A TOP banker, a blind judge and the first responders at the scene of the London and Manchester terror attacks and the Grenfell Tower fire are among winners of this year’s GG2 Leadership Awards in London today (26).
Baroness Shriti Vadera, the chair of Santander Bank, won the top honour - the GG2 Hammer Award - at the annual event, which celebrates the achievements of Britain’s ethnic minorities.
A former investment banker who currently chairs the European Financial Services chairmen’s advisory committee, set up to be a sounding board on Brexit, Baroness Vadera is the first woman and non-white chair of a major British bank.
Dr Fayyaz Azfal OBE, who qualified as a barrister and successfully practised in crime, family law and immigration - despite being blind - won the GG2 Achievement through Adversity Award.
Now in their 19th year, the GG2 Leadership Awards recognise and reward talent among Britain’s black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. In total, 13 awards were presented on the night, which also saw the launch of the GG2 Power List 2018, by Damian Green, the first secretary of state and the chief guest.
In his address, Green said: “The seventh edition of the GG2 Power List showcases the wealth of talent and high achievement within the Asian community, and I think it’s important we celebrate this.
“Asian businesses and professionals in the UK are helping to increase the UK’s reach on the international stage.”
The secretary of state noted the contribution of south Asians to the UK, especially as post-war Britain struggled to rebuild its infrastructure.
“It was in part the fantastic response of our brilliant immigrant communities, including those from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, that helped rebuild our economy and shape what Britain is today. Your history is British history,” Green added.
He unveiled the glossy GG2 Power List 2018, a compilation of the 101 most influential Asians in Britain.
London mayor Sadiq Khan was top of the list for the second consecutive year, followed by secretaries of state, Sajid Javid and Priti Patel in second and third place, respectively.
Those in the 750-strong audience in central London were India’s high commissioner, MPs, peers, CEOs, industrialists, faith and community leaders, heads of thinktanks and leading lights from the world of arts, media and entertainment.
In total, 13 awards were presented on the night.
They included the GG2 Pride of Britain Awards which was presented collectively to the blue light services who attended the Manchester Bombing, the London terror attacks and also the tragedy at Grenfell Tower.
Representatives of the fire bridage, the ambulance service and the police collected the award.
Sir Harpal Kumar, who heads Cancer Research UK, was named GG2 Man of the Year, while judge Anuja Dhir of the Central Criminal Court, was presented the GG2 Woman of the Year award.
Professor Francesca Cordeiro, a professor of ophthalmology at Imperial College London, won the GG2 Outstanding Achievement in Medicine.
Conservative MEP Nirj Deva, who has campaigned on human rights, trade and international development, won the GG2 Editor's Award
The GG2 Outstanding Achievement in Law was presented to Sailesh Mehta of Red Lion Chambers, founder of the Bar Human Rights Committee, and a former chair of the society of Asian Lawyers.
Kawther Hashem, who campaigns on the dangers of a high-sugar diet and who is researching nutrition, sugar and salt intake, won of the GG2 Young Achiever Award 2017.
Chinese broadcaster Alice Yu, the head of Chinese Programme at Spectrum Radio, won the GG2 Inspire Award.
Sunny and Shay Grewal, who present shows on BBC Radio London and BBC West Midlands, won the GG2 Media and Creative Arts Award.
Freelancer Salma Haidrani scooped the GG2 Young Journalist of the Year Award, while anti-racism campaigner Dr. Paul Stephenson OBE, known for his work in Bristol, won the GG2 Spirit in the Community Award.
Guests gave generously to a charity appeal by Path to Success which supports Action for Kids, which helps young people with physical and learning disabilities.
Investment banker turned comedienne Sindhu Vee also performed on the night.
The GG2 Leadership Awards, held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, are hosted by Asian Media Group, publishers of Easterm Eye, Garavi Gujarat news weekly, Asian Trader and Pharmacy Business.
Kulsuma Aktergetty images