Renewable energy, this year’s theme of CIF Chanchlani Global Indian Award

TORONTO, March 30 /CNW/ – Close on the heels of Canada’s largest province, Ontario, proposing the Ontario Green Energy and Green Economy Act, the Canada India Foundation (CIF) is all set to recognize the “hero of the environment”, as he is described by TIME magazine.

Mr. Tulsi Tanti, Chairman and Managing Director of Suzlon Energy Limited, widely known as the “wind man of India”, will be the proud recipient of this year’s CIF Chanchlani Global Indian Award.

The Award Gala will be held on April 18th, 2009 at the Sheraton Centre Hotel, Toronto, between 6.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m. The award is in the form of a unique trophy as well donations of $50,000 to approved charities per award recipient. Hon. Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, and Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India will be the guests of honor for this event. CIF is also hosting the first Canada India Energy Forum from April 15th to April 17th, 2009 to identify opportunities for collaboration in the energy sector between the two countries.

The award is in keeping with this year’s energy theme. Mr. Tanti has put India on the forefront of global efforts to harness renewable sources of energy. A Mechanical Engineer by training, Mr. Tanti founded Suzlon Energy Limited in 1995, and has led from the helm to transform the company into the world’s fifth largest wind turbine maker, commanding over 10.5% of the global market share.
Mr. Tanti has received several global awards and recognition for his leadership of the wind energy industry, his business achievements and stewardship of the renewable energy cause. Some of them include, Hero of the Environment Award by TIME Magazine, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2006, Terialumni Award for outstanding Entrepreneurship in Energy – Environment Technologies 2006 by The Terialumni Trust and India Business Leader Award 2006 by CNBC.
This award assumes special significance for Canadians as Canada is one of the major countries in which REpower Systems AG of Germany, one of Suzlon Group companies, operates. Suzlon controls 91% of the voting rights in REpower Systems AG, which is developing a 954 MW wind-farm in Quebec.

Congratulating Mr. Tanti on receiving this year’s award, Mr. Vasudev Chanchlani, the principal sponsor of the award said, “The award recognizes Mr. Tanti’s pioneering contribution towards the re-emergence of India on the global scene. India’s rich cultural heritage along with its leadership position in science and technology enables it to offer innovative solutions to
the global challenge of carbon emissions and energy shortages. Suzlon is a case in point.”

Suzlon’s unique business model has helped it gain a reputation for innovation, quality and excellence in delivery. “It is this global leadership that CIF seeks to recognize,” said Mr. Ajit Someshwar, National Convenor, CIF. “Mr. Tulsi Tanti’s success story has demonstrated that India’s story goes beyond that of its success in Information Technology and Bio-Technology. It
highlights the fact that India has built a substantial repertoire of knowledge in a wide variety of fields, which is currently being tapped into to find solutions to global crises,” said Mr. Someshwar.
About CIF
Canada India Foundation (“CIF”) is a national not for profit organization established in 2007 and is dedicated to promoting bi-lateral relations between Canada and India, while working to secure and promote the interests of Canada’s dynamic Indo-Canadian community within the Canadian mosaic.

For further information: Manoj Pundit, Spokesperson, Canada India Foundation, Ph. (416) 816-0841; For the Gala contact: Mr. Ajit Someshwar, National Convenor, Canada India Foundation, Ph. (416) 854-8600