The British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) is proud to announce that the Chair of BAPIO’s Northern Ireland Division, Dr. Mukesh Chug, was recently invited to a reception to celebrate Diwali at 10 Downing Street by PM Sunak and was awarded the Points of Light Award by the Prime Minister for his work with the Indian Hindu Association Derry. The Points of Light Awards are given to outstanding individual volunteers who are making a change in their community.
Dr Chugh founded the Indian Hindu Association Derry which organises festivals, cultural workshops, and community gatherings bringing together people of Indian heritage across the region and promoting interfaith relations. As part of his awareness raising work, Mukesh has worked in partnership with Derry City and Strabane Council to produce materials that provide information about the integration of Indian people with local communities, and celebrate cultural diversity in a
public and positive way.
Dr. Chug said “I am deeply humbled to receive this award. I had no idea that my work would be recognised by the Prime Minister. Thank you. I feel very encouraged and happy after this validation. I believe that this will give a boost to all those involved to know that community work is recognized and valued, as well as inspiring me to do more.”