By IANSlife

February 02, 2023 (IANSlife) The National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU), in collaboration with the British Council and the UK Government Department of Trade, hosted the Achievers Honours to recognise and celebrate the work of young Indian students and alumni who have pursued a British programme of study to mark the 75th anniversary of India's independence and the educational ties between India and the UK.

Former or current Indian students in the UK who have excelled in their disciplines while inspiring and motivating many others to strive and accomplish make up the list of achievers. These innovators and changemakers speak about the significant contribution their studies in the UK have made to their development and success in a variety of fields, including squash, neurology, the big screen, and the boardroom.

A distinguished jury narrowed down the numerous nominations to the top 75 achievements in India and the eight remarkable achievers. Although the achievers are from a variety of areas, their contributions to society are what connects them all. While some achievers are located in the UK, many others travelled there by plane from India and other countries.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said,“I would like to congratulate the students and alumni who chose to study in the UK and have been recognised by the India UK Achievers Honours for their exceptional work and contributions to society. London’s strength is diversity, and I will continue to ensure our city remains a welcoming place to students and alumni from India.”

Maddalaine Ansell, Director of Education, British Council, said, “The remarkable award-winners have all used their UK education to excel in their careers and shape the world around them.  They are an inspiration.  I am also delighted that through studying in the UK they are strengthening connections between India and the UK – connections which will help both countries prosper.”

As the ambassadors who improve the ties between India and the UK, the achievers were first recognised at the British Parliament, where they had the chance to interact with British lawmakers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the education industry. The next event was a star-studded evening spectacular close to Trafalgar Square. Some eminent figures of British society presented the Achievers with their honours.

LIST OF PROMINENT AWARDEES

• Parineeti Chopra - Bollywood actor
• Soha Ali Khan – Bollywood actor & television host
• Adar Poonawalla - CEO, Serum Institute of India’s CEO
• Raghav Chadha - Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
• Samir Saran - President of Observer Research Foundation
• Menaka Guruswamy - Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India
• Aditi Chauhan - Goalkeeper of the Indian Football Team
• Somdip Dey - Artificial Intelligence scientist, engineer, entrepreneur

       (and some more) 

Living Legends

• Amitabh Bachchan- Bollywood icon whose life work in films and television joins the hearts of the two nations.
• Virendra Sharma MP, the longest serving Indian-origin member of parliament in the UK
• Lord Karan Bilimoria, the youngest chancellor of a British university & a life peer

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Manmohan Singh- Former Prime Minister of India

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