Mary Kom, an esteemed sporting legend and the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in boxing, was honored with the Global Indian Icon of the Year award at the annual UK-India Awards held in Windsor, Berkshire. Additionally, acclaimed Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, known for directing the Oscar-nominated film ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age,’ received the Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of his contributions to cinema in both nations. The Nehru Centre in London, representing the cultural wing of the Indian High Commission, was also presented with the prestigious UK-India Award for its significant role in fostering UK-India relations.
Selected by a jury of prominent industry experts, these awards are an integral part of the UK-India Week celebrations, highlighting exceptional leaders in various fields who have contributed to strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. The awards serve as a testament to the power of collaboration and the boundless potential of the UK-India partnership. The event culminated with a special reception at 10 Downing Street, hosted by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, where he pledged to work towards a “truly ambitious” free trade agreement (FTA) with India.