London-based medical student Harroop Singh Bola, 23, was honored with the prestigious Diana Award on December 5 for his groundbreaking efforts to mentor and support Indian-origin medical students. As the co-founder of the British Indian Medical Association (BIMA), Bola has been celebrated for his impactful work in promoting equity and mentorship within the British Indian medical community.
The Diana Award, established in memory of Princess Diana and supported by Prince William and Prince Harry, recognizes young individuals who create meaningful social change. Expressing his gratitude, Bola remarked, “This award highlights the importance of inspiring others to become changemakers and future leaders in healthcare.”
As a first-generation medical student at Imperial College London, Bola overcame numerous challenges to establish BIMA in 2020. Now in his final year, he has demonstrated remarkable leadership by heading four committees and collaborating with the General Medical Council (GMC). His advocacy has significantly increased British Indian representation in healthcare.
Under his guidance, BIMA has grown to over 2,000 members, hosting more than 250 events and reaching over 7,000 people globally. The organization focuses on career guidance, cultural initiatives, and mentorship. Bola has personally mentored hundreds of aspiring medical professionals, with his work drawing widespread recognition. He credits his success to the support of colleagues Virensinh Rathod and Dr. Amar Rai.
Dr. Tessy Ojo, CEO of the Diana Award, praised the recipients, stating, “These young changemakers show that young people have the power to transform the world. We hope this recognition inspires others to contribute to their communities.”
This year’s Diana Award saw over 1,700 nominations, making it the most competitive to date. Recipients are acknowledged for dedicating at least 12 months to impactful social change through initiatives like education, fundraising, and service delivery.
