Political and Public Life Award

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Political and

Public Life Awards

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february 2010

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LTC College is proud to sponsor the Asian Voice Political & Public Life Awards Congratulations to all nominees and winners!

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Political&

Public Life Awards

Salute the stalwarts Our multicultural society is arguably a model for the rest of the world.

We are living in challenging times and the fact that our mainstream political parties are committed to upholding the values of all faiths and communities, reflects the true greatness of this nation.

Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards is our modest effort to honour a number of outstanding individuals from different communities, walks of life and diverse political persuasions. This legion of merit speaks for itself. Asian Voice is honoured to be involved in this endeavour and I am grateful to the panel of judges - Mr Arjan Vekaria, Lord Patel of Blackburn, Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP and Mr G S Gujral CBE, who have helped us to make a success of the project.

While we value the contributions of those who have graced this occasion by their presence, we also accept that there are many individuals out there who serve society in their own special way, contributing significantly in whatever they do towards making a better world today, tomorrow and thereafter.

C B Patel Publisher/Editor

Beacon of diversity I am delighted to welcome the fourth Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards at the House of Commons.

Tonight’s ceremony is even more special as we honour the lifetime achievement of Rev Jesse Jackson. He has made history on how America and also how the world should prioritise the basic principles of equality, justice and fairness for all in society.

It is also an honour to have the presence of Rt. Hon David Cameron MP this evening. He is undoubtedly the Politician of the Year due to his political prowess which has pioneered much progress and change for his party. He should be recognised for this as well as his drive to make his own mark on history through his commitment to British politics.

The Asian Voice newspaper has the largest readership amongst the Asian community in Britain. It brings diverse issues to press that should be given mass awareness and should not be confined to niche channels.

Tonight we wish to bring the achievements of the Asian community into the mainstream. The Asian community has made a great contribution to British society and stand as key stakeholders in Britain’s industries, right from business to show business. These awards commend their achievements and celebrate the diversity they bring to the face of modern Britain.

We also have among us winners from outside the British Asian community who are popular amongst Asian Voice readers for the positive impact they have had on mainstream Britain.

I hope the evening will not only be enjoyed by all but will be remembered as a beacon of diversity in Britain promoted by Asian Voice and the British Asian community, who continue to cherish modern Britain and the key role they play in the everyday life of the country.

Rt Hon Keith Vaz, MP Chair, Home Affairs Select Committee

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar 2010

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Legion Of Merits.....

Politician of the Year Rt Hon David Cameron MP, Leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition David Cameron started his political life working for the Conservatives Research Department. He became an MP for Witney in June 2001 and has held a range of ministerial posts including Shadow Secretary of State for Education. In 2005 he was elected leader of the Conservative Party and if elected at the next general election, will become the youngest leader to have ever been elected. His outstanding political career and his passion for British politics makes him the most appropriate candidate for this award.

Labour Parliamentarian of the Year Stephen Pound, MP Ealing North Stephen Pound was first elected to the Commons as an MP for the Labour Party for the Ealing North Constituency in 1997. His serious concerns include homelessness, a subject on which he worked before his election.

In the last few years, Stephen has been a prominent political figure, voting on a number of key issues including climate change, ID Cards and gay rights. His activism for change of key issues within the labour party makes him a Labour MP to be recognised and appreciated.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentarian of the Year Simon Hughes, MP North Southwark and Bermondsey Simon Hughes began his career at the Bar by Inner Temple in 1974 before entering local politics. Having been an MP since 1983, Simon is one of longest serving front bench MP’s in Parliament and is the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for the constituency of North Southwark and Bermondsey. In the last 12 months, he has been the shadow secretary of state for Energy and Climate Change with many interesting policies for the future. His hard work and dedication to his role within the Liberal Democrats should be commended with this award.

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Conservative Parliamentarian of the Year Damian Green, MP Ashford and Shadow Minister Damian Green started off his career in Media as a financial journalist for BBC Radio before joining Politics in 1992 as part of former Prime Minister John Major’s Policy Unit. In the last 12 months, he has been working as the shadow Minister for Immigration and is also the MP for Ashford. He owes his quick acceleration to a prominent position in British politics due to his commitment to the Conservative party. Therefore there is no doubt that he should be awarded with the Conservative Parliamentarian of the Year award.

Minister of the Year Rt. Hon. Ed Balls, MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls started his career as an economic lead writer at the Financial Times before becoming the MP for Normanton in 2005 and his appointment as Economic Secretary to the Treasury in May 2006. Since 2007 he has served as Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families. His policy changes have been welcomed by other Labour MPs and even opposition members. He clearly brings innovative and progressive policies to the agenda and should be recognised for doing so and therefore for clearly being the Minister of the Year.

TV Personality of the Year Mr. Nitin Ganatra Nitin Ganatra is a highly acclaimed actor. Internationally he is best known for his roles as Prince Pondicherry in Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and Kholi Saab in Bride and Prejudice. In the UK he is best known for playing Masood Ahmed in Eastenders, winning 'Best Onscreen Partnership' alongside Nina Wadia at the 2009 British Soap Awards. It is great to have a British role model for the younger British Asian community and one that brings ethnicity and diversity into mainstream entertainment and therefore onto the tv sets of many Britons.

Journalist of the Year Ms Shefali Oza Shefali Oza began her career as Midlands Today's first ever weather presenter in January 1993 after being discovered at an audition day and is now one of the programme's main anchors. Shefali has expanded to presenting community features and one of her major recent achievements came as part of one of her features when she became the first female civilian to spend a week on the Royal Navy submarine HMS Splendid. She was also recently awarded an Honorary Masters for 'her contribution to the region through her many broadcasts'. Her passion for journalism and drive to succeed in the field is recognised and should be rewarded. She presents a role model for the modern, British Asian woman which the community is very proud of.

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar 2010

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Special Award for International Achievement Mr. Som Mandal Som Mandal is the Managing Partner of Fox Mandal Little. Som’s area of expertise primarily lies in Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Law and Project Finance. He has been rated by Legal 500 as a renowned Individual Lawyer for Corporate and M&A and he has also been nominated by Chambers Global, a famous law publication, as a leading individual in Project Finance. His work which has an international dimension, is consistently dealt with notable legal expertise and should be recognised through this award.

Media Company of the Year Ms Sheena Bhattessa – ITSPR Sheena Bhattessa is an accomplished actress and works in Public Relations. She started her training in performing arts at the age of 4 and after studying Business Management with Law at King's College, London, moved to New York to continue her training. Sheena is now the Managing Director or ITS PR, providing key PR services. Her exceptional achievements making such an established name for herself and her company within such a short space of time beckons this award especially for her.

Restaurant of the Year Moti Mahal Moti Mahal is one of London’s top gastronomic Indian Restaurants, with Harden’s London Restaurant Guide 2010 calling it ‘classy contemporary Indian’. It has also been one of the pioneers of Indian restaurants in London for adopting the use of ‘Thatee Grill’ - a hallmark of Indian rural cooking. With its bold flavours and original cooking techniques, Moti Mahal has become a favourite amongst London’s diners. Its culinary excellency and incredible popularity makes it appropriate to receive this award.

Asian Broadcaster of the Year Mr. Dhruv Gadhvi Dhruv Gadhvi began working as a part time anchor at Zee TV before going on to produce and direct his own community show, Out & About which has been running successfully ever since. Dhruv has also launched his own production house DGTV, producing and directing many shows for Zee Network including music and entertainment as well as interviewing celebrities and politicians. His work for the asian community and bringing the mainstream into the Asian community and vicer versa should be celebrated as we continue to cherish the diversity of Britain.

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Campaign of the Year Mr. Jagdish Chander, Incredible India Jagdish Chander is the director of the India Tourist Office in London and has worked tirelessly to promote the Incredible India Campaign in the UK, an initiative to help promote tourism in India. In 2009 Incredible India Campaign won the World Travel Mart Award for being the best campaign of the year and The Asian Guild Fellowship was bestowed upon Mr Chander for his work on the campaign. His fantastic work to promote India as a top tourist destination makes him the perfect one to receive this award.

Parliamentary Journalist of the Year Mr. Joe Murphy Joe Murphy has had a distinguished career as the Political Editor of several newspapers having worked for both the Mail on Sunday and The Sunday Telegraph. Currently, he is the Political Editor of the Evening Standard and has interviewed many prominent political figures. His political scrutiny and analysis adds much value to political commentary and this award is to commend him and to show the public’s appreciation for his work.

Male Entrepreneur of the Year Dr. Rami Ranger MBE, FRSA Rami Ranger arrived to the UK in 1971 and started his career in a fast food chain. Through determination and commitment Rami started Sea Air & Land Forwarding Ltd to help ship goods. In 1999, he further expanded going on to become one of the fastest growing Companies in Britain.

Rami has also received The Queen's Award for Export Achievement and was a semi finalist in the Entrepreneur of the Year Award by Ernst & Young. His entrepreneurial energy on top of his academic achievements makes him a model for the first generation immigrants who have embraced Britain and added so much to the country he has chosen as his home.

Female Professional of the Year Ms Rhaynukaa Soni Rhaynukaa Soni, an Outreach Executive for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been raising awareness amongst vulnerable Indian construction workers of both the HSE and their rights whilst at work. The key aim is to reach vulnerable Indian construction workers new to the UK, which is recognised as a difficult task given the very niche target audience. Rhaynukaa has been liaising successfully with a variety of audiences ranging from the immigrant community organisations, faith communities and employers. She has also been organising events and developing long term links, networks and partnerships with potentially quite sceptical construction communities. At such a young age she has made leaps and bounds in her career and this award is to commend her for doing so and also to wish her continued success throughout her future career.

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar 2010

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News Agency of the Year NDTV New Delhi Television Limited was founded in 1988 and one of India’s top broadcasters. NDTV has been ahead of its peers by launching the 'United for Justice' campaign which seeks support from the citizens to demand justice in high-profile unsolved murder cases such as Jessica Lal, which finally led to the conviction of the accused. In 2008, NDTV was awarded the NAB 2008 International Broadcasting Excellence Award. Its research and delivery of the news is thoroughly impressive and has been recognised for doing so beyond the borders of India. This award certifies such opinion and congratulates it for being a cut above the rest.

Community Award Mr. Joginder Sanger Joginder Sanger started business with a small travel agency in East London in 1965. Since then he has managed to build up a number of businesses including 5 star hotels, properties, travel agencies and Life Insurance Company and is now the Chairman of Mast Craft Ltd. Joginder also devotes much of his time to fundraising. A gentleman who has done such great philanthropic work with the success he has acquired through business, should be upheld in high esteem and awarded by the community. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan.

Sports Personality of the Year Mr. Rendall Munroe Rendall Munroe is an English Super Bantamweight Boxer. In September 2003, he had his first pro fight win against Joel Viney, going onto win 10 wins. Rendall is the current holder of both, the EBU Super Bantamweight and Commonwealth Super Bantamweight title. We wish him every bit of luck in his upcoming fight and congratulate him for receiving this award as a new and very popular sports personality.

Lifetime Achievement Award Rev. Jesse Jackson Rev. Jesse Jackson is an African American civil rights leader and spokesman for prominenent issues including healthcare, voting rights and abortion. His influence extends to international matters and he has also been an active member of the political scene, most recently endorsing the Presidential campaign of Barack Obama, where he saw a dream becoming reality. Having his hard work give so many people today opportunities they would never have had, should be awarded wholeheartedly.

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Female Entrepreneur of the Year Ms Namita Panjabi Namita Panjabi started out as a merchant banker before moving to London where she opened her first restaurant, Chutney Mary in 1990 which was the first up-market Indian restaurant to promote Anglo-Indian cuisine. In recent years, Namita has gone on to expand her restaurant empire creating the Massala World Group which incorporates the well known London Restaurants Veeraswamy, Amaya & Masala Zone outlets.

In 2007 Masala World won Best in Britain (BIBA) Group of the Year Award.

The restaurants have brought much to up market Indian eating and it is thanks to the ongoing entrepreneurial nature of Namita Punjabi.

Male Professional of The Year Professor Jaspal of The Year Professor Kooner is a world-renowned cardiologist. He qualified from St Thomas's Hospital, London and underwent specialist cardiology training at St. Mary's Hospital, London. As well as being an honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Professor Kooner has published extensively in peer reviewed journals. In 2005, he was named Hospital Doctor of The Year for his work. A doctor that has achieved so much and is able to fit in so much noble work everyday should be publicly recognised and thanked through this award.

10th ASIAN ACHIEVERS AWARDS (AAA) September 2010

The prestigious Asian Achievers Awards is hosted every year

by UK’s leading news weeklies Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar to honour British Asians par excellence.

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If there is someone you know who has broken boundaries and deserves recognition for their unique contribution to the community and the nation then please nominate them for one of the awards For nomination form please visit www.abplgroup.com ABPL Group, Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW. Tel: 0207 749 4085 Fax: 0207 749 4081

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Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar bring you many special theme based publications Special Issues in 2008 Healthcare Wedding & Fashion Careers In Pharmacy Finance Banking Insurance (FBI) Careers in Accountancy Medical Tourism Diwali Asian Achievers Awards Special Issues in 2009

Our Exclusive Portfolio Over the last 37 years Asian Voice, Gujarat Samachar and the impressive portfolio of Special Issues have become renowned for our news, views, debate and expert opinion. We continue to play a key role in impacting UK's Asian community and meeting its information needs, often unmet by other media. The sheer depth and breadth of our coverage and the wide range of topics and industry sectors that we cover, provide a number of unique and exclusive advertising, branding and sponsorship opportunities.

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A Look Back At 2009 A V

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Mrs Jyotsna Shah Managing Editor Gujarat Samachar garlanding the Chief Guest, Rt Hon Geoff Hoon MP

Rt Hon Harriet Harman QC MP receiving the Parliamentarian of the year award

Mr Dolar Popat receiving the Community Award (for promoting the community in politics) from Eric Pickles MP

Mr Bhanu Choudhrie receiving the Entrepreneur of the year award

Ms Natasha Mudhar receiving the Media Company of the year from Caroline Flint MP

Robert Howard Marris MP receiving the Government backbencher of the year award

Mr Amin Ali receiving the Restaurant of the year award from Rt Hon Geoff Hoon MP

Sarah Teather MP, receiving the Opposition Parliamentarian of the year award

Ms Ann Treneman receiving the Parliamentary Journalist of the year award

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar 2010

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A V P&P Award Winners...

Mr Rajesh Rupani of Sony TV receiving the Asian Broadcaster of the year award from Eric Pickles MP

Mr Dipankar De Sarkar receiving the Journalist of the year award from Caroline Flint MP

Ms Nina Amin receiving the Professional of the year award from Caroline Flint MP

On behalf of Baroness Uddin her son Mr Sharif Uddin receiving the award Peer of the year

Ms Nina Wadia receiving the TV Personality of the year award

Mr Naresh Goyal and Mrs Anita Goyal receiving the International Entrepreneurs of the year award

Members of Slumdog Millionaire receiving the Special Award for International Achievement

On behalf of his father Mohammed Ajeeb, son Irfan Ajeeb and Marsha Singh receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Eric Pickles MP

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar 2010

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The Harrow Police & Community Consultative Group - the community and police working together Come to our meetings to hear updates on crime prevention and to question senior Harrow Police officers

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Our hearty congratulations to all the winners Bharat and Rashmi Oza TEJUS NEEHIL

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Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar 2010

Editor/Publisher: CB Patel Associate Editor: Anne Hoose Deputy Editor: Rupanjana Dutta

Editor/Publisher: CB Patel Managing Editor: Jyotsna Shah Executive Editor: Kokila Patel News Editor: Kamal Rao Chief Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Accounts Executive: Akshay Desai Advertising Managers: Alka Shah & Kishor Parmar Business Development Managers: Urja Patel & L George Advertising Sales Executives: Rovin John George, Nikhil Gor & Girish Katira Graphic Designer: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Customer Service: Saroj Patel

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Join the Celebrations.

Dance with the Locals.

Feel the spirit and exuberance of India’s youth.

In villages, cities and jungles.

For more information, e-mail info@indiatouristoffice.org, call 020 7437 3677 (Monday-Friday) or visit our website.

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My family have always encouraged me to put education first. I wanted to do interesting things.

By joining the RAF as a medical officer, I am able to do both.

My job means that I’m responsible for everyone’s health on the base.

I also have to do a lot of study and research which is very important for my career.

Outside of work, I have a few hobbies. Beating my little brother at cricket is one of them.

My wife agrees with me on this, living on an RAF base is like staying with extended family.

Royal Air Force, Senior Medical Officer

People around us are warm, friendly and constantly looking after us.

I love what I do.

The Royal Airforce values every individual’s unique contribution, irrespective of race, ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or social background