HPI
OTTAWA, CANADA, October 25, 2003: Brijendra K. Sood, of Calgary, Alberta, was honored by the Governor General of Canada, Adrienne Clarkson, at a ceremony October 24 in Ottawa as a member of the Order of Canada. According to government material, “The Order of Canada recognizes people who have made a difference to our country. From local citizens to national and international personalities, all Canadians are eligible for the Order of Canada — our country’s highest honor for lifetime achievement. Three different levels of membership honor people whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope: Companion, Officer and Member. The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service in various fields of human endeavour. Appointments are made on the recommendation of an advisory council, chaired by the Chief Justice of Canada. The motto of the Order is Desiderantes meliorem patriam — ‘They desire a better country.’ “
The citation reads, “A dedicated physician, Brijendra Sood has promoted multicultural awareness by recognizing and valuing the strengths of Canada ‘s rich cultural mosaic. Since arriving in Canada in 1964, he has worked to develop and strengthen the social and cultural fabric of Calgary ‘s East Indian community. He has played leadership roles in the city’s India-Canada Association, Multicultural Centre, Hindu Society and Temple. The recipient of numerous honors for his ethno-cultural contributions, he was also named Outstanding Physician of the Year 2000 by the Calgary Medical Society.”