London: Britain's first Indian-origin cabinet minister Sajid Javid has topped a list of the most influential Asians in the country. Javid, the UK secretary of state for culture, media and sport, topped the 'Power 101 Britain's Most Influential Asians 2015' list released on Wednesday.
Born to an Indian father and Pakistani mother, Javid dedicated the honour to his parents. "I dedicate this honour to my parents for the sacrifices they made so we could have something more," he said at the GG2 Leadership Awards ceremony.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron, the chief guest at the ceremony, praised him for leading the way as a role model for other British Asians. "I am incredibly proud that No. 1 on this power list is Sajid Javid, a brilliant Asian man who I asked to join the cabinet and I know we have a lot to do to encourage true opportunity and diversity in our country but doesn't it say something that in two generations, you can go from coming to our country with so little to sitting around the Cabinet table?"
"That is the kind of country we are building," Cameron said in his speech. "Let us be clear, there is no place for intolerance in this country...we need to champion role models and if you are on this power list, you have the power to inspire," he added.
Others in the top five included Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, down to second position from the top spot last year, Indian-origin Labour MP Keith Vaz at the third, Indian steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal and Hinduja brothers at the fourth and fifth positions respectively.
NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul and son Angad, chairman and CEO of Caparo Group of Industries, curry king Lord Gulam Noon and Deutsche Bank's Indian-origin CEO Anshu Jain also find their place in the Power 101. The annual event is organised by the Asian Media and Marketing Group, publishers of 'Garavi Gujarat' newspaper from where the name 'GG2' is derived.
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