Former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper presented the Canada India Foundation's first Chanchlani Global Indian Award to Dr Sam Pitroda, chairman, India's National Knowledge Commission, at a gala dinner April 18 in Toronto.
The specially crafted trophy was presented to Dr Pitroda in a glittering ceremony at the prestigious Liberty Grand, part of a 200-year-old Canadian National Exhibition complex in Toronto, in the presence of about 500 guests, including federal and provincial politicians, and with town criers ushering in the guests and helping onstage.
The check of $50,000 that comes with the award will go to a charity of the recipient's choice.
Image: Sam Pitroda with the 2008 CIF Chanchlani Global Indian Award. He is flanked by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and former Indian President Dr Abdul Kalam.
Text and photographs: Ajit Jain in Toronto
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