VANCOUVER – Toastmasters International – District 96 (Vancouver & Yukon) announced that Hari B. Varshney, FCPA, FCA, O.B.C. is the recipient of its Communication & Leadership Award for 2020-2021.
Established in 1924, Toastmasters International www.Toastmasters.org is a world leader in imparting public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of 16,200 clubs in 145 countries. Toastmasters’ has empowered millions of people from diverse backgrounds to become more confident communicators and leaders.
Every year, Districts within Toastmasters award the Communication & Leadership Award to one local non-Toastmaster who exemplifies the spirit and values of Toastmasters: demonstrating outstanding community and public service, espousing a worthy cause or purpose especially as it exemplifies communication and leadership skills, maximising human potential, building self-confidence and self-awareness. This year, District 96 is honored to bestow the Award to Hari B. Varshney.
Born in a rural Indian village with no electricity, Hari’s ancestral home had a single source of heat and light. A kerosene lamp! It was enough to power Hari’s young heart and enlighten his bright mind. At 16, Hari left his village for higher education. He took with him a set of books and three key values his parents had inculcated in him. Hard work, empathy and gratitude.
Hari obtained his B. Comm. degree in India, placing 1st out of 50,000 students at his University. He also placed 1st in the Master’s program out of 20,000 students. With endless potential, $100 in his pocket and a $1,000 scholarship from UBC, Hari arrived in Vancouver in 1967. India’s loss was Canada’s gain!
Whilst studying for his MBA at UBC, Hari worked part-time as a bus-boy at the campus canteen. It paid $1.30 per hour. But it was in that role that Hari learned the art of service with a smile.
Hari was the first Indo-Canadian to achieve a Chartered Accountant designation in B. C. and the first to achieve the Fellowship designation (FCA) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of B. C. He went on to blaze multiple trails in the corporate world. In 1985, Hari started his own venture capital firm, Varshney Capital which continues today.
For over 25 years, Hari and his wife, Madhu have been at the forefront of several charities and non-profits which have benefited greatly from their dedication and largesse.
Hari has personally raised over $250 million for various educational and philanthropic causes. His family has directly contributed millions to various charities including St. Paul’s Hospital, B.C. Children’s Foundation, Learning Disabilities of Vancouver, Room to Read and others. He has also established several scholarships at UBC and SFU for local and overseas students.
Hari’s vision, dedication and leadership drive have made a significant and sustainable impact on multiple worthy causes including St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, Light of Hope Foundation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Canada India Village Aid Association, Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and India Club.
Hari B. Varshney will be honored, and the Communication & Leadership Award conferred upon him by Toastmasters International, District 96, at a virtual event to be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021.
