Friday 14th September will witness a true celebration of diversity across Britain's communities, at the 18th annual Asian Achievers Awards in Grosvenor House, London, organised by Britain’s oldest Asian diaspora publications Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. The gala will be attended by more than 800 guests including business tycoons, entrepreneurs, industrialists, senior professionals, celebrities, members of Parliament and the uniformed services.
An integral part of the British life, the Asian community plays an increasingly important role in shaping the country’s future. Known as the People’s Choice Awards, the Asian Achievers Awards celebrates the outstanding work of South Asian individuals from across a spectrum of backgrounds and professions. The short-listed candidates symbolise the true spirit of today's multicultural and diverse Britain, representing various South Asian communities especially Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, to name a few. A full list of the short-listed candidate is produced below.
CB Patel, Chairman of the Asian Achievers Awards and Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar said, “I am delighted to unveil the shortlist for this year’s nominees – each of whom is singularly responsible for bringing the Asian community to the centre stage of British life. They are inspiring role models for us all and for future generations.
“The Asian Achievers Awards celebrate the rich cultural diversity of modern Britain and are only awards of their kind that are judged by an independent panel as well as by readers of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. The judges face the tough decision of selecting the winners from an outstanding range of exceptional individuals who are each making great strides in their own field.”
Since its launch, the Asian Achievers Awards has helped to raise millions of pounds for various charities and this year, the chosen charity partner is Oracle Cancer Trust, which is the UK’s leading charity solely dedicated to funding research into head and neck cancer
Over the past ten years, Oracle has invested over £5million in world-class research programmes discovering new and improved treatments with fewer immediate and long-term side effects for patients suffering from head and neck cancer. Oracle’s pioneering research work, led by some of the World’s leading authorities on head and neck cancer treatment has resulted in breakthroughs in delivering new surgical techniques, radiotherapy treatment, speech and language therapy, drug development and virus and immunotherapies.
The Asian Achievers Awards is also proud to have Colors TV on board as the Media Partners.
If you wish to attend the prestigious Asian Achievers Awards, to book your ticket, please email [email protected] or call 020 7749 4085.
Shortlisted candidates in 2018:
Uniform and Civil Services
Kudlip Singh Bhamrah, is an East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) technician with the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal for distinguished service.
Chief Supt Bas Javid, a Gulf War veteran and the most senior officer in the West Midlands Police force.
Asst Com Neil Basu is the head of UK’s counter terrorism policing.
Chief Supt Raj Kohli, is the Chief Superintendent and Borough Commander of Hounslow.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Adarsh Radia, co-founder of various successful businesses including Dishoom, Telenomics, Widerpool and KITE
Akshay Ruparelia, Founder and Managing Director of Doorsteps.
Sai Lakshmi, is the co-founder and CEO of Echo.
Sheeza Shah, is the founder and CEO of UpEffect.
Woman of the Year
Dame Pratibha Laxman Gai DBE, a British microscopist and Professor and Chair of Electron Microscopy, Director at the York, JEOL Nanocentre, Department of Physics and Chemistry at the University of York
Heidy Rehman, an accomplished eCommerce Executive
Sonali Naik QC, worked in the NGO sector for 5 years after being called to the Bar in 1991
Trishna Bharadia, a Spanish-English translator/analyst for a business intelligence company who also works to bring the patient voice into the healthcare journey, improve education and enhance awareness about disability and chronic illness, support BAME communities in the context of disability.
Professional of the Year
Dr Anil Kumar Ohri, CEO of Regent’s Park Healthcare (RPH)
Dr Kailash Chand OBE, a high profile GP in NHS, with senior roles in the British Medical Association (BMA) and the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO).
Dr Shafi Ahmed, a surgeon, teacher, futurist, innovator and entrepreneur
Priya Guha, British business executive who currently works as the Ecosystem general manager of Rocketspace in London.
Media Arts and Culture
Babita Sharma, a British television newsreader on BBC News (TV channel) and BBC World News, presenting the 'Newsday' strand, Monday to Wednesday, from London with Rico Hizon in Singapore
James Krishna Floyd, an actor of British origin who performed portraying characters of multiple nationalities and received significant appreciation.
Nomia Iqbal, a presenter and journalist at BBC news from 2008, an accomplished presenter for the BBC World Service's Newsday.
Saurav Dutt, a British Indian author and novelist, independent film producer, graphic novel writer, journalist and philanthropist known for his novel inspired by the India’s Daughter documentary entitled ‘The Butterfly Room.’
Business Person of the Year
Ajith Jayawickrema, founder and managing director of Turtle Bay.
Rishi Khosla, co-founder of ACORN OakNorth
Raj Manak, managing director of Stanmore Contractors Limited.
Sheazad Hussain,Director of Medina Dairy Limited.
Sports personality of the Year
Amar Virdi, is a 20 year-old cricketer who plays for the county side, Surrey.
Anoushe Husain, is a paraclimber who is currently ranked 2nd in the UK with just a year’s worth of training.
Maya Vio, a professional footballer playing for Tottenham Hotspur Ladies as a midfielder
Parag Patel, a sport shooter who also works as an ear, nose and throat consultant at Kingston Hospital in London.
Community services
Aina Khan OBE, lawyer, Director of Register Our Marriage campaign for marriage law reform and a Member of Law Society’s Advanced Family Panel.
Anwar Khattak BEM, a campaigner behind Birmingham Youth Sport Academy (BYSA) which promotes football in an attempt to keep underprivileged children occupied and spend time constructively with peers
Mohammed Ishaq MBE, pioneer who started Punjab Kitchen, a kitcheb with a difference-his customers were patients who required special or convalescent meals.
Poppy Jaman OBE is the CEO of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England and is renowned for her commendable services in the mental health sector.
