Cancer-stricken actress Lisa Ray is among seven Indo-Canadian who are conferred with "Voice Achievers Award for 2009" for their outstanding contributions in fields of film, trade, medicine, literature and sports.
Lisa Ray, who is undergoing surgery for blood cancer, has been honoured in abstentia for her performance in Deepa Mehta's film "Water".
The Award, which carries a plaque and a citation, was presented at a function yesterday organised by Voice, an ethnic weekly, at its annual gala dinner here.
The other award winners were: Dr Gopal Bhatnagar (cardiac surgery); M G Vassanji (arts); Meenu Sikand (social work); Raja Panjwani (sports); and Kuldip Rai Sahi (business) and Asha Luthra (business).
Mrs Asha Luthra, President of Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) -- who received the award for promoting bilateral trade and investment between India and Canada --thanked Indo-Canadian community for the honour.
Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister for Foreign Affairs and several members of parliament, also spoke on the occasion and commended contributions made by ethnic media in promoting Indian heritage and culture.