Please RSVP here. For those joining us in person, we will meet in Case Lounge. For those joining via Zoom, the live-stream can be accessed here.
Dave Mann is no stranger to navigating uncertainty. After immigrating to Canada from Punjab, India at 14, he experienced homelessness, was forced to drop out of high school, and worked his way through jobs as a waiter, janitor, and gas station attendant before eventually founding Isle of Mann Developments at 32, which grew into one of British Columbia, Canada's most successful real estate enterprises. But despite his professional success, he found himself confronting something unexpected: a persistent anxiety that achievement hadn't resolved. Rather than ignore it, Dave began exploring mindfulness—not as an escape from his responsibilities, but as a way to meet them with greater clarity and presence. What started as a personal practice evolved into a broader commitment to service. In 2009, he and his wife Rani founded Mannkind Charity, which now works across Cambodia, Nepal, India, and Syria to address child poverty, climate change, and homelessness. Today, Dave runs his business while sharing practical mindfulness approaches with others navigating demanding careers, offering insights that have reached over 15 million views and 250,000 followers on social media.
our host
Harry Bajwa, a recipient of the 2025-2026 Award for Mindfulness and Racial/Social Justice, is a second year J.D. Candidate at Columbia Law School. At Columbia, he serves as President of the Racket Sports Club and continues his work as Director of Operations and member of the Board of Directors for Mannkind Charity, an international organization dedicated to providing children around the world with safe, equitable environments where they can thrive. Prior to law school, Harry earned a B.Com. in Finance and Certificate in Early Years Education from the University of British Columbia.
If you have questions about this event or upcoming events, or if any disability accommodations would help you to participate fully in these events, please contact Nicole Lavacchia ([email protected]). Columbia University makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities, so please let us know if any changes, for instance to the format of the sound system, would be helpful.
