NINE WOMEN RECEIVE COMMUNITY AWARDS AT ICACI EVENT

Nine women received the community women awards as part of the fifth Celebrating Womanhood Gala event organized by the Indo-Canadian arts and Culture Initiative.

Mokshi Virk, Director of Indo Canadian arts & Culture Initiative (ICACI) organized her highly successful 5th annual Celebrating Womanhood Gala event and Awards show at Grand Taj Convention Centre, Mississauga on March 4, 2017. The event was attended by over three hundred guests from all walks of life.

Prominent names included MP Sonia Sidhu, MP Ruby Sahota, MPP Harinder Malhi, Mayor Linda Jeffery, Regional Councillor Gael Miles, Regional Councillor Martin Medeiros and Councillor Gurpreet Dhillon.

Other distinguished personalities were in attendance which included corporate executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, artists, social figures,and media persons. This fabulous colourful evening started with Ganesh Vandana, traditional Indian classical dance, guests had a wonderful time at the event, while enjoying the traditional performances, glamorous fashion show, socializing and networking.

The award ceremony honoured nine women heroes from different walks of life, who contributed to the society while achieving professional success.  

This year, ICACI recognized the achievements of the following people:

Performing Arts -  Lata Pada  

Business -  Tina Larsen

Community service-  Balbir Sohi

Fawzia Khan - Diversity

Media - Surbhi Guleria Joshi

Social Service-  Dr Ayesha Ali

Community initiative- Anju Malhotra

Young Achievers-  Rima Rajan

Young Achievers-  Khushi Dave.

Celebrating womanhood is an annual event designed to be a platform for global recognition for women and youth, aims to inspire the concept that gender is no longer the deciding factor for success and that all individuals have a responsibility to build, contribute and maintain a society that is free of gender bias and truly provides equal opportunities for all.

The event also provided a unique networking opportunity for all the attended and breathtaking performances by Sanskriti Arts, traditional Garbha dance, tribal dance from Jharkhand and traditional folk dance Gidha from Punjab, glamorous fashion show was presented by Ali Fashion Academy, dinner and dance.

Two special  guest speakers, Anu Srivastava and Rapinder Kaur shared their views and addressed the audience talking about a woman's role in the community and  shared their humble  journey to success.

Guests highly enjoyed each and every performance with great applause, and they were very excited to watch a glamorous and eye-catching fashion show by Sunita Kollections. Following the show, guests made their way to the look at Art Exhibition presented by local artists in the lobby. There were lot of prizes for guests including Diamond ring sponsored by Singapore Jewelers.

The focal point of this outstanding evening was  to celebrate and recognize nine woman heroes who have contributed towards the community and today they are a role model for other women. The event recognized the  success stories of some of most popular and accomplished dignitaries.

While addressing the audience, the energetic and charismatic  Director of ICACI, Mokshi Virk said: "I started ICACI for one reason and that is to recognize and support  our rich diverse and dynamic community here.Tonight we celebrated identity, showcase success, and bring to your attention all those who push our community forward and change the world!" .Therefore the celebration of International Woman's Day serves as a reminder of all the achievements by the so-called weaker gender. It is really nice to have a special day for women where they are glorified, honoured, awarded, and appreciated.

An event, which started as a political affair, has evolved over the years to one that is celebrated throughout the globe. On this occasion, we should Endeavour building a better world where men and women live harmoniously, free of violence and discrimination.

About Mokshi Virk

Mokshi Virk is one of the founding Director of  ICACI, social enterprise & nonprofit organization, realtor, event manager, socially conscientious citizen, doting mother, caring wife, dear friend and an exemplary example to the community.  She is one of the few people who is willing to walk the extra mile for the benefit of the community. A successful Realty Broker with Homelife SilverCity Realty Inc, Brokerage , Mokshi is already a busy woman helping her clients buy and sell property and holding homebuyers seminars and workshops for her clients.

But despite that Mokshi always manages to take time out to do something for her community, as her way of giving back. "Being a Realtor is financially satisfying but doing something for your community is emotionally satisfying." Through these events and award function, Mokshi has tried to honour and support women, thus establishing them as role models and paving way for future generations.