British-Asian representation in professional fields has increased over the last few years. Now an integral part of British life, the Asian community plays an increasingly important role in shaping the country’s future. To acknowledge the hard work and contribution of British Asians – the Asian Achievers Awards (AAA), the annual star-studded event, is held attended by the top echelons of the British Asian society.
Also known as The People’s Choice Awards, AAA recognises the outstanding work of individuals from all walks of life within the Asian community and acknowledges the accomplishments of the finest in the UK's Asian community. Held annually, these awards are organised by Asian Business Publications Limited (ABPL). This year marks the 16th edition of the awards which will be held at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel in September. There are 10 categories in all for the Asian Achievers Awards.
In the previous weeks we delved into the different categories of AAA such as: Media, Arts and Culture, Community Services, Achievements in Sports, Uniformed Services, Entrepreneur, Business Person and Woman of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement. Each year the award night celebrates a certain aspect of the society, this year the emphasis will be on the Professional of the Year category. The Professional of the Year award is presented for outstanding achievement in the Professions and/or contribution to the community. Last year Satvir Bungar, director of BDO, bagged the award. Mr Bungar has spent much of his career as a corporate advisor on various boards. He works with both listed and private or venture capital-backed companies.
Last year's shortlisted candidates included Anita Balchandani, a partner of OC&C Strategy Consultants and Sector Head of the UK Retail team alongside being a Non-Executive Director at Space NK, a luxury beauty business; Dr Farah Bhatti, a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Honorary Associate Professor at Swansea University. Dr Bhatti is also a member of the Opportunities in Surgery committee at the Royal College of Surgeons of England; Professor Venugopal K Nair, the head of Research programme at the Pirbright Institute located in Surrey. His research focuses on unravelling the molecular mechanisms of cancer caused by viruses.
There are many British Asians in the UK who deserve the recognition for their contributions to their respective fields. If you know someone who has contributed to the community, has broken the glass ceiling and deserves recognition, then nominate them online on www.asianachieversawards.com or register their details on the nomination form of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar this week. Deadline for nominations is 31 July, 2016.
