The clock has been reset.
Countdown to the 17th edition of the annual Asian Achievers Awards will soon begin as Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar prepares to celebrate high achievers from the Asian community in the UK. Each year, people from all across the country nominate British Asians who have paved a path in their particular sector. From Media, Arts and Culture, to Sports, and Lifetime Achievement, the inimitable convention brings to light the various contributions of the well-known.
The luxurious Grosvenor House Hotel played host to the crème de la crème of the community for a spectacular night last year. Not only was the event a success given its long run, a whopping amount of £180,000 was raised in funds for Asian Achievers Award's charity partner Indian Ocean Disaster Relief. Every year, the Awards helps raise thousands of pounds for various charities it supports, and every year, it manages to surpass itself.
Asian Achievers Awards aim to celebrate the outstanding work from individuals from all businesses and professions, and bring their accomplishments to light. There are a total of nine categories and we will discuss three nominees each week till end of this year. This week, we talk about Professional of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Uniformed and Civil Services.
The Professional of the Year is a category to accolade the works of Professionals in the UK. Professionals in the field of medicine, law, education, banking, finance and others, who have scaled the heights of their chosen profession, are eligible to enter their nominations. Last year's winner was Jo Sidhu QC, a barrister and President of the Society of Asian Lawyers. The shortlisted candidates included names such as: Chitra Bharucha MBE, former Chairman of BBC Trust, Leena Nair, Chief HR Officer, Unilever and Nina Bhatia, Senior Executive, Centrica.
The Entrepreneur of the year is awarded to an young, aspiring entrepreneur with a proven track record of operating a successful business enterprise. Winner was Selva Pankaj, CEO, Regent Group. Nominations included candidates such as Harnoop Atkar, CEO, Oakland Primecare, Reshma Sohoni, Founding Partner, Seedcamp and Samir Desai, Founding Director, Funding Circle.
Award for Uniformed and Civil Services, is a category for outstanding achievements to the community through these services. The winner in 2016 was Faith Officer, Met Police, P C Karmjit Rekhi from Met Police. Nominations included: Lt Col Bilal Muhammad Siddique, Army Legal Services Officer, Mabs Hussain, Chief Superintendant, West Yorkshire Police and Captain Naveed Muhammad MBE, Chair, Armed Forces Muslim Association.
For years, British Asians have been playing a substantial role in the society. They have in more ways than one, contributed to the advancement of the economy as well, creating a niche in the business sector. If you know of any over-achieving Brit-Asian who has deserves to be accoladed, nominate them online at www.asianachieversawards.com, or register their details on nomination form in Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, this week. Nominations end on July 31.
