Conservative MEP to receive 'Pride of India' award
Posted, November 30, 2009 @ 00:00
Conservative MEP to receive 'Pride of India' award
Conservative MEP for south east England, Nirj Deva, is to be given the 'Pride of India' or (Bharat Gaurav) award for his lifelong achievement during India's annual celebration of the accomplishment of Non-Resident Indians - Parvasi Bharatiya Divas - in January 2010.
Mr Deva is Sri Lankan born but his family descends from the Rajput clan of Udaipar in Northern India.
He will participate in the India International Friendship Society's conference on 'Global Participation in India's Economic Development' where he will seek to discuss the ongoing discussions surrounding a new EU-India trade agreement that would be worth billions to both economies. He is Life President of the EU-India Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Deva said:
"I am delighted to have received this honour from the Indian International Friendship Society. Britain's links with India could not be more vital for our economic future and for our security.
"The EU is currently making strong progress on agreeing a free trade deal with India which would bring both sides billions of pounds of investment. Given our natural historic and linguistic ties with India, this trade deal would benefit Britain immeasurably.
"I also think it is a very good idea for India to recognise those people from their nation who have achieved great things around the world and perhaps we should consider a similar awards ceremony for British expats?"