I am currently in Calgary, Canada, where I had the distinct honour of receiving the prestigious Global Hindu Award 2026 during the magnificent Dhanteras Gala, attended by political leaders, diplomats, business executives, community representatives, and distinguished guests from Canada and around the world.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, in connection with the significant occasion, paid tribute to the remarkable contributions of the Hindu community to Canada’s social, cultural and economic development. Similarly, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre and the premiers of Ontario and Saskatchewan also acknowledged the community’s positive role in strengthening Canadian society.
The ceremony was further graced by Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas, Alberta Minister of Justice and Attorney General Mickey Amery, members of parliament, elected representatives, diplomats and international community leaders. The remarkable contribution of the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce for organising the event in such an amazing way was also widely appreciated.
The Global Hindu Award is presented annually to an individual whose lifelong commitment, compassion, and humanitarian service have made a meaningful impact at the global level. Receiving this remarkable recognition as the first Pakistani citizen to be honoured with the award is indeed a moment of immense pride for the entire Pakistani nation.
While dedicating the prestigious award to my beloved motherland Pakistan, I spoke about the universal message of peace, tolerance, kindness, and respect for all religions that forms the very essence of Hinduism. I highlighted the timeless Vedic teachings of Seva (selfless service), Karuna (compassion), Karma (righteous actions always bring positive results) and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the whole world is one family). I also recalled the invaluable lesson taught by my late father, Dr Sital Das, who always advised me that a truly good human being is one who shares the pain and suffering of others.
Throughout my parliamentary career of around three decades, I have consistently struggled to promote constitutional rights for minorities, religious freedom, interfaith harmony, education, healthcare, women’s empowerment and social justice through legislation and public policy.
Over the past two decades, the Pakistan Hindu Council, under my patronage, has transformed the lives of thousands of families through free medical camps, educational assistance, disaster relief operations, mass marriage ceremonies, interfaith dialogue, financial assistance, job fairs and numerous community development initiatives. One of the defining moments of my public life was presenting arguments before the Supreme Court of Pakistan that contributed to the landmark judgment of June 19, 2014 for the protection of minority rights in the country’s history.
After the passing of my beloved elder brother, Dr Prem Kumar Vankwani, our family decided that the greatest tribute to his loving memory would be to continue serving humanity. This vision laid the foundation for Prem Nagar - The Land of Love, a 150-acre model welfare township in Islamkot, Tharparkar, where I have the privilege of leading as chairman.
During my address, I also emphasised that present-day Pakistan has been home to one of the world’s ancient Hindu civilisations for thousands of years. Sacred holy sites such as Hinglaj Mata Temple, Katas Raj Temples, Teri Temple, Prahlad Temple and many other historic places remain living symbols of our shared civilizational heritage. I invited delegates from Canada and across the world to visit Pakistan, experience these sacred sites firsthand, and witness the country’s rich cultural diversity, hospitality and religious harmony.
Drawing upon my experience as chairman of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, I highlighted that faith tourism is far more than visiting sacred places. In fact, it is an instrument of peace, mutual understanding, and public diplomacy. When international visitors experience Pakistan through personal interaction, misconceptions are replaced by respect, friendship and trust. I believe this people-to-people diplomacy is among the most effective ways to build bridges between nations in today’s world.
In my view, the true value of any achievement lies not in the honour itself but in the larger responsibility it brings. I therefore dedicate this Global Hindu Award to the people of Pakistan.
The writer is a member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council. He tweets/posts @RVankwani
