The Advatech Foundation proudly hosted their much-anticipated Annual Bengals Pride Awards 2024 last week in Westminster. This prestigious event, hosted by the charismatic Sabarna Mukhopadhyay, honoured outstanding achievements across various fields, showcasing the incredible contributions of individuals and organisations within the community.
The evening was truly a celebration of excellence, beginning with a drinks reception followed by the opening speech by the compere, Sabarna Mukhopadhyay. The event featured speeches from notable personalities, including Apsana Begum, Raj Baddhan and Derek Goodwin, highlighting the significant achievements of the award recipients.
Awards and Honorees:
Achievements in Health/Social Care/Community Work:
Recipient: Ali Aklakul Islam
Achievements: Over two decades of independent volunteering, aiding community members, and collaborating with organisations to support the less fortunate.
Achievements in Art/Media/Culture:
Recipient: Sukrishna
Achievements: Founder of Poribar, promoting Indian culture in Japan through teaching arts, organising cultural events, and extensive community engagement.
Restaurant of the Year Award:
Recipient: Naz
Achievements: Owner of Saffron restaurant in Northampton, celebrated for its community support and charitable contributions.
Women Entrepreneur of the Year 2024:
Recipient: Maureen Forrest
Achievements: Founding Director of The Hope Foundation, dedicated to supporting development programs for marginalised communities in Kolkata.
Entrepreneur of the Year 2024:
Recipient: Dr. S. P. Gon Chaudhuri
Achievements: International expert in renewable energy, known as the “Solar Man of India,” and recipient of the Green Oscar award.
Sports Person of the Year 2024:
Recipient: Enamul Haque Jr
Achievements: Professional cricketer and coach, contributing significantly to developing young athletes in the UK.
Carehome of the Year Award 2024:
Recipient: Mohammed Asaduzzaman
Achievements: Owner of six residential care homes, recognised for exemplary care and community service.
Business Person of the Year 2024:
Recipient: Zillur Hussain MBE
Achievements: Successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, honoured for his contributions to the community and charitable work through the Zi Foundation.
Life time Achievement Award:
Recipient: Dr Jack Preger, MBE
Achievments: Founded Calcutta Rescue which has provided healthcare, education, vocational training and sanitation (clean drinking water and toilets) and hope to over 500,000 of the poorest people in Kolkata.
Pride of Bengal Award:
Recipient: Muquin Ahmed
Achievements: Having invested £2 million in a bakery and a ready meals factory in South West London, Ahmed, 55, is building a food manufacturing leg to his property and restaurant portfolio. Best known for his work in transforming the Brick Lane area of East London, later helped his father export goods from Britain and the Netherlands to Bangladesh.