Narine Dat Sookram, who received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, came of no surprise to many, because of his love and passion to serve people. However, instead of celebrating that prestigious moment, he did something very unique and a little different.
Sookram actually advocated for the privilege to bestow the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to other deserving recipients.
When Sookram was asked as to why he did what he did, he said, “I did not like the fact that certain officials received the medal automatically, because I feel as if the medal is deceiving its purpose. I have known of so many deserving recipients and if I do not give a voice to them, I’ll feel as I am depriving the people, especially the ones who have worked so hard behind the scene and have never been recognised for their work.”
Sookram was granted the privilege to present 33 medals, more than anyone in the country (Canada) and has presented the medals to deserving recipients from a variety of backgrounds, such as Guyanese Indians, Africans, Portuguese, transgender, the homeless, the young and the old.
Sookram said he took this approach because he believes in diversity and inclusion, but besides, it also fits with the Canadian values.
He said he was also looking for recipients who have some connection with ACTION VISION Charity Association, an organisation he founded two decades ago to help schoolchildren in Guyana and to promote the rich cultural heritage in Canada.
The approach Sookram took in presenting the Diamond Jubilee Medal was a little different compared to the normal formal awards presentation. Instead, he went directly in a community college, a community church, at work and even in the recipient’s home to present the medal.
Lifetime opportunity
Sookram said he wanted to give the opportunity to as many people as possible to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity, but also he wanted to motivate others to contribute to the community by utilising their resources and skills to maximise their potential.
Though Sookram received the prestigious medal himself, he said he was more excited to present the medal to the recipients.
“I was able to notice how empowered the recipients were. One of the recipients said to me that ‘I have never thought that I was worthy of such of an award’,” Sookram said.
It is stories like these that make Sookram contiune doing what he loves best, which is to bring out the best of every individual he meets.
