South Asians Dr Saroj Saigal and Mahesh Chandra Sharma Appointed to Order of Canada: Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, has announced 83 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including two Companions, 19 Officers, and 62 Members. Among them are two distinguished South Asians: Dr. Saroj Saigal of Hamilton, Ontario, and Professor Mahesh Chandra Sharma of Montreal, Quebec.
The Order of Canada, established in 1967, is one of Canada’s highest civilian honours, recognizing outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. Since its inception, more than 8,200 Canadians from all sectors of society have been honoured.
Governor General Mary Simon stated:
“Congratulations to the newest appointees to the Order of Canada. We proudly recognize each of these individuals whose dedication and passion for service not only enrich our communities but also help shape the fabric of our nation. Together, they inspire us to strive for greatness and to foster a future filled with hope and possibility.”
Dr. Saroj Saigal (Officer) – Hamilton, Ontario
Dr. Saroj Saigal is internationally acclaimed for her contributions to neonatology, particularly as the first researcher to examine the lives of extremely premature infants from a qualitative perspective. Her humanistic approach has shifted attitudes towards preterm infants and enhanced understanding of their long-term outcomes.
According to McMaster University, where she served from 1973 to 2013, Dr. Saigal obtained her medical degrees in India, followed by neonatal fellowships at the Universities of Edinburgh, McGill, and McMaster. She joined McMaster University as a neonatologist and director of the Neonatal Follow-up Program, shaping neonatal care for five decades. Hamilton Health Sciences President Rob MacIsaac described her as “a true inspiration” with no plans to retire soon.
Professor Mahesh Chandra Sharma (Member) – Montréal, Quebec
Professor Mahesh Sharma, a faculty member at Concordia University since 1975, is recognized for his leadership, philanthropy, and academic excellence. Mahesh Sharma is a civic-minded philanthropist and leader. A beloved professor and mentor at Concordia University, he established scholarships to honour the memory of his family who were victims of Air India Flight 182. He also actively champions social causes supporting vulnerable individuals and the wider community.”
With degrees in mechanical and aeronautical engineering from India and McGill University, Sharma has 28 years of industrial experience and teaches a broad spectrum of courses, including Operations Research, Project Management, and Aerodynamics.
