Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Hon. Baljit Singh Chadha P.C. presented with Lifetime Achievement Award

Honourable Baljit Singh Chadha, P.C., was presented the Lifetime Achievement award at the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) gala on Saturday June 12th, 2010. 1,100 Indo-Canadians from all over Canada attended the awards ceremony to support this year’s award recipients.

Born in Bombay in 1951, he came to Canada for his MBA in 1973 and in 1976, with a rented desk and borrowed capital, founded Balcorp Limited in Montreal, which today is a successful international marketer of agrifood products, forestry products, aviation services, pharmaceuticals, telecommunication equipment and minerals.

In 2003, Prime Minister Jean Chretien appointed Baljit Singh Chadha with the rare distinction for life to the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada; at the same time he was appointed for a five year term to the Security Intelligence Review Committee. In 2009, he also accepted the appointment as a Distinguished Fellow of the Asia Pacific Foundation.

Mr. Chadha is no stranger to recognition for his tireless efforts in bridging business between Canada and India. As a noteworthy Canadian citizen Mr. Chadha has had the unique opportunity to play an integral role in several International Trade Missions and Trade Development Processes, which were led by the Prime Minister of Canada and the Premier of Quebec.

In 1993 , Roshi and Baljit Chadha co-founded the Chadha Family Foundation, which supports of arts, heritage, culture, education and social well-being. They have supported original and innovative projects in Canada, India, and around the world, while promoting cross-cultural understanding and knowledge.

Mr. Chadha obtained his undergraduate science degree (B.Sc.) at the University of Bombay before immigrating to Canada. He has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Concordia University in Montreal and a Diploma in Business Administration (DBA) from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario (UWO). He also holds corporate director certification (ICD.D) from the Institute of Corporate Directors and the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto.

ICCC initiated this awards program in 1992 to publicly acknowledge the achievements and contributions made by Indo-Canadians in which they recognize professionals in 11 categories. The lifetime achievement award is presented to outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions to broaden and increase the respect of Indo- Canadians in Canada. Mr. Chadha was a natural choice for the Lifetime Achievement Award as he has dedicated his life to the advancement of this community.