Who is Firdaus Kharas? Indian-born entrepreneur to get one of Canada’s highest honours

Firdaus Kharas, a distinguished entrepreneur and thought leader of Indian origin, has been appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of the nation’s highest honors, in recognition of his contributions to advancing social change through human-centred media.

The Governor General’s office announced three new appointments of “companions,” the highest rank within the Order of Canada, alongside 15 officers, including one honorary officer, and 59 members. Firdaus Kharas, aged 68, has been acknowledged for his role in advancing social change as a social entrepreneur, humanitarian, and mass communications media producer.

Expressing his gratitude, Kharas remarked, “I am deeply moved to receive this high honor, which is especially meaningful to me as an immigrant.” He highlighted the unique significance of the recognition within the context of the Parsi community, numbering only 3,600 in Canada. “Although a high-achieving community, Parsis are minuscule in number, so it is extremely satisfying to be noticed in this way,” he added in a statement.

The investiture ceremony, where appointees will receive their insignia, is scheduled for a later date, with specific details to be announced in due course. Renowned for his impactful work, Kharas is the founder of Chocolate Moose Media, a social enterprise established in 1995 with the mission to create mass communications aimed at improving the human condition. His productions, addressing social and behavioral change, have reached over a billion people in 198 countries, including diverse languages throughout India.

Firdaus Kharas boasts an impressive record of achievements, having received 125 awards, including the prestigious Peabody Award, and several honorary doctorates from universities.