[Photograph of Shushma Datt presenting awards to recipients at the Holi celebration at Burnaby South Secondary School]

Photograph of Shushma Datt presenting awards to unidentified individuals at the Holi celebration organised at Burnaby South Secondary School, in Burnaby, British Columbia (B.C.). Kamal Sharma can be seen standing next to Datt, holding a microphone.

Shushma Datt is a pioneer in the broadcasting industry in Canada, known as the first Indo-Canadian broadcaster in the country. Born and raised in Kenya, Datt earned a university degree from the University of New Delhi in India. She then began her career in journalism by working as a reporter for the Times of India. From there Datt moved to London, England, where she was employed by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Datt emigrated to Canada in 1972 and settled in Vancouver, where she broke new ground by hosting Indian programming on CJVB, where she was the first announcer to broadcast in Hindi and Panjabi. In 1987, Datt founded Rim Jhim, the world's first 24-hour South Asian radio station outside of India. In 2005, Shushma secured an AM license to launch RJ1200, now Spice Radio, further cementing her legacy. In 2007 Shushma Datt received the Influential Women in Business Award (BC) for her many accomplishments in broadcasting and multicultural programming. She has also received the Order of British Columbia (1992), the Queen's Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal (2002), the YWCA's "Women of Distinction" Award and the Humanitarian Award from the Vancouver Multicultural Society. Datt is listed as one of the 150 most influential British Columbians by the Royal British Columbia Museum and the 100 most influential Indo-Canadians by the Vancouver Sun. Shushma's work not only transformed ethnic broadcasting but also paved the way for women and cultural understanding in Canada.

Holi, often called the "festival of colors," is a vibrant and joyful Hindu celebration that marks spring's arrival and the triumph of good over evil. This festival, mainly observed in South Asia but also recognized globally, typically spans two days and is rooted in ancient traditions, mythology and community gatherings. Its date changes, as it is based on the full moon in the month of Phalguna, part of the Hindu lunar calendar, usually falling in late February or March. Holi, dating back to the 4th century, stands alongside Diwali, the festival of lights, as one of the most prominent Hindu celebrations and is famous for the playful tossing of colored powders and water.

Kamal Sharma, son of an Indian diplomat, grew up in Old Delhi, India, before moving to Vancouver, Canada in 1978, when his father got posted to the Indian Consulate. In 1979, Sharma got married, quit the University of British Columbia, and started managing a video store, called The Video King. From managing a video store, Sharma got a break in 1983, when he impressed a producer with his speaking ability and got a spot to do sports news for the World View Channel. From there, Sharma pitched a few show ideas pertaining to South Asian culture, which established him as a household name in the South Asian community. On December 1st, 1990 Sharma opened his video store, called Kamal's Video Palace (KVP). From hosting TV shows, to renting and selling Bollywood movies to presenting sold out concerts to thousands of people, Sharma has shared South Asian culture through entertainers, music, and Bollywood stars. Through his work, Sharma has helped thousands of people stay abreast of the latest entertainment out of Bollywood. With his experience behind him, Sharma founded KVP Entertainers & KVP Heritage, whose goal is to revive arts presentations from South Asia in B.C. Sharma and KVP Heritage have sponsored many community events and fundraisers, supported young people as well as up and coming future stars. In 2022, BC Achievement Foundation honoured Sharma with the Annual Community Award.