CIF holds an annual Annual Award and Gala Dinner, to recognize excellence and celebrate achievement in the Global Indian Diaspora. As part of the Gala dinner, we present the "Global Indian Award" to a recipient who has demonstrated global leadership, vision and professional excellence, which has made all of us of Indian origin extremely proud of our heritage. This award is presented annually.

CIF recognizes the Global Indian's journey that led to being the main catalyst for the transformation of India into a global economy today. India's emergence, from the backwaters of global economy to its frontline is generating aspirations for the future. The award celebrates the contribution such individuals who "made it happen". This award is named the "CIF Chanchlani Global Indian Award".

AWARD RECIPIENTS

2010 - Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Group

Chairman of Tata Sons and therefore, Tata Group, India's largest conglomerate. The award was conferred in Vancouver in presence of Canadian Minister Jason Kenney and UN Under-Secretary General Shashi Tharoor among other distinguished guests. The award carries a cash award of $225,000 Cdn (Rs. One Crore) for the families of the victims of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, to be given to Mr. Tata along with the award. CIF also donated $25, 000 to Canadian Military Families Fund .

2009 - Tulsi Tanti, Founder & CEO, Suzlon

Popularly known as "Wind man of India" Tulsi Tanti was selected for the award for his outstanding contributions to promote non-conventional sources of energy. The award will be conferred in presence of Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission and Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.

2008 - Sam Pitroda, Chairman, India's National Knowledge Commission

Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper and former Indian president Dr. Abdul Kalam presented the inaugral "CIF Chanchlani Global Indian Award" to Sam Pitroda, along with a prize of $50,000 to be directed to charity. Mr. Pitroda was selected as the recipient of the "Global Indian Award" for his role as Chairman of the Knowledge Commission in India, his innovations as the holder of over 100 patents, and for his immense contribution to revolutionizing India's telecommunications industry.