OTTAWA: Indian-Origin Entrepreneur Honoured With Order Of British Columbia

OTTAWA: Leading Indian-origin
entrepreneur Ajay Dilwari has been honoured with Canada’s prestigious Order of
British Columbia award, the province’s highest form of recognition.

Mr
Dilwari, the owner of Canada’s largest automotive group — Dilawri Group — is
among 16 “exceptional people” to be appointed to the Order of British
Columbia, according to a statement by the Government of British Columbia.

“As
representative of the Crown in British Columbia and as Chancellor of the Order
of British Columbia, I am delighted to welcome 16 new members to the
order,” Lt. Gov. Janet Austin, chancellor of the order, has announced.

Their
extraordinary leadership has been a source of strength for communities across
the province, she said.

“In
difficult times, they have connected us through art, culture, public service
and more. As we move with optimism toward the future, their achievements will
be a foundation of success for future generations. It is with great honour
(that) I share congratulations to these remarkable individuals,” Janet
said.

According
to the British Columbian government’s citation, Mr Dilawri is a leading
entrepreneur whose vision, perseverance, leadership, and social conscience
continues to improve the lives of many people in the province.

“He
has made a significant and far-reaching impact throughout British Columbia.
Ajay and his brothers Kap and Tony are the founders of the Dilawri Group – the
largest automotive group in Canada, with more than 4,000 employees and 76
automotive dealerships across Canada.

“With
24 dealerships in B.C. alone, he supports more than 2,000 employees and their
families in his home province. His significant investment in electrical vehicle
development is also helping address climate change and contributes to a greener
economy,” it said.

The
Dilawri brothers’ success is largely based on learning a strong work ethic from
their parents, who immigrated to Canada from India, according to the citation.

“They
haven’t forgotten their upbringing and have built the business not only for
financial success, but to generate enough capital to give back to the
community.

“With
a focus on children and healthy outcomes, the Dilawri Foundation has donated
tens of millions of dollars to help charitable causes in health care, mental
health, education, autism and public safety,” it said.

His
commitment to making B.C. a better place to live creates a healthier and more productive
population, which benefits everyone in the province, it added.

Since its
inception, 475 British Columbians have been appointed to the Order of British
Columbia, the province’s highest form of recognition.

Each one
of this year’s Order of British Columbia recipients has made tremendous
contributions to their communities, Premier of British Columbia John Horgan
said.

“I
want to extend my congratulations and honour them for their leadership and
dedication as community leaders. Trailblazers in medicine, that carried us
through an incredibly difficult pandemic with expertise, grace and of course,
kindness. Inspiring philanthropists, determined protectors of the environment
and powerful Indigenous leaders. We are all truly grateful for your leadership,”
he said