DR. KUNJAR MANI SHARMA Ph.D.

June 19, 2025 International Relations, Graduate School of International Studies, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado (United States); M.A., M.B.A., Denver: B. Comm., University of Allahabad, UP (India), M. Comm., Maharaja Sayaji-rao University of Baroda, Baroda (India); SLC (Nepal); CIRP, LIT Dr. Kunjar Mani Sharma passed away peacefully in Toronto at the age of 87 after a lengthy illness, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, service, and leadership. A native of Nepal, he was educated in Nepal, India, and the United States. He came to the USA in 1963 as a Fulbright scholar and obtained a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Denver. After a stint as a research assistant at UC Berkeley - where he met, fell in love with, and married Carolyn - he moved to Canada in 1971, serving as a Research Fellow at the Center for Foreign Policy Studies at Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia. Leaving the academic field in 1974 and moving to Toronto, Kunjar found employment with Dunwoodco, the insolvency arm of the accounting firm now known as BDO Canada. Progressing within the firm, he soon obtained his licence as a Trustee in Bankruptcy and became a partner in 1982, a role he held until his retirement in 2001 at age 63. During this time, he helped the firm grow to become the largest filer of bankruptcies and insolvencies in Canada. Kunjar was also a founding member of the Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals (CAIRP) and served as President in 1993/1994 of its provincial affiliate, OAIRP. In 2003, Kunjar founded the firm today known as Kunjar Sharma & Associates Inc., with a focus on serving the South Asian community in Ontario. For over 22 years, his expertise guided countless individuals and businesses through financial hardship, earning him and the firm a reputation for integrity and empathy. Beyond his professional achievements, he was a passionate advocate for the Nepali diaspora, serving as the Honorary Consul General of Nepal in Toronto for 31 years. His efforts strengthened ties between Canada and Nepal, fostering cultural connection and community support. Kunjar was also a founder, benefactor, advisor, and President of the Association of Nepalis in the Americas (ANA), President of the Canada–Nepal Business Council, and founder of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRN). He has received many prestigious awards, including: Volunteer Service Award - Ministry of Citizenship, Culture, and Communications, Government of Ontario; the Silver Jubilee Celebration of Accession to the Throne Award presented by His Majesty, the King of Nepal; the Professional of the Year Award from the Indo–Canada Chamber of Commerce; the President's Award - Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation of Canada; and the A-List Honoree recognition and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Nepalese in the Americas and Nepalis Canadian Community Services. Kunjar's warmth and generosity touched everyone he met. He was a mentor, a bridge-builder, and a friend, always ready with a kind word or a thoughtful solution. His contributions to the insolvency profession, the Nepali community, and beyond will live on in the hearts of those he inspired. He is survived by his beloved wife and tireless supporter, Carolyn; and son, Benjamin Sharma, of Toronto. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Child Haven International, whose Kathmandu orphanage was established at Kunjar's instigation and with his encouragement.