Community Service Award
For a volunteer who serves others quietly, without holding any official position or title.
Read the criteria
Toronto, Canada
Honouring the people who serve, sing and dance for our community
The M D Sharma Award carries forward the life of Shri Mathura Dass Sharma — a man who spent his years helping others in India and in Toronto without ever holding a title. Each year we honour a volunteer who does the same, and the children and young people who keep our music and dance alive.
Why this award exists
An award started by the community, for the community
The M D Sharma Award (Mathura Dass Sharma Award) was announced after Shri M D Sharma passed away in Toronto, following a sudden illness. He had dedicated his life to serving the community, first in India and later in Canada.
It was the community itself — not a company, not an institution — that proposed an award in his name. The idea was simple: keep his name and his work known to future generations, and encourage people to help others without needing a position, a title or an audience.
Shri M D Sharma also loved to sing. He performed Bollywood songs and bhajans for Toronto audiences, so the award family grew to include special honours for talented singers and dancers — one for an individual who sings well, and one for a child who dances well.
Read his full story
Award categories
Three ways to be honoured
Anyone in the Greater Toronto Area can be nominated. There is no fee to nominate and no fee to take part.
Singing & Dance Award for Kids
For children up to 12 years old who show outstanding singing or dancing talent.
Read the criteria
Singing & Dance Award for Youngers
For young people aged 13 to 21 performing Bollywood songs, bhajans or classical dance.
Read the criteria
The ceremony
The next M D Sharma Award ceremony
Date to be announced
Planning is under way
The date and venue for the next ceremony are being finalised with the community and the host temple. Nominations stay open all year round, so you do not need to wait for the date to put a name forward.
Leave your name and email on the invitations page and we will write to you as soon as the date is confirmed.
Get told when it is announced Nominate now
How it works
From nomination to the stage
1 Nominate
Anyone can put forward a name — a neighbour, a volunteer, a young singer or dancer. Self-nomination is welcome for the talent categories.
2 Review
The advisory board checks that each nomination fits the category and gathers any extra information needed.
3 Judging
A jury of community members and musicians reviews the shortlist. Talent nominees may be asked to perform or send a recording.
4 Ceremony
Winners receive a plaque and trophy at a community ceremony, with performances from the nominees.
From the ceremony
Photographs from past events
Moments from the award presentations at Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Toronto.
Get involved
Three ways to support the award
Attend the ceremony
Seats are free but limited. Ask for an invitation and we will hold a place for you and your family.
Request an invitation
Volunteer or join the jury
We need help on the day — setting up, hosting guests, photography — and community members willing to judge.
Offer your help
Sponsor an award
Sponsorship pays for the trophies, the hall and the printing. Packages start at $100.
See sponsor packagesKnow someone who deserves this?
Most of the people this award is meant for will never put their own name forward. That is exactly why it needs you to do it for them.
Nominate someone today Call +1 289 236 2427