[Photograph of Balwant Sanghera speaking at a community conference in Richmond]

Photograph of Balwant Sanghera speaking at the Richmond Indo Canadian Youth and Parents Connecting with Each Other and the Community Conference in Richmond, B.C.

Balwant Sanghera immigrated to Canada in 1966, starting his teaching career in Northern B.C. before earning a Master of Education from the University of British Columbia and becoming a school psychologist. He developed innovative programs for youth with mental health challenges and played a key role in mentoring and expanding similar initiatives across the province. He has held leadership positions in Richmond's multicultural and community organizations, including being president of the Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society and the Punjabi Language Education Association of British Columbia, chair of Richmond's Intercultural Advisory Committee, President of the East Richmond Community Association and an organizer of Multi-Fest, a summer festival to celebrate Richmond's diversity. His contributions to education and public service have earned him the Order of British Columbia and multiple Jubilee Medals, including the Queen's Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals.