On Friday April 8, 2016, Global Citizen was the official charity partner of the 6th annual Asian Awards in London.
The event to celebrates and pays tribute to astounding individuals from the worldwide Asian community. The awards highlight inspiring achievements and inspirational role models in the fields of business, sport, entertainment, philanthropy as well as popular arts and culture.
The ceremony opened with a speech by Paul Sagoo, Founder of the Asian Awards, who emphasised the need to celebrate the outstanding contributions of people of Asian origin to global culture.
“We started this awards ceremony to highlight our stories,” he said. “Because they are just not being heard.”
"[Asian] stories are just not being told. I founded #TheAsianAwards to tackle that" - @paulsagoopic.twitter.com/ceLcU73x67
— Global Citizen UK (@GlblCtznUK) April 8, 2016
This year’s ceremony championed inclusivity: “Looking around the room, people of every background, colour, creed and ability are represented,” Sagoo noted.
The year's winners include the Big Bang Theory's Kunal Nayyar for outstanding achievement in TV and UK artist Naughty Boy for his contribution to music.
Actor @kunalnayyar tells his powerful story of going from toilet cleaner to Raj in Big Bang Theory. #TheAsianAwardspic.twitter.com/ADoUZjhfR7
— Global Citizen (@GlblCtzn) April 8, 2016
Acclaimed psychiatrist Vikram Patel won Best Social Entrepreneur for his work helping those in India suffering from mental health in deprived communities.
For the first time, in response to the growing call for cultural diversity in awards events, The Asian Awards opened out the prestigious Founders Award to people of all ethnicities. This year, the prize was awarded posthumously to Mother Theresa for her dedication to the sick and poor in India.
British actress and Global Citizen ambassador Rakhee Thakrar gave a moving speech urging the audience to join the movement against extreme poverty.
"Working with #GlobalCitizen I feel like my action actually matters. It really does"- @RakheeThakrar#TheAsianAwardspic.twitter.com/xKkU0pai68
— Global Citizen UK (@GlblCtznUK) April 8, 2016
Hosted by popular British stand-up comedian and impersonator, Alistair McGowan, the awards were attended by an array of public figures, including London mayoral candidates Sadiq Khan and Zac Goldsmith, actress Lindsay Lohan and award-winning singer Emeli Sandé.
Great evening ..Congratulations to all the winners. #TheAsianAwardspic.twitter.com/s4tgxyRC7D
— The Asian Awards (@TheAsianAwards) April 8, 2016
An opportunity to celebrate the exceptional contributions made by the international Asian community, the Asian Awards’ spirit of diversity and inclusivity captures what it means to be a global citizen.
For a full list of winners, visit: http://theasianawards.com/