A British-Indian politician has been honoured by both the UK and Indian governments for her contributions to public service. Ludhiana-born Neena Gill, who was first elected to the European Parliament in 1999 was named in the New Year’s honour list and is to be awarded a CBE by her majesty the queen for her contributions to Politics in a ceremony later this year.
Earlier last week Ms Gill also received the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award (PBSA) from the Indian President in Bengaluru, India. The PBSA is the highest award given to overseas Indians and marks their contribution to the progress and engagement with the Indian Diaspora. This year, Ms Gill is one of only a handful of politicians, one of few women and the only person from the United Kingdom to receive this honour.
Neena Gill, Labour MEP for the West Midlands, said: ‘’I am honoured and humbled by the recognition - I will continue to do my utmost for the West Midlands and make sure that voices in our region are heard in Europe and beyond. Representing the West Midlands, which has a significant Asian Population, I am constantly working with individuals and organisations to raise the concerns of our community. I am delighted to celebrate the many successes of the Indian Diaspora in Britain and across the world. Throughout the country, we have played our part in this success story and I hope we will continue to make India, Britain and the Indian community proud.
Tom Watson, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, said: “Neena is trailblazing Labour politician. Her commitment to social justice and equality for the people of the West Midlands has been at the centre of her two separate stints as an MEP. Neena has worked diligently for over ten years to ensure that the West Midland’s voice is heard in Europe and it’s fantastic that her public service for the West Midlands has been recognised.”
His Excellency, Mr. Manjeeb Sinh Puri, Ambassador of India to EU, Belgium and Luxembourg added; “Many Congratulations to Neena on her PBSA. This is a befitting recognition of an exemplary overseas Indian citizen for her outstanding achievements in working relentlessly to strengthen vital EU-India ties”
