New Delhi, Feb 10, 2003

A FORMER Harrow councillor has won one of India's most prestigious awards for emigres, in recognition of her work for local people.

Pash Nandhra received the Non-Resident Indian Institute's award from former Indian prime minister Kumar Gujral, during a trip to New Delhi in January.

Pash, a teacher, of Paines Lane, Pinner, was a Liberal Democrat councillor for the Rayners Lane ward for 16 years, and her award recognises her extensive community work.

Elected in 1986, she helped set up Harrow's Agenda 21 environmental campaign and create a multi-agency forum against racial harassment, as well as helping hundreds of residents with their problems.

In the 1997 general election, she stood as a parliamentary candidate for Harrow West, achieving one of her party's best results in London.

She now teaches technology at the Douai Martyrs' School in Hillingdon.

She said: "I was overjoyed to have received the award. Going to New Delhi and meeting Indians from across the world who have achieved so much in their chosen fields, was a truly remarkable experience."

The awards were set up by the Indian Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, last year to mark the first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Day which celebrates the achievements of the Indian diaspora. The date, January 9, was chosen because on that day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa.

(Sources- Harrow times)