The socio-economic and cultural contributions of Indian diaspora in Manchester with its impact on the United Kingdom and India will be recognised at a forthcoming virtual event reports Arundhati Mukherjee from Asian Lite International news desk
Indian influencers list in Greater Manchester 2020 has been scheduled to be launched early next year. On 26th January, the selection committee and organisers have scheduled an online event announcing the names of such personalities of Indian origin, whose influence in trade and commerce in Greater Manchester cannot be overlooked. The entire project has been conceptualised, coordinated, curated, researched, and executed by Rahul Laud, Associate Editor, Asian Lite International.
The endeavour is to make a comprehensive list of names of individuals who have risen above religion, gender, ran that extra mile to improve the living of the communities in Manchester in different ways. These individuals are essential contributors from the corporate world, some from social and cultural organisations, and some individuals who have a global presence and made Indians proud internationally.
Members of the Jury in the selection panel so far confirmed are – Esme Ward, Beth Hewitt, Laxmi Kaul, , Reshma Ruia, Dr. Rajan Madhok ,Ghanshyam Nabar, Manish Tiwari, Anasuddhin Azeez. Selection will be based on Concrete contribution in one or many fields, which includes creating jobs, innovation, and research, service to society through arts, culture, sports, over the last ten years; and apolitical unbiased service during ongoing Covid.
The final list of influencers will be published following an online event on 26th January. The Chief Guest for the evening will be Dr. Shashank Vikram, IFS – CONSUL GENERAL OF INDIA, CGI OFFICE, BIRMINGHAM. Guest speaker will be Shruti Chandra, Senior Asst Vice President from Invest India. Keynote address will be delivered by an internationally reputed speaker whose name is yet to be finalised.
Eminent speakers with a special guests list for the event is being drawn up. The online brochure will include names and bio of the nominated influencers of Greater Manchester.
Explaining the rationale behind the activity , Rahul Laud says, “In my course of reporting consistently on the India- United Kingdom corridor, we have noticed, observed and often written about various individuals and activities of Indians from Manchester who have influenced society and nailed Manchester on the UK and international map. In the city, we have Indian corporates with their dynamic professionals with their active growing presence in Greater Manchester, and various socio-cultural organisations actively strengthening the LIVING BRIDGE between the two countries . This has emerged as a force to reckon with. Various events led by the Indian diaspora, game of cricket, festivals and engagement with the iconic assets- landmark institutions in the city of Manchester has displayed its identity and community cohesion both.”
Elaborating the rationale further , he also says, “It is extremely important that we recognise and felicitate the unsung heroes of Manchester. These champions contribute immensely to the social, political growth of not only in Manchester but also leave an impact on the UK. These champions will strengthen the existing Indo-UK business and trade relations. It is also imp that the UK signs a free trade agreement like it has done with Japan. And to achieve this the Indian diaspora in the UK must tell the whole world about the huge contribution that India does to the United Kingdom. The Indian diaspora, Indian champions, the Indian unsung heroes need this recognition. And this is exactly what the influencer’s list will attempt to do.”
India’s leading Bank in UK the ICICI and Future Bricks have agreed to collaborate with the project. The project is receiving overwhelming response. A professional secretariat – team of content specialist Subhadrika Sen , an alumnus of Salford University and Aditi Jain, alumnus of LSE for client management have joined . Asian Lite International and Global Indian Stories will render media support. Invest India has assured support to the project. The Manchester Museum has agreed to partner with the event. The Confederation of Indian Industry will also offer extensive cooperation in the endeavour and support. UK’s prime advertising, marketing communications agency Here and Now 365 will lend creative, PR and technical support to the event. Indian company Swaraj IT services will lend technical support.
JURY MEMBERS
Anasudhin Azeez 
Beth Hewitt 
Esme Ward, Jury member 
Manish Tiwari 
Rajan Madhok 
Reshma Ruia