In what was indubitably a proud moment for the Indian Diaspora in general and the Indian community in New Zealand, one of our tireless social workers gained worldwide prominence with a meritorious award.
Suman Kapoor of Hamilton was the recipient of the ‘Times Now ICICI Bank NRI of the Year 2014’ for Philanthropy at the inaugural Times Now Awards programme.
The Presentation Ceremony, held at the prestigious Trident Hotel in Mumbai had India’s Overseas Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi as the Chief Guest and actor Amitabh Bachchan as one of the Guests of Honour.
The Awards, supervised by Ernst & Young, was instituted by Times Now, one of the most popular news channels owned by the Times of India Group of Publications, had nominees in six categories from all over the world.
Public choice
As well as a jury panel, the winners were determined through an online voting system, widely advertised by the organisers worldwide.
Mrs Kapoor said that winning the Award was a lifetime achievement for her.
“It was a unique, first-ever event which aims to recognise and reward Non-Resident Indians and People of Indian Origin. The winners were chosen from thousands of nominations received as a part of the process and were short-listed by the screening jury for further ranking,” she said.
The Awards scheme, sponsored by Global Indian International School (GIIS) had the following categories: the ‘NRI Entrepreneur,’ ‘NRI Professional,’ ‘NRI Student,’ ‘NRI Arts/Entertainment,’ ‘NRI Philanthropy’ and ‘NRI Social Good’.
The contest attracted nominations from Bahrain, Canada, Dubai, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UK and US.
“With their grit and perseverance, NRIs have achieved tremendous success in various fields in the countries they have chosen to adapt as their homes. Many NRIs are accomplished politicians, scientists, sportsmen, businessmen, professionals and academicians in various countries and ‘NRI of the Year’ awards recognise the success of these achievers,” a press note said.
Versatile achiever
Mrs Kapoor has been an active social and community worker in the Waikato region through a number of associations including the first New Zealand Chapter of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), the National Council of Women, Age Concern, Waikato Multi-ethnic Council, Waikato Interfaith Council, Waikato Graduate Women, and Indianz Global Women & Family Group.
