Fueling the Future

Fueling the Future

How Harshivam Bawa is helping energy security in Canada and beyond.

For Fanshawe alumnus Harshivam Bawa (Broadcast Journalism alumni, 2019; Public Relations - Corporate Communications alumni, 2020) the importance of reliable energy has played a significant role in his life.

Harshivam grew up in the northern province of Punjab in India, where sweltering weather is quite common during summer months. “When the temperature hits 48 degrees Celsius with 100 per cent humidity, the demand for energy is overwhelming,” Harshivam recalls. “India’s energy infrastructure can’t keep up, and we experienced blackouts every week, sometimes lasting as long as 48 hours.”

This early experience sparked Harshivam’s passion for ensuring access to reliable energy, ultimately guiding him toward a career in the energy sector. He began as a communications analyst with the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) and worked his way up to become CGA’s communications manager in just two years.

My experiences growing up in India, where power cuts were a regular part of life, made me acutely aware of the need for reliable energy.

In 2024, he was appointed the chair of Young Energy Professionals Network—a group of energy professionals under 35 trying to secure Canada’s future as a responsible energy developer. He also works as the public affairs manager for Energy for a Secure Future, a non-partisan organization that brings together Canadian business leaders, Indigenous Peoples, organizations and experts in a new conversation about energy and building a secure future for Canada and our allies around the world.

“My experiences growing up in India, where power cuts were a regular part of life, made me acutely aware of the need for reliable energy. When you’re dealing with extreme heat and regular blackouts, you realize how critical energy access is for daily survival and economic development. That’s what drove me into the energy sector; I want to help ensure that communities, whether in India, Canada or anywhere in the world, have dependable, affordable and sustainable energy.”