The big local story of the week was the generous $40 million donation by philanthropists Ratana Stephens, Arran Stephens, and their family to Simon Fraser University for the newly established School of Medicine in British Columbia.
The landmark contribution is expected to strengthen medical education and healthcare in the province for generations to come.
The Stephens family are devoted followers of the spiritual tradition initiated by the late Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj.
The movement emphasizes meditation on the “inner light and sound,” encouraging a life rooted in compassion, self-discipline, and spiritual awareness.
Arran and Ratana received their spiritual initiation from Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj and have long reflected those values in both their personal and professional lives.
The couple is widely respected in both the business world and the South Asian Canadian community.
Long before environmental consciousness became mainstream, they championed businesses grounded in ecological responsibility, healthy living, and vegetarianism.
They opened Vancouver’s first vegetarian restaurant, planting the seeds for a lifestyle movement that has since grown globally.
Today, the family is internationally recognized for building Nature’s Path Foods into a multi-million-dollar organic breakfast cereal company known for its commitment to sustainability, organic farming, and ethical business practices.
Beyond business success, the Stephens family has remained deeply engaged in humanitarian and community work across British Columbia through numerous charitable and non-profit initiatives.
Over the years, they have received many honours and recognitions, including the prestigious Order of British Columbia.
Now in their 80s, Ratana and Arran Stephens may be officially retired, but they continue to remain socially active and intellectually engaged.
Arran, in particular, devotes much of his time to his passion for oil painting, blending creativity with contemplation, a reflection of the balanced and mindful life the couple has long embraced.
My personal congratulations and best wishes to the longtime friends, Arran and Ratana Stephens, for their benevolent contributions. You both are an inspiring couple.
-Promod Puri
promodpuri.com
progressivehindudialogue.com
Promod Puri.com 