The winners of the landmark 15th annual Asian Achievers Awards were announced on September 18th at glittering gala event at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane. Winners include, cricketing icon, Moeen Ali; Secret Sales founders Nish and Sach Kukadia; author Romesh Gunasekera; and Lord Rumi Verjee CBE, who was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
One of the notable wins of the night was Military Cross hero Lance Corporal Tuljung Gurung, who picked up the Uniformed and Civil Services Award, for his bravery in fighting off two armed Taliban fighters and saving the lives of his two comrades. The award was made more poignant, as the evening’s theme revolved around the contribution of Asians in Uniformed and Civil Service.
Chief Guest, Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, Secretary of State for Defence gave a stirring speech. He said, "I’ve seen statistics showing British Asians contribute 6 per cent of UK GDP, despite making up just four per cent of the population...
“And British Asians have brought that immense will to succeed into our Armed Forces. Last year I honoured their memory by laying a wreath at India Gate. This year, 70 years from World War 2, we remember the millions of Asians, who fought and flung out fascism in Africa, Malaya, Burma, and Italy...
"Twelve per cent of the British workforce hail from ethnic minorities. Yet they represent only seven per cent of our Armed Forces. We fall well behind the Met police and London Ambulance Service, where the figure is above 11 per cent. We must do better.
"This isn’t just about tokenism or creating a more integrated society. It’s about attracting the brightest and the best from the talent in our midst. We are one nation. And we need one nation Armed Forces that benefits from all the people they protect…
"The RAF, Navy and Army are developing programmes to increase opportunity in the services. We’ve got networks supporting personnel from different faiths.
“Today I confirm our commitment for at least 10% of our recruits to come from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background by 2020. It’s a vital part of the Prime Minister’s 2020 vision to give all our cherished communities a stake in society..."
The Asian Achievers Awards was brilliantly hosted by Eastenders star Nitin Ganatra and BBC journalist Sangita Myska, and was proud to have EY as the headline sponsor.Attendees included, Naughty Boy,Lord Jeffrey Archer, Greg Dyke India’s original supermodel, Nina Manuel, and dignitaries like Cherie Blair QC, CBE, London Mayor candidate, Sadiq Khan MP and His Excellency Ranjan Mathai, the Indian High Commissioner.
ABPL Group, which organises the Asian Achievers Awards, also introduced the Asian Voice Charity Awards, which is launching in 2016. These awards, powered by Asian Charity Clarity, are about rewarding charities that think big and seek to solve the most pressing social issues of today, both in Britain and around the world.
Since launching in 2000, The Asian Achievers Awards itself has helped to raise millions of pounds for various charities, and this year the chosen charity partner is the Loomba Foundation, which works with widows and children. The Asian Achievers Awards is proud to have Sunrise Radio and Colors TV as Media Partners.
CB Patel, Founder of the Asian Achievers Awards said, "In the last 15 years the Asian community has come a long way. Tonight's awards are the example of the brilliance that our community is capable of. Whether it's entrepreneurial spirit or sporting integrity…community service or leading in business - we are making a mark everywhere.
"The Asian Achievers Awards began 15 years ago in very modest surroundings, so the grandeur and scale of tonight’s event, celebrating such remarkable individuals, makes me incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, and it would not have been possible without you and your support. We have been fortunate enough to recognise some wonderful people over the years and I am certain that in the years to come we will be celebrating even more outstanding Asian achievements."
Sanjay Bhandari, Partner at EY added: “At EY we know the value of a diverse and inclusive workforce and the difference it can make to our people, our business, our clients and the communities we work in. We also know the value of role models in driving change and inspiring others and that is why we are proud to support the Asian Achievers Awards, celebrating the achievements of such talented individuals.
“When I entered the professional services industry 25 years ago, there were few visible senior Asian role models to guide me. So now, as an Asian Partner at EY, I feel acutely aware of my responsibility to give something back and encourage others.”
ASIAN ACHIEVERS AWARDS 2015 WINNERS LIST
Businessperson of the Year
Iqbal Ahmed OBE, Seamark Plc
Entrepreneur of the Year
Nish & Sach Kukadia – Founders Secret Sales
Sports Personality of the Year
Moeen Ali – England Cricketer
Uniformed and Civil Services
Lance Corporal Tuljung Gurung - – The Royal Gurkha Rifles
Lifetime Achievement Award
Lord Rumi Verjee CBE
Media, Arts and Culture
Romesh Gunasekera - Author
Woman of the Year
Bindi Karia – Technology Startup Expert and Advisor
Achievement in Community Service
Jasvinder Sanghera CBE - Founder, Karma Nirvana
Professional of the Year
Satvi Bungar - Director, BDO
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