“It is truly a humbling experience to receive two awards in the name of the country where you were born,” said Varma, the Hydro One Chair in Power Systems Engineering. “India has given me all the learning, and also taught me to be forever faithful to the country that has given me my home and livelihood, which is Canada.”
Western Engineering professor Rajiv Varma, right, received the Bharat Gaurav (Pride of India) Award from Rajeev Shukla, India’s Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, presented the award during IIFS’s Global Friendship Day on Jan. 9, in New Delhi.
The Bharat Gaurav (Pride of India) Award is conferred annually by the India International Friendship Society (IIFS) to personalities in India and abroad who have made outstanding contributions in the field of science and technology, education and humanitarian service.
The award honours Varma’s “contribution and dedication to worthy causes and achievements in keeping the flag of India high.” Rajeev Shukla, India’s Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, presented the award during IIFS’s Global Friendship Day on Jan. 9, in New Delhi.
Varma was one of three professors from Canadian universities – Carleton, Saskatchewan and Western – to be honoured with the award in 2014.
Western Engineering professor Rajiv Varma, centre, accompanied by wife, Malini Varma, left, received the Hind Rattan (Jewel of India) Award from Tariq Anwar, India’s Minister of State for Agriculture, during the 33rd International Congress of Non-Resident Indians, on the eve of Republic Day of India, Jan. 25, in New Delhi.
The Hind Rattan (Jewel of India) Award is conferred annually to select members of the worldwide Indian diaspora – Non-Resident Indians (NRI) and Persons of Indian Origin by the NRI Welfare Society of India.
The award honours Varma’s outstanding service, achievements and contributions to his field. Tariq Anwar, India’s Minister of State for Agriculture, presented the award during the 33rd International Congress of Non-Resident Indians, on the eve of Republic Day of India, Jan. 25, in New Delhi.
Varma was one of the three professors from Canadian universities – McGill, Saskatchewan and Western – to receive the award in 2014.
“I am grateful to Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur for my entire education and my initial career,” Varma said. “I am sincerely thankful to Western for providing me excellent facilities, support and tremendous opportunities of further growth in my career, which have led me to receiving such prestigious awards.
“Finally, I owe it all to the grace of God, and the support and encouragement that I have received all along from my wife, Malini; son, Sarvesh; and daughter, Ratna.”
