Bathinda-origin NRI honoured for boosting India-Oz ties

Bharat Khanna

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Tribune News Service

Bathinda, April 17

Born in Bathinda a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Dr Jagvinder Singh Virk, who has been actively participating in political and social and business activities and improving India-Australia relations under the India Australia Strategic Alliance (IASA), has been honoured with-Punjabi icon Awardees 2015’ by the Punjabi Cultural Heritage Board (PCHB), Mumbai, in Mumbai.

Besides, Dr Virk (Global Icon field) the famous Punjabi personalities, including Bollywood actor Ayushman Khurana, and Bollywood actress Surveen Chawla in Bollywood field, Indian cricketer Virendra Sehwag for Sports field, chairman of Fortis Healthcare Limited Malwinder Singh for industry field, and others have been among the recipients of the same award.

The PCHB is an organisation of the Punjabi community, which works for the promotion of Punjabi culture and heritage and honors Punjabi personalities of international repute in different fields with the award every year.

Dr Virk who moved to Australia after being graduated from his hometown had joined the Liberal Party of Australia a few years ago and since then have been playing active role in politics of Australia besides representing the Indian Community in Australia. Jagvinder Virk was made president of the Indian Australian Strategic Alliance (IASA) after Tony Abbott became Australian Prime Minister. Tony Abbot after his victory speech on September 7, 2013, also hugged Dr Virk for representing Indian communities.

Dr Virk, who is a frequent visitor to his hometown and was here two days ago, said, “This is a moment of proud for me as it recognised my work. With untiring efforts, I had continuously worked for better relations between India and Australia under the IASA. We have a rich culture and heritage in India and that needs to be promoted among the world,” said Virk.

Virk, who is chairman of the India Australia Strategic Alliance (IASA) and is promoting the business investments between both the nations, was also elected last year as youngest and first Vice-Chancellor of Kings International University, Tonga.

Punjabi Pravasi Award by the Punjab government in January 2012, two Community Service Award (CSA) by the Australia Mission of SAI (AUMSAI) INC in October 2013, and in November 2013 by Chairman and Founder Worldwide Nanaksar Trust, appointed in 2013 as head of UNSW’s (the University of New South Wales) NSi department for commercialisation of its technologies in India and subcontinent countries,  Certification of Appreciation for outstanding community service in Victoria 2014 from Elizabeth Miller MP, State Member for Bentleigh, Sher-e-Punjab Award by Sikh Welfare Council of Victoria in March 2014, and Shere Punjab Award by Victoria Sikh Council 2014 are some of Virk’s other achievements.