TUKF’s Neil Lal Receives an Award in SNP-Led Parliament

In what could possibly be described as the most Pro-Union gathering ever assembled at the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh, Thursday 29th May was the date for the Gandhian Peace Society Awards Ceremony where Together UK Foundation Patron and President of the India Council of Scotland and the United Kingdom, Mr Neil Lal, was the recipient of the highly coveted ‘Man of the Decade Award’.

It had been quite a month for Neil who had previously been named “Man of the Decade” by the UK Buddhist & Thai Community on the 13th May, which was accompanied by a special blessing from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

The Scottish parliament event was hosted impeccably by Diversity & Equality Consultant Sukhi Singh Bains, who invoked Gandhi in his opening speech, which set the tone for an uplifting and celebratory evening.

Sincere thanks went to sponsor and early speakers Mr Foysol Choudhury, Labour Party MSP for Lothian and supporter Ash Regan, Alba Party, MSP for Edinburgh Eastern.

Neil was one of many award finalists, which included former Prime Ministers and members of parliament. The award is not only bestowed by the Gandhi society but also endorsed by a diverse group of stakeholders including members of public, religious leaders, politicians and global advocates of the Gandhi ethos. 

Speaker after speaker gave deserving platitudes of Neil’s unstinting peace work on community cohesion, business and trade investments and his charitable donations both in the UK and India through the Lal Sharma Foundation.

Neil was instrumental on UK trade investment, which in line with Gandhi ethos, demonstrated commitment to local to national enterprise.  His ongoing work encouraging trade and investment to Scotland and the rest of the UK has significantly contributed to economic growth and cross cultural partnerships in a patient and pleasant manner.  

Moreover, as part of the special award to Neil, a presentation of £100,000 was awarded by Indian business / organisations in India to which Neil kindly declined and requested the Indian-based businesses / organisations in India to distribute amongst the underprivileged in India as part of their usual operations. This speaks volumes for the kindness and generosity that Neil has shown to many people less fortunate than himself. Some of whom were in the room that evening.

And what a room! The guests paying tribute to the award winner Mr Lal had travelled far and wide to be at the prestigious event, including from India and the Channel Islands. The guest list read like a Who’s Who of community leaders, elected representatives, sporting legends and business leaders from the UK and India.

Speakers included His Excellency Christian Albussion, Counselllur des Francais de L’etranger, French Consulate based in Edinburgh. 

His Excellency Dr Laszlo Kalman, Consulate General of Hungary based in Edinburgh. 

Honourable John Le Fondre, former Chief Minister of Jersey & Channel Islands. 

Legendary Glasgow Rangers and Brighton FC footballer Gordon Smith, Chairman of the Variety Children’s Charity, and former Chairman of the Scottish Football Association. 

Guests included Mrs Warakant McLaughlin, Chairperson of the Buddhist Council of the United Kingdom and Thai Council.

The Right Worshipful County Grand Master of Glasgow Mark Kirkland. 

The Right Worshipful Deputy County Grand Master Scotland Jamie Crawford.

Owner of Glasgow Rangers Media Partner Follow Follow, Mr Mark Dingwall.

Owner of Gers TV Mr Simon Leslie.

Cllr Richard Nelson, South Lanarkshire Conservatives.

Former Scottish Labour Party MSP Mr Alasdair Morrison.

Chairman of Unionist Clubs Scotland, Mr Robert Elliot.

The list goes on and my apologies for those not mentioned.

For my part, I was honoured to give a speech where I paid tribute to Neil’s staunch Unionism. His fight for the continued Union of the United Kingdom and his work as Patron of the Together UK Foundation which is unparalleled. 

I also mentioned that towards the end of June Neil and I will be at his beloved Buckingham University, where he worked tirelessly to support the Vice Chancellor during a particularly difficult period and where we will finalise plans for a UK Studies MA Degree Course, the first of its kind in the UK. 

The presentation of the Gandhian Peace Society Award was concluded with a magnificent plate and medal of honour, with Neil giving a gracious & humble speech and received a standing ovation. It was truly a night to remember.

On behalf of the Together UK Foundation we are extremely proud of Neil’s achievement and we are privileged to have him as one of our Patrons.

Andrew Grocock, CEO of Together UK Foundation