ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, prominent senior parliamentarian and Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, has been conferred the Global Hindu Award 2026 at the Dhanteras Gala 2026 ceremony held in Calgary, Alberta, according to a press release issued on August 4.
Dr Vankwani, the only Pakistani citizen to be honoured on the occasion, received the award in recognition of his advocacy for minority rights, interfaith harmony and global humanitarian service.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged the contributions of the Hindu community to Canada’s social, cultural and economic development. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre, and the Premiers of Ontario and Saskatchewan also noted the positive role of the Hindu community in various walks of life.
The gala brought together Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas, Alberta Minister of Justice and Attorney General Mickey Amer, political leaders, diplomats, business leaders, community representatives and distinguished guests from Canada and abroad to celebrate Hindu heritage, culture and community achievements.
Expressing gratitude, Dr Vankwani dedicated the award to the Hindu community of Pakistan and to all those who had supported his lifelong mission of serving humanity selflessly.
“This award is not merely a personal honor but a recognition of the resilience, peaceful values, and positive contributions of the Hindu community of Pakistan,” he said.
He added that the achievement strengthened his belief in continuing to serve humanity in accordance with the Hindu Vedic values of Seva, Karma and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Dr Vankwani also highlighted Pakistan’s significance in the spiritual Hindu civilisation, saying the country was home to some of the world’s revered Hindu pilgrimage sites. He invited the participants to visit sacred places including Hinglaj Mata Mandir, Katas Raj Temples, Teri Temple and Prahlad Mandir in Multan, along with other holy sites of worship that had preserved rich heritage for centuries.
“Pilgrimage to such sacred destinations would prove to be a spiritual homecoming and a remarkable opportunity to reconnect with ancient civilizational roots, experience Pakistan’s rich religious diversity, and strengthen the bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and peace among people of all faiths,” he said.
He also referred to humanitarian initiatives being carried out under the platform of the Pakistan Hindu Council and Prem Nagar, a model welfare village comprising 150 acres being constructed in his native hometown of Islamkot, Tharparkar.
Dr Vankwani said the recognition inspired him to continue working for minority rights, interfaith harmony, social justice and humanitarian welfare in Pakistan and across the world.
In his address, he congratulated the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce for organising the celebration of Hindu heritage and values and for recognising individuals across the globe who had made exceptional contributions to public service, philanthropy and community leadership.
