Asian Achievers Awards: winners announced

Asians honoured   for efforts in civil society

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. A number of achievers were recognised for their contributions to business, sport, the military and the arts.
The theme this year was the contribution Asian people have made to the Uniformed and Civil Services. On this theme, 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.
Again reflecting this year’s theme, the Chief Guest was the Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, Secretary of State for Defence. He gave a stirring speech, highlighting how Asian people are under-represented in the military and police – and pledged to end this institutional racism. Sadly, Asian people are hugely over-represented in the number of people killed, injured and displaced by the UK military and its partners – a point the Secretary of State did not mention, let alone promise to end.
Other high profile guests included Cherie Blair, whose husband launched the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq in the early part of the decade and who cut funding to public services on which Asian people relied in the early part of this century. Jeffrey Archer was also present: a man who twice resigned as an elected MP over various scandals, was a Conservative appointment to the House of Lords and was then imprisoned for lying to the court (perjury) and perverting the course of justice. Labour’s candidate for London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, was also present.
The ceremony was hosted by Eastenders star Nitin Ganatra and BBC journalist Sangita Myska. Ey was the headline sponsor. Sunrise Radio and Colors TV were the media partners. Since it was launched in 2000, the Asian Achievers Awards has raised millions of pounds for various charities, and this year the chosen charity partner was the Loomba Foundation, which works with widows and children.

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

www.asianachieversawards.com

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The Asian Achievers Awards is hosted by
Asian Business Publications Ltd (ABPL),
publishers of newspapers
Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar