GREENVILLE, Pa.—Firdaus Kharas ’78 H’07, a United Nations-recognized humanitarian, entrepreneur and mass communication innovator, was recently appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of that nation’s highest honors, in recognition of his contributions to advancing social change through human-centered media.
The 2023 list of Order of Canada appointees was unveiled on Dec. 28.
“I got emotional when I received a call from the office of Canada’s Governor-General informing me that I had been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada because I felt so incredibly honored and humbled by the appointment,” Kharas said. “This high recognition means a great deal to me and I am deeply appreciative. It is truly a privilege to be counted among the remarkable individuals who have received this recognition in the past.”
The Governor General’s office announced the new appointments of companions, the highest rank within the Order of Canada, alongside 15 officers, including one honorary officer, and 59 members. Firdaus Kharas, 68, was acknowledged for his role in advancing social change as a humanitarian and mass communications media producer.
The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest civilian honors and was established in 1967 to celebrate the centennial of Canadian confederation. To be named an Officer of the Order of Canada, individuals must have made a significant impact in their respective fields, whether it be in the arts, sciences, humanities, public service, or other areas. The contributions may include outstanding achievements, leadership, or a lifetime of dedication to a particular cause.
Kharas was the first recipient of the Rotary Club of Bombay’s international exchange-student scholarship, which led him to Thiel College, where he was a political science major and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2007.
Kharas has been profiled more than 500 times by the world’s press, from The New Yorker, Reader’s Digest, MacLean’s and The Atlantic magazines and dozens of other media around the world in several languages. His methods, particularly his methodology of linguistic adaptation and ability to create mass communication across cultural boundaries have regularly been the subject of academic study by students.
In 1995, Kharas founded Chocolate Moose Media, a hybrid social enterprise making for-profit television series and not-for-profit media campaigns. He also established television production companies in Canada and Asia including partnerships with the Royal Family of Malaysia, the News Corporation and UTV of India.
Kharas has created, directed and produced over 4,000 animated behavior change communications shorts. The animations have been seen in 198 countries, adapted into over 500 language versions and have been viewed by more than a billion people in their language. His productions have been seen on Discovery Channel, The Disney Channel, HBO and Nickelodeon.
In 2006, his animated series created to help slow the spread of AIDS in Africa won a prestigious Peabody Award, and Bishop Desmond Tutu said Kharas’ series was an “outstanding contribution.”
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.