Dharmesh Goradia (centre) was presented recently with is award by Alberta Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani (left) and Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards

Hindu Cultural Society of Central Alberta president recognized by province

Oct 14, 2023 | 4:27 PM

A pair of central Albertans are among 31 people honoured by the province this week as part of the Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards.

Dharmesh Goradia is the president of the Hindu Cultural Society of Central Alberta, which he helped establish in 2011. His award is in the Small Community Enhancement Award category.

The organization helps foster a space for the East Indian community to celebrate culture, build connections and socialize, among other things.

“First and foremost, this organization is important because it helps to pass on traditions and culture to the next generation, such as my daughter who was born here. Otherwise, they may not ever truly know what the Hindu religion stands for. We want to make them proud of who they are,” Goradia told rdnewsNOW.

“Second is for guys like us who are making Canada, Alberta, or central Alberta our home, we need a place or organization to bring cultural events so that we can celebrate and enjoy it in our adopted land.”

Last seen March 31

Missing: Eugenie Headman, 66, of Maskwacis

Apr 04, 2026

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

Apr 02, 2026

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

That includes the annual Diwali event at Festival Hall.

Goradia also wishes to make Red Deer the preferred choice in Alberta.

“Immigrants like to go to the large cities because that’s where they’ll find more economic opportunities. There are many cultural centres in those cities as well. I want to parallel that with our organization,” he says.

“Last but not least, we try to promote education and cultural awareness to the mainstream about who we are. Once people understand that better, racial discrimination goes down a bit.”

The society also screens Indian movies, hosts cricket events, connects newcomers to employment services and makes donations to the food bank.

Goradia is also grateful to Mr. Abhay Sonigra for nominating him.

“That is the biggest story for me,” he says. “Next time you see someone doing good, take the time to nominate them for awards like these.”

Also from central Alberta is Ted (Seon Koo) Lee of Bashaw.

According to the province, Lee is, “an inspiring presence in his community, advocates for supports and donates to local charities, the food bank, seniors’ groups, 4-H, town beautification projects and special events. In so doing, he makes Bashaw a welcoming and inclusive place to live and work.”

“I want to express my sincere congratulations to all recipients,” says Muhammad Yaseen, Alberta Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism. “They have made so much positive change in our communities while adapting to the challenges of a new country and language. Whether they’ve been in Alberta for many years or just a few, these individuals have all made valuable contributions and we thank them for that.”

A full list of 2023 Alberta Newcome Recognition Awards recipients is on Alberta.ca.

READ MORE

• Local Hindus push for earlier inclusion in Draft K-6 curriculum
• Diwali event lights up Red Deer’s Festival Hall
• Central Albertans pack Festival Hall for Diwali