TWO South Asians — Prakash Vinodrai Joshi of Burnaby, B.C., and Bhavana Varma of Kingston, Ontario — were among the 61 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including four Companions, 19 Officers and 38 Members, that were announced on Friday by Governor General Louise Arbour. Five appointments represent promotions within the Order.

“The Order of Canada recognizes those whose contributions help us see our country and our place in the world with greater clarity and purpose. These appointees, from diverse backgrounds and fields, reflect the talent and determination that shape Canada’s future. At a time of profound global change, their achievements highlight the strength of Canadians and the values we represent to the world. Together, they remind us that building our country’s future is a shared effort that requires ambition and long-term commitment. I am honoured, for the first time as governor general, to extend my sincere congratulations to all new appointees,” said Arbour.

Prakash Vinodrai Joshi, C.M.
Burnaby, British Columbia

His citation reads: “Prakash Joshi has made outstanding contributions to the fields of materials testing and quality control inspection. A distinguished technologist, he developed innovative testing procedures that advanced new materials technologies, particularly in the construction industry. An author and musician, he is also widely recognized for his long-standing involvement within the Indo-Canadian community.”

According to Joshi’s website “prakashjoshi.ca”, he “is a Canadian author, humanitarian, and senior materials engineering technologist whose life spans four continents and multiple callings.”

It says: “Born in Uganda to Indian parents, Prakash’s early life was shaped by displacement, resilience, and service. Political upheaval forced his family to leave East Africa, leading him through the United Kingdom and Europe before settling in Canada. These experiences form the emotional and philosophical foundation of Life in Four Continents.

“Professionally, Prakash has spent decades in the construction and materials engineering field, holding senior roles with major engineering firms and contributing to industry standards, mentorship, and professional boards in British Columbia. Alongside his technical career, he has remained deeply involved in humanitarian, cultural, and community initiatives.

“His writing reflects a lifelong commitment to empathy, spiritual curiosity, social justice, and the belief that meaningful change begins with individual action.”

Bhavana Varma, C.M., O.Ont.
Kingston, Ontario

Her citation reads: “Community leader Bhavana Varma has dedicated her career to the non-profit sector. As president and CEO of United Way in Kingston, she worked with the community to transform the organization into one of Canada’s top charities. A role model, she has championed diversity, inclusion and collaboration throughout all her endeavours.”

According to information on her website “bhavanavarma.ca”, Varma was born and educated in India. Her father was an air force pilot and her mother a doctor. They had to move frequently, but always maintained a home base in Lucknow, India, where her parents came from. Before her marriage, she worked at hotels in India, as well as at a school.

In 2023, she officially stepped away from her role as CEO of United Way Kingston “after 32 wonderful years with the United Way movement and a lifetime of working alongside leaders in the nonprofit sector.”

She says: “I wasn’t sure exactly what “retirement” would look like… but I knew I wasn’t done giving back.”

She says: “Since stepping away from full-time leadership, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to 36 projects across the nonprofit sector. … 25% of this work has been pro bono or offered at a reduced rate.”

She adds: “Alongside this, I’ve continued to give back through pro bono executive coaching, and volunteering – on the Board of Providence Village, Co-lead of the Oasis National initiative, Honorary Colonel, 77 Line Regiment, Co-chair of the Anti-Racism Task Force, the Homelessness Collective Impact Committee, and the UWCC Diversity Council.

She has also received the Order of Ontario.