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Top 20 Most Influential South Asians In Vancouver BC
The year 2020 has finally come to an end, but during these difficult times, there were people who stood strong and supported the community. Here are the top 20 most influential Indo-Canadians who are making a difference in B.C. It is just a refresher, a reminder for these personalities who continue to work towards the community while they influence many through their social media.
Top 20 Most Influential South Asians In Vancouver BC
Neetu Garcha – No stranger to shooting and editing her own broadcast stories, Neetu is a multimedia journalist based in Metro Vancouver. When she’s not reporting for television, radio, or online, Neetu is at the news desk anchoring the show on BC1 or Global BC. Neetu has covered everything from crime and politics to breaking news and international crises.
Sirish Rao – Sirish Rao is a writer, producer, cultural curator with deep connections to the international cultural world. He spent a decade as Director of one of India’s most respected publishing houses and has worked in event production in India, the UK, and Europe. Sirish has authored twenty books, from commentaries on street art to children’s books, to retellings of Greek plays. His books have been translated into seventeen languages and won several international awards.
Ravi Khalon – Ravinder “Ravi” Kahlon is a Canadian politician and field hockey player. Kahlon began playing field hockey as a defender in the Victoria League at age twelve; he was selected to the Junior National Team in 1999 and was named team captain. Kahlon won the NDP nomination in Delta North, an electoral district in Delta, British Columbia, a suburban city in Metro Vancouver.
IAMDJGODESS – DJ Goddess is an international EDM Bollywood and House DJ. She has been breaking barriers at an exponential pace and is quickly becoming a Bollywood celebrity favorite. She is the first female Bollywood DJ to hit charts across the world, being labeled as the No. 3 New DJ in the World, and No. 1 New DJ in Canada by Industry Experts and has been touring ever since.
Simone Grewal – Simone Grewal a true pioneer among south Asian women, breaking the glass ceiling in the world of radio. She is a diva, mother, wife, radio broadcaster and the list keeps on rolling. Simone Grewal an icon and an inspiration for today’s young generation who started her career 17 years ago. She is a freelance voice-over artist, a public speaker, and emcees at community and charity events. An accomplished broadcaster, writer, and producer, Simone have worked at various television and radio stations in Metro Vancouver.
Bal Brach – Bal Brach is an award-winning reporter at CBC News Vancouver. She has worked in television, radio, and online news across Canada for more than 15 years. Bal’s storytelling skills have earned her two Jack Webster Awards. She is also the recipient of regional and national Radio Television Digital News Association awards. Bal can be reached at Bal.Brach@cbc.ca or on social media @BalBrach
Rumandwoke – Ruman (Rumandwoke) is a journalist, blogger and podcaster, and Editor of 5X Press, a South Asian blog aimed at millennials at the diaspora. She is the founder of her own podcast, RumandWoke which centers on the trials and tribulations of being a woman of color in the diaspora. She is a recent graduate of The University of British Columbia’s Masters of Journalism program and has previously worked as a writer at Daily Hive Vancouver and CBC Toronto.
Jas Khosa – Sgt. Jag Khosa has worked tirelessly for many years to curb gang violence in his local community. Drawing on his depth of experience and through the support of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC), Jag developed an educational platform to reach vulnerable youth and their parents. Through articles, workshops, and guest spots on radio and television, Jag is driven to shine a light on gang prevention by sharing CFSEU-BC’s End Gang Life messaging. He also volunteers his time to Students Against Violence Everywhere, SAHELI, Our Global Village, and the Surrey Rotary Club. Jag’s commitment has resulted in hope restored to many families and young lives forever changed.
Raj (Pink Chai) – Raj is a Lifestyle writer, content creator, social media strategist, graphic designer, and creative coach. She is a West Coast girl, with big city dreams. She loves road trips, movie marathons, mac & cheese, and Panjabi music.
Dr. Birinder Narang – Dr. Birinder Narang is a family physician working in Burnaby, East Vancouver, and New Westminster. He practices in a number of settings including a Community Health Centre, Residential Care, hospitals and walk-in clinics. Although he practices in varied locations, Burnaby is where his heart is. He grew up in Burnaby and completed elementary school, high school, and his undergraduate degree here. He traveled to Australia to study medicine and completed Family Medicine training in 2016 at the University of Manitoba.
ParveshJai – Parvesh and Jai are fashion designers. The vision for “Maison de PARVESH JAI” is to create simple, fashionable authentic designer wear made with organic materials that are manufactured with utter care and reviving traditional crafts, tailored with the intent to make the fit so comfortable that you’ll never want to take it off. To achieve such a grand vision, the company is committed to providing the best in class customer service in addition to working with only the most detail-oriented reputed manufacturers and promoting eco-friendly fashion to the mainstream.
Raj Arneja – Raj is the author of “Love At First Sight”. Raj Arneja’s joy to motherhood is her most fulfilling life experience. Her journey is filled with emotions and strife, after traveling thousands of miles from Canada to India which led her to happiness beyond her own expectations.
Anita Bathe – Anita Bathe is both co-host and front-line investigative reporter with CBC VANCOUVER NEWS’ flagship supper hour program at 6 p.m. A passionate journalist known for chasing breaking news and giving citizens a voice Bathe is part of a committed team dedicated to bringing viewers not only the news of the day but also fresh perspectives on community stories that matter to them through all media platforms.
Kanika Sasan – Kanika is an Image Consultant, Actress, and also a jewelry designer. She is the founder and owner of @adorebykanika.
Neera Arora – Nira is a proud Island girl who grew up in Nanaimo and moved to Vancouver to become an SFU and BCIT alumni.
Prior to joining The Beat, Nira was a host, reporter, writer, and producer for many different television shows and local magazines. She now has 14 years of experience in the media world!
Nira is a huge believer in Karma. She plays an active role in the community, volunteering her time for various charities including The Beat Cares Holiday Toy & Food Drive, BC Children’s Hospital, and Canuck Place.
Raj Aadmi – Raj Aadmi is one of North America’s most iconic and successful entrepreneurs, owner and CEO of Canada’s The Aadmi Group, a consortium of companies under management. … The Aadmi Group includes Canadian real estate and financial holdings under The Matrixx Real Estate Group, The Matrixx Group, and Aadmi Holdings.
Tarannum Thind – Tarannum Thind has been working with OMNI for five years. Starting as a host for OMNI Television produced shows such as Chai Time, Fusion Fare and Community Calendars; Tarannum is now the entertainment reporter for OMNI News: Punjabi Edition. OMNI has provided Tarannum with a lot of opportunities that has helped her to grow as a broadcaster. She says that working with a team that is both inspiring and supportive helps to bring out the best in an individual.
Nisha khare – Nisha Kharé, BA, BEd, MEd, RCC helps people tell their stories authentically. She is the co-founder of Human Biography, which produces video content with change-makers, thought leaders, and icons. Examples of those captured by her company include the Dalai Lama, Meryl Streep, and Katy Perry. Nisha is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, director/producer, speaker, actor, brand ambassador, and proud mom of two. She hosts an online series called “Wellness Chats with Nisha” for the Stigma-Free Society, where she moderates dialogue with experts on mental health. She has also partnered with Karly Neveu in the creation of a collective called, “Women of Wonder”. This is a movement with the goal of connecting women to tap into their superpowers and elevate each other’s lives. Nisha is also recognized for her talk on Powerful Partnerships at the United Nations in New York.
Manveer Singh – Manveer is a content creator and activist.
Coach Romi Gill – Romi is a bodybuilder and he teaches how to be Mentally Strong. He is a natural vegetarian. He is also a personal trainer & Nutritionist.
