(December 22, 2024) The Order of Canada, one of the nation’s highest civilian honours, celebrates the remarkable contributions of individuals who embody the spirit of service, innovation, and leadership. This year, three distinguished Indian-Canadians—Pyarali Gulamani Nanji, Vijayakumar Murty, and Ajay K. Virmani are among the 88 appointees. Through their contributions to philanthropy, mathematics, and entrepreneurship, the three Indian-origin leaders not only reflect the richness of Canada’s multicultural fabric but also highlight how immigrants continue to shape the nation’s identity and future.
Established in 1967 during Canada’s centennial celebrations, the Order of Canada honours those who have made significant and sustained contributions to their communities, the nation, and the world. Its motto, “Desiderantes meliorem patriam” (“They desire a better country”), encapsulates the spirit of these honourees. Over the past five decades, more than 8,000 Canadians and honorary members have joined this illustrious fellowship, making it a cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System. The honour is administered by the Governor General of Canada as its Chancellor, with King Charles III serving as its sovereign. Global Indian spotlights the 2024 appointees who are inspiring the diaspora to excel and uplift communities.
Pyarali Gulamani Nanji: A symbol of giving and fortitude
Expelled from Uganda during Idi Amin’s brutal regime in 1972, Indian origin Pyarali Gulamani Nanji and his family were forced to leave behind their home and possessions. Canada offered them refuge, enabling Nanji to rebuild his life from scratch.
Pyarali Gulamani Nanji
When Nanji arrived in Montreal at the age of 42, the challenges of starting over in a foreign land were daunting. Yet, his determination and vision propelled him forward. “The way we left (Uganda) was very messy, during Idi Amin’s regime. It was a big thing that we made it alive,” Nanji recalls. The Canadian government provided his family with food and shelter, an act of kindness that deeply resonated with him. He and his wife made a solemn pact that if they ever became successful, they would dedicate themselves to giving back.
Today, the president and CEO of Belle-Pak Packaging Inc. takes pride in the fact that his company is recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies. True to his promise, he has become one of the country’s most prominent philanthropists. Through his family foundation, Nanji has donated millions of dollars to institutions like Sunnybrook Hospital, the Aga Khan Museum, and the Seneca Nanji School of Nursing, North York General Hospital, and St. Mary’s Hospital. Nanji’s story exemplifies how personal hardship can inspire deep compassion and transformative giving.
Vijayakumar Murty: A mathematical visionary
In the academic world, India-born Vijayakumar Murty has earned distinction as one of Canada’s leading mathematicians. A professor at the University of Toronto, Murty’s groundbreaking research in analytic number theory, algebraic geometry, and mathematical modelling has earned him international acclaim. His work has contributed significantly to fields as diverse as information security and public health.
Vijayakumar Murty
Murty’s academic journey took him to the Harvard University, where he earned his PhD under the tutelage of the renowned mathematician John Tate. Over the course of his career, he has published more than 140 research papers and nine books, cementing his reputation as a thought leader in his field. His contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Coxeter-James Prize and the Jeffery-Williams Prize from the Canadian Mathematical Society.
Murty’s influence extends beyond academia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a significant role as co-chair of the Ontario Modelling Consensus Table and a member of the Ontario Science Table. He led the Mathematical Modelling of COVID-19 Task Force, providing critical insights that shaped public health responses. As director of the Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences, Murty continues to mentor young scholars and inspire Indo-Canadian youth to pursue excellence in science and philosophy. Stressing on the unique talents, abilities and thought processes of each individual, he mentioned in one of the podcasts, “Diversity is what keeps a community, a species, a civilization alive. Diversity means that humanity will have a rich future. We could be a lot happier and more successful if we develop our own unique talents, rather than trying to follow others.”
Ajay K. Virmani: Revolutionizing Canadian logistics
Ajay K. Virmani’s entrepreneurial journey is a master class in vision and innovation. He first arrived in Canada from India armed with an economics degree. “I had just been offered a management trainee position in a bank in India, but decided to come here after my sister sponsored me,” said Virmani in an interview. He did many odd jobs — washing windows, selling insurance, and had meals at the local gurudwara, feasting on their free langars to sustain himself during difficult times. Today, as the founder and CEO of Cargojet Airways, Canada’s largest air cargo airline, Virmani has transformed the logistics landscape in Canada. Under his leadership, Cargojet has grown from a fledgling start-up to a publicly traded company and an indispensable player in the nation’s e-commerce ecosystem.
Ajay K. Virmani
Virmani’s entrepreneurial career spans over four decades in the transportation industry. He began his journey at Cottrell Transport Inc. before founding Commercial Transport International (Canada) Ltd., which later acquired Fastair Cargo Systems. In 2002, Virmani established Cargojet Canada Ltd., rebranding and expanding the company to meet the evolving demands of global commerce. Today, Cargojet is synonymous with reliability and excellence, serving as a backbone for Canada’s supply chain.
Beyond his corporate success, Virmani is a dedicated philanthropist. He supports healthcare and social justice initiatives across Canada, demonstrating his commitment to community welfare. His achievements earned him a Doctor of Laws degree from Assumption University in Windsor, Ontario, recognizing his dual contributions to business and society.
Honouring builders of hope
Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, captured the essence of the new appointees when she remarked, “Members of the Order of Canada are builders of hope for a better future. Each in their own way, they broaden the realm of possibilities and inspire others to continue pushing their boundaries.”
Nanji, Murty, and Virmani’s appointments to the Order of Canada are not just acknowledgments of individual excellence but also celebrations of the immigrant spirit that has been integral to Canada’s success. From rebuilding lives after exile to advancing global scientific knowledge and revolutionizing industries, these three individuals embody the values of perseverance, leadership, and compassion.
