BBC’s Bal Samra awarded at Sikh Awards 2015

Bal Singh Samra was honoured with the ��Sikhs in Media�۪ award at the The Sikh Awards held at The Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi, India. The awards ceremony showcased the presence of major dignitaries from across the world including UK, India, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia.

Bal Singh Samra is the Managing Director, BBC Television & Commercial Director BBC. A senior executive with twenty years in the media industry, now operating at the highest level in his field. He holds a number of roles in executive and non-executive capacities.

Bal was presented the Media award by Bollywood star and Film Director Raj Babbar in recognition of his accomplishments and his contribution to Media both at the BBC and the wider industry .

Bal said, “It’s an honour to be recognised for my contribution to Media, particularly here in India, where the world of Bollywood plays such a big cultural role. The BBC is a much admired global brand, where else could my contribution make such an extraordinary difference to people’s lives .The news journalism and documentary making renowned for its integrity across the globe – with truth and independence at its heart . The story telling through Drama and Comedy reflects the diversity of the UK back to itself. The cultural perspective brought by the arts enriches people’s understanding of the country we live in.

He continued, ���I take particular pleasure in my wider involvement in media at Comic Relief and the National Film & Television School, and my contribution to Ormiston Academies Trust which has a single mission to change the life chances of every one of the 20,000 children at its schools through educational opportunities. To be recognised for my work alongside some outstanding leaders across the globe is very special.”

The winners of The Sikh Awards 2015 night were: Mr. Kulwant Singh (UK) -Sikhs in Charity Award; Dr. Parvinder Singh Pasricha (India) ��� Sikhs in Seva Award; Mr. Sundeep Singh Sandhu (UK) – Sikhs in Sports Award; S.Mohinder SinghSarna (USA) ��� Sikhs in Entertainment Award; Mr. Bal Singh Samra (UK) ��� Sikhs in Media Award; Dr.Raghbir Singh Bains (Canada) -Sikhs in Education Award; Mr. Karan Singh Bajwa (India) ��� Sikhs in Profession Award; Mr. Ajinder Pal Singh (Botswana) – Sikhs Entrepreneur Award; Mr. Kuldip Singh Dhingra (India)- Sikhs Businessman Awardand Ms. Indira Kaur Alhuwalia (USA)- Sikhs Business Women Award; Mr. Kavanjit Singh Hayre (UK) – Sikhs People�۪s Choice Award; and Ms. Prakash Kaur (India) – The Lifetime Achievement Award.

In a special message for this year�۪s awards night, Mr. David Cameron stated, ���I am delighted to send my very best wishes to everyone at this year�۪s Sikh Awards in India. This is a celebration of the enormous contribution Sikhs make in India and around the world. Tonight we recognize an incredible wealth of talent – whether that�۪s in businesses, sports, entertainment, education, professional services or charity. The award winners and nominees this evening will undoubtedly inspire many in India, in Britain and around the world to follow in their footsteps. Our ties with India have remained close throughout history and continue to go from strength to strength – through cooperation and trade, and of course through the one-and-a-half million Indians who do so much to make Britain the country it is today, bringing our two countries closer. He further added, ���I�۪ve made a personal commitment to strengthening UK-India relations because I believe we can be one of the great partnerships of the 21st century and that is why I have visited India three times in the last five years. Later on this year, I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to the United Kingdom where we will have the opportunity to further strengthen our relationship with India. So let me congratulate the organizers and volunteers for bringing these awards together and I wish everyone involved -and all tonight�۪s winners – a wonderful evening.�۝