THUNDER BAY —A long-time local community leader and local physician is being recognized for his volunteering.
Dr. Prashant Jani was given the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award earlier this week for his efforts in organizing cultural events and charitable initiatives that promote cultural diversity in Thunder Bay.
The provincial award is given to organizations and individuals who make "superlative volunteer contributions to their communities".
Jani is known by many in the community through organizing the Festival of India and the Festival of Colours, two events that emphasize inclusion and the importance of cultural diversity.
He has also launched a meal-delivery program called Food for Life which serves over 20,000 meals annually to those in need.
The award is one of the province's highest honours for volunteers, and is given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional community leadership.
“Only 20 individuals across Ontario are honoured with this award, and it's a humbling experience to receive this award, especially in Thunder Bay. It's an honour for not only for me but for all the community members here in Thunder Bay, all the volunteers.
“This is for the appreciation of all the volunteers who have helped us for so many years,” Jani said.
While Jani feels honoured to have his name on the award, he said credit should go to volunteers across the city.
“This is not my individual recognition or my personal recognition, but this is for the community at large and the blessings of the Lord who has given us an ability to serve others.
“The purpose of our life is to serve others and make each other's life happy, beautiful, and joyful. When we organize various community and cultural events like Festival of India, Festival of Colours, or we run Food for Life program . . . it brings people together. It brings the joy and laughter in everybody's life.
“When you see a smile on everybody's face at these events, when they have a fresh, delicious meal, it gives us satisfaction. When you give others, you get more joy and happiness,” he said.
Along with being the driving force behind these events and programs, Jani also serves as an associate professor at NOSM University and as a pathologist at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
“Life is very stressful nowadays, so any little joy we can give to others, that makes it worthwhile. Volunteerism is something which we learn not only the leadership skills, but we learned the art of giving, art of getting joy (out) of giving.”
Jani said volunteering does not have to be big or tremendous activities.
“Even cleaning somebody's driveway or shovelling a driveway of a neighbour or listening to somebody who is in need can be a good volunteer activity.
“The more we give volunteer services to others, our life will be more joyful and we'll make this world a better place to live in.”
