Good work often gets taken for granted. A new event aims to recognise the socio-economic and cultural contributions of the Indian diaspora in Manchester, UK.
The Indian Influencers List in Greater Manchester is scheduled to be launched next year and, because of lockdown restrictions, it will be a virtual event for its first year. The 26th January will see the online announcement of the names of those 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. Global Indian Stories will proudly be supporting the event, having been chosen as a Media Partner for the Indian Influencers List in Greater Manchester.
The endeavour is to make a comprehensive list of names of individuals who have risen above religion, and gender. Those who’ve run that extra mile to improve the lives of Manchester communities in a variety of ways. These individuals will be recognised as essential contributors from the corporate world, 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, and Anasuddhin Azeez. Selection will be based on concrete contributions over the last ten years in one or many fields, including job creation, innovation and research, service to society through arts, culture, sports. There will also be recognition for apolitical, unbiased service during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chief Guest for the evening will be Dr. Shashank Vikram, IFS – Consul General of India, CGI Office, Birmingham and the guest speaker will be Shruti Chandra, Senior Assistant Vice President from Invest India. The keynote address will be delivered by an internationally reputed speaker whose name is yet to be finalised.
Eminent speakers are still being added to the line-up, along with drawing up a special guest list for the event. The online brochure will include names and biographies of the nominated influencers of Greater Manchester.
Explaining the rationale behind the Indian Influencers List, 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, games of cricket, festivals, and engagement with the iconic assets and 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 Manchester and leave an impact on the whole UK. These champions will strengthen the existing Indo-UK business and trade relations. It is important 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 gives 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.”
The project is receiving an 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. The UK’s prime advertising, marketing communications agency Here and Now 365 will lend creative, PR, and technical support to the event. The Indian company Swaraj IT services will lend technical support.
The final list of influencers will be published after the online event on 26th January.
Global Indian Stories team
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