Examiner Community Awards: Achievement Award - Kiran Bali
KIRAN Bali flew thousands of miles to accept the top award at last night’s glittering Examiner Community Awards.
And the woman who has done more than most to foster warm and solid community relations in Huddersfield praised the town’s people as pioneers.
Mrs Bali, who works nonstop for numerous faith organisations, had been working with young people in California and Vancouver only hours before last night’s ceremony.
She said: "I have been telling people across North America how we do things in Huddersfield and they want to learn.
"Tonight we have heard so many wonderful stories. It is clear that the people in Huddersfield know the virtues of understanding, harmony, healing and peace."
Her word were echoed by many others at an awards ceremony when the great and the good were suitably impressed by the wonderful work and commitment being shown by so many in this town.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent his own message of support.
The Prime Minister said: "It is great to see the Examiner staging these community awards and recognising the work that is being done throughout the Huddersfield area by a great many people, young and old, to make it a better place to live, work and visit.
"Local newspapers are at the heart of our communities and I believe that these kind of awards go a long way towards highlighting so much that is good about our country.
"Congratulations to all of the award winners and nominees. You are the real stars of Huddersfield and I hope you had a wonderful evening."
The Galpharm Stadium ceremony, hosted by ITN newsreader Nina Hossain and the Examiner’s Head of Content, Andrew Hirst, heard countless heartwarming stories about all the nominees.
There were tales of bravery, of courage and of talent.
There were also the selfless stories from those who devote their time and energies to helping others, perhaps friends and neighbours, perhaps strangers.
Mr Hirst said: "Huddersfield prides itself on its excellent community relations.
"These things don't just happen though – a lot of people work hard to foster understanding and respect between different communities."
One of the leaders has been Kiran Bali who has achieved an amazing amount in her 31 years. Most people would spend double that time notching up everything she has already done.
Her outstanding community relations work led to her receiving the MBE from the Queen last year.
In 2006 she was named as an International Ambassador for World Peace and the same year received the Human Rights Association Award for Outstanding International Achievement.
Closer to home she is a former chairwoman of Huddersfield Interfaith Council and is general secretary of the town's Hindu Temple.
Share
