Here at CVFM, we are proud supporters of both Asian Achievement at it's best as well as excellency in the North of England. For your interest, we present a list of the amazing Northern candidates for this year's Asian Achievement Awards - the 21st of its kind.
Art and Culture
Jasdeep Singh Degun
Born and raised in Leeds. Virtuoso sitarist and composer, Jasdeep Singh Degun, masterfully blends Indian classical and contemporary music, breaking cultural boundaries with his extraordinary artistry. He released his acclaimed debut album ‘Anomaly’ under the prestigious Real World Records in May 2022. Jasdeep's cross-cultural production ‘Orpheus’ garnered five-star reviews, securing him a 2022 Critics' Circle Music Award. As the first Indian classical musician to be Artist-in-Residence at Opera North, he continues to leave a profound impact on the music industry.
Business Person of the Year
Nisha Katona MBE
Opened her first restaurant in Liverpool. Nisha Katona, MBE, is a British chef, TV presenter, and founder of Mowgli Street Food restaurants and the Mowgli Trust charity. She had a successful 20-year career as a child protection barrister before pursuing her passion for food. Nisha used all her savings to open the first Mowgli Street Food restaurant in Liverpool in 2014. Her most important career achievements include establishing Mowgli Street Food and expanding it into a successful chain of restaurants across the UK. Mowgli started in 2017 when there were two sites in Liverpool and one in Manchester. Since then it has grown to a network of 15 sites across the UK and create 500 jobs and has recently acquired a new private equity investor in the form of TriSpin. Nisha has been recognized for her contributions to the culinary industry and was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire).
Community Service
Shalni Arora
Based in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Shalni Arora, the CEO of Savannah Wisdom, has achieved notable accomplishments throughout her career. As the head of a private family charitable foundation, she focuses on investing in life-science businesses, contributing to advancements in the field. Arora]s dedication to philanthropy is evident through her involvement in various board positions and trustee roles. She serves on the board of the British Asian Trust.
Uniformed and Civil Service
Asrar-Ul-Haq
Ul-Haq's career achievements include serving as a police officer for 30 years, during which he received numerous awards and commendations from High Court Judges, Magistrates, and Chief Constables for his work. He has received national awards for innovation in policing from the Home Secretary and for inspirational leadership. In addition, he has been awarded the Bill Blackledge MBE Chairman's Award for his work in the Rochdale community and his involvement in the initiative called Masjids in Bloom. Furthermore, Asrar has been recognised with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in the King's New Year's Honours List. The OBE is a prestigious honour that acknowledges individuals for their significant contributions and achievements in various field.
Uniformed and Civil Service
Salman Desai
Based in Bolton. Executive Director of Strategy and Planning in the ambulance service. He has gained significant expertise and knowledge throughout his professional journey. He was also featured in the 2022 King's New Year Honours list and has received a King's Ambulance Medal in the New Year. This recognition indicates his contributions and accomplishments in his role. Salman’s portfolio includes patient experience, and he has established a diverse Patient and Public Panel ensuring NWAS listens to and learns from the voice of its communities, from all ages and all backgrounds. This work enables service improvement and helps us address the health inequalities which have increased during the pandemic.
Woman of the Year
Ridwana Wallace-Laher
A trailblazing CEO of Penny Appeal, is the first Muslim woman to lead a major British charity. Born in Bradford, UK, Ridwana has over 20 years of senior experience in education and humanitarian sectors, managing multi-million pound projects and leading diverse teams across the globe. With a passion for driving innovation and sustainable impact, Ridwana's transformative and compassionate leadership approach focuses on elevating her teams to help them reach their fullest potential.
