when working together. India has historically been a developing nation, said the founder of Vedanta. "The time has changed, in the ensuing years, the $3 trillion economy will grow to $30 trillion. In the following six to seven years, the middle class, which currently comprises 20% of the population, will increase to 80%. 150 large cities will be constructed in India. With a population of 1.4 billion, you can only imagine the (sheer) amount of demand even though Indians may be 20 years behind Canada in terms of lifestyle." 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford appreciated the Indian tycoon for this charity. "I can't think of any more deserving person, for the award, than Anil Agarwal whose generosity has improved the lives of so many people. You are a role model and an inspiration, Anil," the Ontario chief said.

Chairman of the Canada India Foundation Satish Thakkar welcomed Agarwal to the gala and stated, "Every young person growing up should be motivated by Mr. Agarwal's life narrative to dream big and work hard to realise those dreams. 

Mr. Agarwal is an example of philanthropy for all, having promised to donate 75% of his wealth to charity. I would want to send a very very warm greeting to Mr. Agarwal on behalf of CIF and everyone in attendance." This prestigious Indo-Canadian group began giving out the Global Indian Award in 2007, and previous winners include Ratan Tata, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and Deepak Chopra.

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