Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, Chairman, Priyadarshni Academy Global Awards Advisory Committee and Dr. Michael Nobel, Executive Chairman, Nobel Charitable Trust, are seen lighting the traditional lamp on the occasion of Priyadarshni Academy’s Silver Jubilee Global Awards Function held on September 19, 2008 in Mumbai. Seen in the picture from left are: Shri. Jayantrao Patil, Minister for Finance & Planning, Government of Maharashtra, Chief Minister Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh and Shri Nanik Rupani, Chairman, Priyadarshni Academy.

Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, addressing the audience.

Mr. Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO, Research In Motion Ltd., Canada, receiving the Harish Mahindra Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Innovative Leadership in Business

Dr. Rumi Beramji, Orthopaedician, Mumbai, receiving the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Medical Services.

Mr. Robert Hagerty, Chairman & CEO, Polycom, Inc., U.S.A., receiving the Award for Contribution to Unified Communication and Business Innovation.

Mr. Steve Killelea, Chairman, Integrated Research Ltd., Australia receiving Award for Outstanding Contribution in the Field of Social and Business Innovation.

Mr. S. R. (Mac) Maharaj, Leader, South Africa, Chairman, receiving Award for Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights.

Mr. Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC Ltd., Mumbai, India, receiving Award for Outstanding Contribution to Banking and Financial Services.

Mr. Tulsi Tanti, Chairman & MD, Suzlon Energy Ltd., Pune, India, receiving Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Wind Energy.

Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, U.S.A. receiving Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Field of International Diplomacy, from Dr. Michael Nobel, Executive Chairman, Nobel Charitable Trust.

Ms. Preity Zinta, renowned film actress, receiving the Smita Patil Memorial Award for Best Actress from Chief Minister Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh.