By Ninder Kaur
The GG2 Leadership Awards took place in London, recognising leading figures in the British Asian community.
A total of 11 awards were given out to high achievers from all sectors of the Asian society.
Hosted by the Asian Media and Marketing Group (AMG), guests included the likes of Sadiq
Khan MP, British Asian music producer, Naughty Boy, Adil Ray, Bhasker Patel, and chief guest for the evening, Justice Secretary Michael Gove.
Gove addressed the crowd saying: “It’s a pleasure to be here to celebrate the success of the British Asian community in so many walks of life and in so many ways.
“Britain is the fastest growing economy in the G7 because of its diversity.
“You can no more imagine Britain without the contribution of British Asian diversity than you can imagine a Victoria sponge without the jam or a Battenberg without marzipan.
“It’s woven into the fabric and that is one of the reasons why we in Britain now are the truest and the best rainbow nation in the world.”
The night also saw the unveiling of the ‘Power 101′ list, celebrating Britain’s most influential Asians for 2015-2016.
Business Secretary, Sajid Javid, ranked number one on the list for a second year running:
During his acceptance speech Sajid said: “This year, I’d like to dedicate this award to the next generation, the younger generation. Young British Asians that have achieved so much in every walk of British life, whether that’s politics, business, culture, arts or sports,” Javid said.
He is joined by 23 Asian women, including 18-year-old Malala Yousafzai who places at number 10 on the Power 101.
Here is the full list of winners of the GG2 Leadership Awards 2015:
GG2 Spirit in the Community Award
Polly Harrar, Founder, The Sharan Project
GG2 Young Journalist of the Year Award
Sandy Rashty, Editor, Business and Movers and Shakers, The Jewish Chronicle
GG2 Media & Creative Arts Award
Asif Kapadia, Filmmaker, On The Corner
GG2 World Food Award
Kwai Tsun Stanley Tse, Chairman, SeeWoo Foods Limited
GG2 Inspire Award
Mohammed Zafran, Director, All 4 Youth & Community
GG2 Achievement through Adversity Award
Naz Shah, Member of Parliament, House of Commons
GG2 Pride of Britain Award
Dr Gaurav Atreja, consultant Neonatologist, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
GG2 Editor’s Award
Seema Jaya Sharma
GG2 Woman of the Year
The Rt Hon Priti Patel MP, Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions
GG2 Man of the Year
Lord Kamlesh Patel of Bradford, House of Lords
GG2 Hammer Award
Rakesh Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer, RB
