Dr. Vivek Anand Savkur’s journey of service, leadership and global impact

His early success across industries such as textiles, fiber optics, packaging, automotive, high tech plastics and textile machinery made international trade and marketing his natural domain. When he arrived in Canada as a Permanent Resident, later becoming a proud Canadian citizen, he carried that same spirit of connection with him.

Before immigrating, Dr. Savkur served on the national board of the Indo Canadian Business Chamber, including two consecutive terms as National President. In Canada, he founded Savkur International Agencies to support bilateral trade and went on to establish the BC India Business Network in 2015, where he now serves as President Emeritus. Over the years, he has become a trusted advisor to Canadian government agencies that seek to build partnerships with India. His contribution was key in bringing the Times of India Film Awards to Vancouver in 2013. That same year, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, followed by the British Columbia Coronation Medal in 2024 for his service to the community.

Dr. Savkur has consistently paired business leadership with deep community engagement. He has held roles with Luke 15 House in Surrey, the Indo Canadian Business Chamber, the Hope for Orphans Society, Simon Fraser University’s India Advisory Council, the Trinity Western University Steering Committee. He also serves on the Board of the Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival. His contributions extend back to India as well, including work with the Indian Automotive Racing Club, where he helped organize the first Himalayan car rallies and participated as an observer at the East African Safari Rally in Nairobi.

His leadership in education is equally notable. As Chairman Emeritus of the Canada India Education Council, Western Canada Chapter, he has championed stronger pathways between Canadian and Indian institutions, students and academic communities.

His accomplishments have earned him the Global Leadership Award from the Global Emerging Leadership Programs in 2022 and an Honorary Doctorate from Trinity Western University in 2023. In 2024, during the historic coronation year of King Charles III, he was honored with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for outstanding service to British Columbia and Canada.

Despite a lifetime of recognition, Dr. Savkur remains grounded. His advice to his younger self and to today’s youth centers on curiosity, mentorship, respect for elders and compassion for those in need. “Increase your general knowledge, stay aware of your environment and find a mentor,” he says. His own journey reflects the power of strong guidance, hard work and community involvement.

Looking ahead, he has no plans to slow down. “I do not think retirement is for me,” he says with a smile. His days are filled with calls, messages and requests for help from around the world, a testament to his reputation as a bridge builder, problem solver and community leader.

For Dr. Vivek Anand Savkur, connection is not only a skill but a lifelong commitment to people, to purpose and to making a meaningful difference across continents.