Home Secretary celebrates Asian achievement
Home Secretary Theresa May delivered a speech at the Asian Awards to celebrate South Asian success.
The awards, held in support of Save the Children, celebrate the highest achievement from across the international South Asian community.
Enormous contribution
Opening the ceremony, Home Secretary Theresa May said: ‘I am delighted to be here at the Asian Awards which celebrate the enormous contribution of people from across international South Asian communities.’
She described South Asian communities as some of the most successful in the UK.
‘I believe it is vital that we create a society where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their true potential, regardless of their race, their gender or their religion’, she said.
‘The UK economy and its society benefits a great deal from its South Asian communities and it is important that we acknowledge the achievements of all of those here tonight.
‘That’s both because of the strength of their achievements in their own right, but it’s also because of the powerful effect that such successful role models can have on the next generation.’
Role models
Winners included legendary sitarist and composer Ravi Shankar, who won the Fellowship Award for his pioneering work in bringing Indian music to the West. Freddie Mercury was recognised posthumously with the Founders Award to mark the 20th anniversary of his death and celebrate his musical legacy.
Google’s Amit Singhal was presented with the UBM Award for Outstanding Achievement in Science & Technology.