Five leading women had their achievements celebrated at the second international women’s day awards staged by BPC Indian Community.

They included Sarah Choudhury who was named Woman of the Year.

She described the award as “awesome” adding: “Having been born in Bournemouth, and spending my whole life here, it’s a night to remember.

“Being awarded Woman of the Year is so humbling and I’m truly honoured.

“But while it’s a Women’s Day Award it wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible men behind me.”

Other winners were:

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Malathi Venki
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Manju Chopra
• BPC Special Award: Padmasini Dayananda
• Rising Star: Deemple Patel

This year’s awards marked the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Dr Ram Kalyan Kelly, Project and Station Manager, Unity 101 in Southampton, was guest of honour at the event held at Bournemouth’s Hilton Hotel.

He also presented the awards.

VIP guests included Bournemouth Mayor, Cllr Robert Lawton, and several BCP councillors.

Event sponsors were: Dorset Community Foundation, Arts Council England, Dilli Haat, Westbourne Wine, Dorset Police, Vaigai Food, Street Twist, Rising Star, Zest Hair & Beauty and The Mortgage Stop.

Gold Rain Exclusive Events were the event management team and carried out all the decorations.

The organising team were:

• BPC Indian Community and Music Lovers Bollywood
• Anjali Mavi
• Poonam Paranjpe
• Ramesh Lal
• Jitender Mavi
• Abhishek Jhawar

+++

Biz Gallery – pictures by Selwyn DD Photography