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Datt, Shushma

Description
Image taken in the studio of broadcaster Shushma Datt.
Description
Image taken in the studio of broadcaster Shushma Datt.
Description
Image taken in the studio of broadcaster Shushma Datt.
Description
Image taken in the studio of broadcaster Shushma Datt.
Description
Image taken in the studio of broadcaster Shushma Datt.
Member of
Creator: Bolan, Kim
Creator: Todd, Douglas
Description
Newspaper clipping titled, 'An Era of Influence: 100 Indo-Canadians who are making a difference in British Columbia," edited by Stephen Snelgrove and published in the Vancouver Sun on March 29, 2008. The article highlights 100 South Asian Candians from British Columbia and their accomplishments in various fields such as arts, media, politics, education as well as their contributions towards the community.
Member of
Description
Shushma Datt speaks about her work as a broadcaster and her documentary 'Komagata Maru: A Voyage of Shattered Dreams,' as well as the history of the South Asian community in Canada.
Video file
Member of
Creator: Datt, Shushma
Description
This film, produced at the 75th anniversary of the Komgata Maru incident, is hosted by Belle Puri and includes interviews with Dr. D. P. Pandia, Hardial Singh Atwal, Hugh Johnston, Ujjal Dosanjh, Dr. V. Setty Pendakur, Muneshwar Prasad, Mr. Justice Wallace T. Oppal, Gurnam Sanghera, and Anjali Atal.
Description
Photograph of a group of unidentified individuals at Fraserview Hall in Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.). Individuals had gathered at Fraserview Hall for an event pertaining to the India Mahila Association. Among the group of individuals is Shushma Datt.

Shushma Datt is a pioneer in the broadcasting industry in Canada, known as the first Indo-Canadian broadcaster in the country. Born and raised in Kenya, Datt earned a university degree from the University of New Delhi in India. She then began her career in journalism by working as a reporter for the Times of India. From there Datt moved to London, England, where she was employed by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Datt emigrated to Canada in 1972 and settled in Vancouver, where she broke new ground by hosting Indian programming on CJVB, where she was the first announcer to broadcast in Hindi and Panjabi. In 1987, Datt founded Rim Jhim, the world's first 24-hour South Asian radio station outside of India. In 2005, Shushma secured an AM license to launch RJ1200, now Spice Radio, further cementing her legacy. In 2007 Shushma Datt received the Influential Women in Business Award (BC) for her many accomplishments in broadcasting and multicultural programming. She has also received the Order of British Columbia (1992), the Queen's Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal (2002), the YWCA's "Women of Distinction" Award and the Humanitarian Award from the Vancouver Multicultural Society. Datt is listed as one of the 150 most influential British Columbians by the Royal British Columbia Museum and the 100 most influential Indo-Canadians by the Vancouver Sun. Shushma's work not only transformed ethnic broadcasting but also paved the way for women and cultural understanding in Canada.

The India Mahila Association (IMA) is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization established in 1973 to support and empower women of South Asian descent in Canada. Open to women of all backgrounds, IMA focuses on advocacy, education, and community engagement while addressing issues such as gender equality, violence, and discrimination. The organization operates without external funding and has created an endowment fund with the Vancouver Foundation to sustain its mission. For over 50 years, IMA has provided support, resources, and a platform for women to connect and uplift one another.
Description
Photograph of an unidentified individual addressing the audience at Fraserview Hall in Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.). Individuals had gathered at Fraserview Hall for an event pertaining to the India Mahila Association. Sue Hammell, Raminder Dosanjh and Shushma Datt can also be seen in the photograph.

Sue Hammell is a former Member of the Legislative Assembly for Surrey-Green Timbers, serving multiple terms since 1991. She held key roles, including Minister for Women's Equality, and co-founded the Minerva Foundation for BC Women. Hammell also worked internationally to support female leaders and served as Executive Director of the Surrey Aboriginal Society.

​Raminder Dosanjh is a Canadian educator and community activist, recognized for her contributions to women's rights and social services. After immigrating to Canada in 1970, she co-founded the India Mahila Association, focusing on supporting South Asian women facing domestic challenges and advocating for their empowerment. Dosanjh has also been involved with organizations such as MOSAIC Immigrant Services Centre and the Vancouver Multicultural Society, contributing to immigrant integration and multicultural initiatives. In recognition of her decades-long service, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Shakti Awards.

Shushma Datt is a pioneer in the broadcasting industry in Canada, known as the first Indo-Canadian broadcaster in the country. Born and raised in Kenya, Datt earned a university degree from the University of New Delhi in India. She then began her career in journalism by working as a reporter for the Times of India. From there Datt moved to London, England, where she was employed by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Datt emigrated to Canada in 1972 and settled in Vancouver, where she broke new ground by hosting Indian programming on CJVB, where she was the first announcer to broadcast in Hindi and Panjabi. In 1987, Datt founded Rim Jhim, the world's first 24-hour South Asian radio station outside of India. In 2005, Shushma secured an AM license to launch RJ1200, now Spice Radio, further cementing her legacy. In 2007 Shushma Datt received the Influential Women in Business Award (BC) for her many accomplishments in broadcasting and multicultural programming. She has also received the Order of British Columbia (1992), the Queen's Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal (2002), the YWCA's "Women of Distinction" Award and the Humanitarian Award from the Vancouver Multicultural Society. Datt is listed as one of the 150 most influential British Columbians by the Royal British Columbia Museum and the 100 most influential Indo-Canadians by the Vancouver Sun. Shushma's work not only transformed ethnic broadcasting but also paved the way for women and cultural understanding in Canada.

The India Mahila Association (IMA) is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization established in 1973 to support and empower women of South Asian descent in Canada. Open to women of all backgrounds, IMA focuses on advocacy, education, and community engagement while addressing issues such as gender equality, violence, and discrimination. The organization operates without external funding and has created an endowment fund with the Vancouver Foundation to sustain its mission. For over 50 years, IMA has provided support, resources, and a platform for women to connect and uplift one another.