Al Fara'a Group chairman Dr JR Gangaramani has accepted the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the ‘NRI Achievers 2008 - Gulf Edition’.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Faisal Bin Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the event gathered top Indian business and community leaders in the UAE to recognise their significant contributions in initiating social reforms that uplift the overall status of Indians residing in the country.

Al Fara’a Group Director Shalini Gangaramani was also recognised at the event as a recipient of the ‘Young Icon Award’.

Acknowledged for his exceptional efforts in building closer business and social links between India and the UAE, Dr Gangaramani has successfully built a fully integrated construction services company comprising 15 leading business entities across Dubai and India.

Under his helm, the group has continually grown to build Dh12 billion worth of high profile projects and employ over 13,000 people. His leadership has diversified the focus of the company’s business from being a revenue-driven organisation to becoming a proponent of the welfare of Indians living in the UAE, the company said in a statement.

“It is with great honour that we accept this recognition for our efforts to further enrich the relationship between India and the UAE, and underline the outstanding potential of our people especially in the construction and real estate sector,” said Dr. Gangaramani.

“Our pure intent is to elevate our country’s repute as a valuable business partner and source of both fresh and seasoned talents for leading economies such as the UAE. I wish to thank the NRI Institute for granting me this tremendous honour, which I share with the entire Al Fara’a family,” he added.

“Being a director in a conglomerate with diverse operations requires a thorough knowledge of the entire market scenario and a broad-minded approach to processes and operations. To be able to keep up with the rapid developments amidst this highly dynamic market as a member of a younger generation is hard, but not at all impossible,” said Shalini.

“I would like to encourage the Indian youth to strive hard and keep their eyes on the prize, and I assure them that they can reach the greatest goals of their lives. It is with deep pride that I accept this award, and I thank the NRI Institute for granting me an important opportunity to give inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs as I once was,” said Shalini.

The NRI Achievers award - Gulf Edition was launched by BIB and sponsored by the Indian government with a view towards increasing NRI exposure and inspiriting future generations within India and abroad. – TradeArabia News Service