Two eminent scientists of Indian origin have been recognized in Canada’s latest honours list announced on Wednesday, receiving the prestigious Order of Canada. Professor Praveen K. Jain of Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, and Professor Emeritus Chandrakant Padamshi Shah of the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health were among the 80 new appointees. The awards were presented by Canada’s Governor General, Mary Simon, who highlighted the significant impact of their work on communities worldwide.
Professor Jain, a specialist in Electrical and Computer Engineering, is the founder of Queen’s University’s Centre for Energy and Power Electronics Research. He was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his innovations in electrical energy processing, which have advanced efficient power generation, transmission, and utilisation. Jain has also mentored over 100 trainees, earning acclaim as both an educator and an innovator.
Professor Shah received the same honour for his transformative contributions to public health education and his advocacy for Indigenous health in Canada. His initiatives include reshaping the national citizenship exam and establishing the country’s first endowed Indigenous health chair, leaving a lasting legacy of inclusion, scholarship, and systemic reform.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated the appointees, noting their contributions have strengthened Canada’s social, academic, and scientific fabric. Since its creation in 1967, the Order of Canada has recognised over 8,250 individuals across sectors for outstanding achievements that enrich Canadian society.
The appointments of Professors Jain and Shah underscore the global influence of Indian-born academics in advancing research, education, and societal impact, demonstrating how innovation and dedication can cross borders and inspire progress internationally.
