12
Political & Public
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 16th February 2013
Outstanding achievers celebrate co Asian Voice organised its seventh consecutive Political and Public Life Awards at Britain's one of the most grand venues, the House of Commons, London on Thursday 7 February. These awards are given to people who have made significant contribution in the preceding 12 months on both public and political domain irrespective of race, religion or nationality. Politicians who played an essential part in national and international politics while individuals who made a difference in their local community received awards for their efforts making annual Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards a massive success. In total 27 awards were presented in company of some 250 high profile people that included most eminent politicians, entrepreneurs and community leaders. An expert panel of judges selected the winners from the various nominations made by the readers of Asian Voice. he compere for the evening was Valerie Vaz, MP while two young ladies in Indian outfit was present to garland each winner and help the presenter with the awards. The Guest of Honour was Baroness Betty Boothroyd, former Speaker of the House of Lords and she was gifted a bouquet of flower in appreciation for her support. Also on the stage was the Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar- Mr C B Patel. The first category was Peer of the Year award and the recipient was Baroness Helena Kennedy, an expert in human rights law, civil liberties and constitutional issues. She told the present guests that she felt wonderful to have been chosen for these awards. She has spent a lot of time working closely with the Asian community in adoption cases and while her international human rights work. The next recipient of the award was Mohammad Azharuddin, for his Influence in Indian Politics. He is a candidate for the Congress party from Moradabad constituency. Mr Azharuddin who was delighted to have been recognised in the field of politics, said thanking, “Though I had a long innings in cricket, in politics it is just four years.This is one of the best awards I have received." Anna Soubry was given the Junior Minister of the Year award, receiving which she said, “Thank you very much for this award. I have just come back from India, two weeks ago. And I am actually wearing the scarf that I bought there. I was attend-
T
ing the first ever conference in India with UK specifically focussing on diabetes, and it was a remarkable experience.” The next award was given to a very young British Indian talent, who has won the hearts of women with his charming voice- the winner of the Entertainer of the Year award - Navin Kundra. A very happy Navin, holding the trophy told the audience, “Thank you very much for this award. It is a real honour. Thanks to Asian Voice and Rt Hon Keith Vaz, who is a dear friend now. I am very proud to be associated with Silver star. But more than me this award belongs to two people- my family- my father who is here and also my Manager, who is the real rockstar and I could not have done it without him.” Richard Bacon received the Conservative Backbencher of the Year. He said, “I am deeply touched by this support and this honour.” He also talked about the contributions of the Asian community in business- which he commented is 'remarkable.' The next winner was Harish Bhimani, who received the Media Professional of the Year award. He told the present guests, “I am acutely aware that this award is really meant as a recognition for my rather conventional profession, more than any personal accomplishments...I am proud to be a Commonwealth citizen.” The Cabinet Minister of the Year award was given to Rt Hon Theresa May, MP followed by the Rising Star of the Year award. Winner Arjun Anand said, “I am honoured
to receive this award, thanks to dad and my family.” The next award was presented to Lakshmi Mittal, as a winner of the Changing the face of Britain award. Sudhir Maheswari, who collected this award on behalf Arecelor Mittal said, “Thank you so much for this recognition. Olympic has indeed changed the face of Britain and I thank every employee who has made this such a success.” The Professional of the Year award was given to Dr Sunil Chopra, founder of the London Dermatology centre. The recipient of the Broadcaster of the Year award was James Whale, who added humorously: “I am really lost for words. Thank you very much indeed. This award is very diverse. It is true that we are more integrated in this country than any where else and the Asian Voice Political and Public Life awards reflect the true spirit of this country.” The next category was Reporter of the Year award, which was given to Andrew Norfolk, the renowned Times reporter. Andrew has been nominated as reporter or journalist of the year at the British Press Awards four times in the past seven years. Chuka Umunna, MP received the Shadow Cabinet Minister of the Year award and he was delighted to share the stage presence with Baroness Boothroyd. He addressed the audience by thanking for the award. I am very very touched for choosing as a recipient of this award. It is remarkable to have Baroness Boothroyd at this platform. I have been here for two and a half years and I still pinch myself to believe it. The Asian community has a very huge dynamic business population and I am continuously inspired by you all- as you actually drive this economy.” The next category was Academic of the Year award and the winner was Dr Sonal Minocha. Dr Minocha, who was elated to have been chosen as the winner by the readers of Asian Voice said, “Academics don’t get you such oscar moments. Thank
you so much for giving me this award and for the readership to acknowledge hidden talents, it's a huge honour.” Abul Taher, a staff news reporter at the Mail on Sunday received the Journalist of the Year award followed by Jeremy Corbyn MP, winner of the Labour Backbencher of the Year award, who thanked the community profusely for giving him the honour. Rt Hon Ed Davey, MP was the recipient of the Liberal Democrat Minister of the Year award and told the present audience, “Thank you very much for this wonderful awards. Rt Hon Keith Vaz was asking what awards had I received recently. I said the last one was from Asian Voice. The Asian community- not just from the business angle, the deep contributions made in education especially in Saturday morning schools (like Gujarati, Tamil etc), is noteworthy. I am very proud of the Asian community in my constituency (Kingston). Talking about climate change, I must say it is a subject that unites the world. The challenge of climate change will not be in coming 30 years. It's now and we have to work together, across community and across parties to preserve our environment. I am hoping that Asian Voice will surely cover it.” The following category was Community Organisation of the Year award, and it was given to Anglo Arab organisation. The Innovation of the Year award was given to Dr Sandeep Shah. While receiving the awards he also profusely thanked Dr Nita Shah, and said “we are today where we are, because of her.” The TV channel of the Year award was given to Channel I followed by the High Street Enterprise award of the Year which was given to Snappy Snap, Edgware. The International Cooperation between the UK and India award was given to Prabhat Verma, General Manager of 51 Buckingham Gate. A delighted Prabhat told the audience, “I represent the Taj group of hotels owned by the Tatas and it is a great privilege to work for the Group. I
Rt Hon Theresa May MP receiving the Cabinet Minister of the Year award from Baroness Boothroyd
Chuka Umunna MP receiving the Shadow Cabinet Minister of the Year award from Baroness Boothroyd
Rt Hon Ed Davey MP receiving the Liberal Democrat Minister of the Year award from Baroness Boothroyd
Anna Soubry MP receiving the Junior Minister of the Year award from Baroness Boothroyd
Richard Bacon MP receiving the Conservative Backbencher of the Year award from Anna Soubry MP
Jeremy Corby MP receiving the Labour Backbencher of the Year award from Chuka Umunna MP