Parvasi Media Group’s Founder & President Rajinder Saini Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal

In a moment of immense pride for the South Asian media community in Canada, Rajinder Saini, Founder and President of Parvasi Media Group, has been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his outstanding contributions to journalism and community service.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, and is awarded by the Government of Canada to individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada, demonstrated exceptional public service, or performed outstanding acts of citizenship. Recipients of this medal include community leaders, volunteers, and professionals whose dedication has had a lasting impact on Canadian society. The honour was presented by Maninder Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton East, in a special ceremony held at his office.

“Receiving this honour is a humbling moment for me. It reaffirms my belief in the power of media to drive positive change, and I dedicate this recognition to my listeners, readers, advertisers, and supporters who have been with me every step of the way,” said Mr. Saini.

Presenting the award MP Sidhu said, “Mr Saini’s dedication to journalism and community service is truly commendable. His unwavering commitment to delivering unbiased, independent, and impactful reporting has earned him a space that is unparalleled in the South Asian community. Through his work, he has given a voice to many and has fostered informed dialogue on critical issues. It is essential to recognize and celebrate individuals like Mr. Saini, whose integrity and journalistic excellence continue to strengthen our democratic values and serve our communities with honesty and dedication.”

A veteran journalist, media visionary, and community leader, Mr. Saini’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Before migrating to Canada in 2000, he had an illustrious career in India, balancing his profession as a civil engineer with his passion for advocacy. He served as the General Secretary of the Junior Engineers Association of Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB), making history as one of the youngest individuals to hold such a prestigious position.

Upon arriving in Canada, Mr. Saini founded Parvasi Media Group in 2002 with the launch of Parvasi Weekly, a newspaper that quickly became a trusted voice for the South Asian community. His wife, Meenakshi Saini, who holds a master’s in English and was a teacher in India, played a crucial role in planting the seeds of what would eventually grow into an ethnic media powerhouse.

In 2004, Mr. and Mrs. Saini ventured into radio broadcasting, taking on established industry veterans and revolutionizing ethnic radio with fresh programming ideas. His unwavering commitment to ethical journalism and refusal to promote businesses that could harm his listeners earned him immense respect. His fearless reporting and community-driven approach made his radio show a household name among South Asian listeners.

One of Mr. Saini’s most significant contributions was leading a movement that saw thousands of community members rally together—even braving harsh winter conditions—to demand better healthcare facilities for Brampton residents.

Over the years, his fearless journalism and dedication to community service have earned him accolades from Peel Police, senior organizations, and prominent community leaders. His efforts continue to shape the landscape of ethnic media in Canada.

In 2005, Parvasi Media Group instituted the Parvasi Awards to honour the outstanding achievements of Canadian Punjabis in various fields. The first ever edition of the Award featured two Chief Ministers of India & Canada – Capt Amrinder Singh (Punjab) & Dalton McGuinty (Ontario). In subsequent years, notable personalities like Kiran Bedi, Om Puri, Raj Babbar, Milkha Singh have graced the event as Chief Guests.

In 2009, GTA Business Pages, a community business directory, was launched, distributing 150,000 copies annually. The directory quickly became an invaluable information source for the South Asian community, especially newcomers looking to establish themselves in Canada. The directory continues to be published annually till date.

In 2012, under Mr. Saini’s leadership, Parvasi organized the biggest-ever Punjabi cinema awards held outside of India – the Punjabi International Film Academy Awards (PIFAA) at the Scotiabank Arena (then Air Canada Centre). The event saw over 40 top artists, including Diljit Dosanjh, Kapil Sharma, Sonu Sood, Amrinder Gill, Neeru Bajwa, and many more. Indian cinema legend Dharmendra served as the brand ambassador of the show, alongside globally acclaimed actor Om Puri.

Continuing to innovate, Parvasi Media Group launched its mobile app in 2015, bringing real-time news to the South Asian diaspora. In 2018, a 24×7 news channel was introduced, followed by Anhad, a devotional channel, which became the first-ever international channel to telecast live Gurpurab celebrations from Sri Nankana Sahib, Pakistan. With its distribution across multiple platforms, Anhad catered to millions of Sikh devotees worldwide.

In 2019, Mr. Saini felt a gap in South Asian reporting online, so he started an English news website with a focus on community news. The website proved to be a boon during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the radio show and this website became a credible news source, and readers began to look forward to the news updates.

Throughout his career, Mr. Saini has conducted exclusive interviews with former and current Prime Ministers, Leaders of Opposition, Premiers, and elected government officials, establishing Parvasi as a leading voice in ethnic journalism.

Beyond the media, Mr. Saini has been deeply committed to community service. In 2012, he founded the Parvasi Sahayta Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental causes, renewable energy advocacy, and improving the lives of seniors. His philanthropic initiatives continue to make a meaningful impact on society. Mr Saini, as a Radio host, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for various community causes such as Brampton Civic Hospital, Princess Marget Cancer Hospital, Seva Food Bank and for many individuals in need.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a testament to Mr. Saini’s lifelong commitment to empowering voices, championing important causes, and strengthening the South Asian media landscape in Canada.