Over 600 nominations were received for the awards; 75 finalists were shortlisted by a panel of judges and more than 30,000 votes were cast online, the highest number received in the award's history.
"I am grateful for the support from everyone, especially the university," said Kalra, a professor of pathology in the College of Medicine. "It is a tremendous honour for me to be chosen as one of the top 25 Canadian immigrants."
Kalra has been involved in establishing guidelines for thyroid-function testing, quality assurance programs and laboratory use in health care. For the past several years, Kalra has also been involved in quality care and patient safety. He is a leader and community builder in several altruistic organizations including Saskatoon Folkfest and the Rotary Club.
The RBC Top 25 award winners receive a commemorative plaque and a $500 donation to a registered Canadian charity of their choice. Winners were featured in the July 2013 print edition of Canadian Immigrant Magazine.