Lakhsmi Mittal tops UK powerful Asian list

Steel tycoon Lakhsmi Mittal has topped a list for the UK’s most powerful Asian, according to a study carried out by Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat publications.

Mittal features in the number one position of the first GG2/Eastern Eye Power 101.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, the chief guest at the dinner and Ramniklal Solanki CBE, the editor-in-chief of the Asian Media & Marketing Group (AMG), which produces both GG2 and Eastern Eye, launched the much anticipated publication with great fanfare in front of a star-studded audience in London on Wednesday, including some of those featured in the power list.

The 56-page glossy features the 101 most influential Asians in the UK. Also on the list are famous figures from the world of politics, the arts, high society and sport.

Baroness Sayeeda Warsi and Keith Vaz MP, creative talents Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar, actresses Archie Panjabi and Nina Wadia and sporting figures Amir Khan and Ravi Bopara are all on the list.

Shailesh Solanki, executive editor of AMG, who was one of a quartet of editors responsible for the final rankings, said: ���We�۪re absolutely delighted to be releasing the GG2/Eastern Eye Power 101 ��� it represents an important moment for the community.

���We have been working on this for a while and it makes a real statement about the progress of the Asian community.

���It is both a celebration and we hope, a source of inspiration for many.

���Our journey from the margins as a community, about 40 years ago, has not always been easy and there have been many who have overcome great obstacles and made great sacrifices, so that others may succeed.

���The Power 101 is in some ways a tribute to them all and while it gives a snapshot of power in 2011, the path of progress was laid long before.�۝

He explained what had led the panel to choosing Mittal as the most powerful Asian in Britain.

���He came out on top because of his wide-ranging connections and his ability to get things done,�۝ said Shailesh Solanki.

While the steel magnate has incredible wealth, estimated to be �15.5 billion according to Eastern Eye�۪s Asian Rich List, he has also the ear of many powerful politicians.

Shailesh Solanki explained: ���Wealth alone does not confer power. It can, of course, be an attribute and many wealthy people are powerful, but by the same measure, there are many powerful people who are not wealthy.�۝

The others who make up the top five most powerful Asians in Britain are Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Keith Vaz, The Hindujas and Sir Suma Chakrabarti.

The Top 20

1. Lakshmi Mittal
2. Baroness Sayeeda Warsi
3. Keith Vaz MP
4. GP and SP Hinduja
5. Sir Suma Chakrabarti
6. Anish Kapoor
7. Anshu Jain
8. Shami Chakrabarti
9. Rabinder Singh QC
10. Chris Rajendran Hyman
11. Kishore Lulla
12. Lord Navnit Dholakia
13. Rakesh Kapoor
14. Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar
15. George Alagiah
16. Amir Khan
17. Lord Swraj Paul
18. Anwar Pervez
19. Archie Panjabi
20. Venkataraman Ramakrishnan