Leading NRI entrepreneurs, including hotelier and philanthropist Joginder Sanger, have been honoured by the overseas wing of Indian National Congress for their outstanding contribution to the society.

Chief Guest Asoke Mukerji, Acting High Commissioner of India to the UK, presented the medal and `tricolour stole` to them at a function organised by Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) UK at the Indian Gymkhana here last night to celebrate 63nd Anniversary of India`s Independence Day.

Joginder Sanger`s entrepreneurial story began with a travel agency in East London, and an exclusive Air India contract as GSA (General Sales Agency) for UK and India.

Since then, he never looked back.

He is the CEO of an exclusive and up-market hotel chain in central London, including The Washington, Courthouse and Bentley hotels which have become a home away from home for film stars, leading VVIPs including the Prime Minister of India.

The group continues its expansionary plans with zeal and is setting up five more quality hotels.

As Vice chairman of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Joginder Sanger played a leading role in seeing the successful modernisation of the Bhavan`s complex.

Balwant Kapur, freedom fighter and President of the IOC (London) UK said, "Sanger`s achievements are a testament for hard work, ambition and determination to achieve outstanding success in life."

Another NRI entrepreneur Sunil Chopra, former President of NSUI Delhi and former Vice President Youth Congress Delhi who is now settled in the UK, was presented with a medal for his community work.

Another recipient of the honour is Dr Cyriac Maprayil, a London-based community worker hailing from Kerala. He is also the Founder-chairman of the V K Krishna Menon Institute located here.

Others honoured on the occasion are: Mohinder S Mandhair, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress Birmingham; Dr Gulbash Singh Chandhok, Founder Patron of Conservative Parliamentary Friends of India and prominent Doctor in Southall; Shamsi, a 95-year old writer, poet and broadcaster from Voice of Kenya.

In addition, Pramod Kad, former Councillor of Hounslow; U Murali Nair, Director Sangham Ltd (Hinduja Group); Sarvesh Mathur, NRI businessman; Rajinder Singh Mokha, Harnam Singh Hans and Ajmeet Singh, social workers also received medals.

The function was attended by Virender Sharma, Labour MP; Asif Ibrahim, Minister (Co-ordination) and Mrs M Subashini, Minister (Press and Information) in the Indian High Commission; Hari Singh, leading Solicitor; Ashish Ray, President of the Indian Journalists` Association and a large number of NRI Councillors.

Speaking on the occasion, Mukerji recalled the contribution made by freedom fighters during the freedom movement and thereafter.

The Acting High Commissioner referred to the substantial contribution made by NRIs to the growth of the Britain`s economy.

Mukerji said it is time to "recall with pride the contributions made by many leaders of India`s freedom struggle, especially those who were politically active in the United Kingdom in the years before Independence."

"... The tremendous role played by the Indian-origin community in the UK towards strengthening the relationship between India and the United Kingdom since 1947 has been noteworthy."

He said steps were being taken to celebrate the 60th anniversary of India`s Republic Day in a special way with great fanfare in January 2010.

"We are proud of India`s progress despite the global economic crisis," he said.

[Source: Zee News Bureau]