In the spotlight
In the countdown to the close of nominations for the annual India Australia Business & Community Awards 2015 (IABCA) gala sponsored by Kaden Boriss, The Indian Telegraph caught up with the celebrated Business and Community award winners of 2014 who shared advice to those nominating for this year’s awards, and spoke of their experience of being recognised for their contribution to Indian business networks, working with all nationalities across Australia and their vital roles within Indian communities.
This year, nominations are open across all states, celebrating the Indian diaspora throughout Australia within a vast range of industries and capabilities. The phenomenal response already received represents the year-on-year growth of the Awards program.
Winners will be announced on Friday October 30, 2015. Corporate tables and tickets on sale now. www.iabca.com.au
SME of the Year 2014
“Winning the IABCA 2014 SME of the Year Award has enabled Time Out to build a strong alliance with the Indian community. It has strengthened brand awareness within the community amongst those may not have heard of us before. Our advice to this year’s nominees would be to keep presentations short, sweet and as interactive and entertaining as possible.”
Elise Bucholtz, Brand Manager, Time Out
Young Professional of the Year 2014
“Winning the 2014 Young Professional of the Year Award has helped to raise my profile within my own organisation, Minter Ellison. However, as I was the only lawyer to take out an award last year, news of my win has also reached international shores – thanks to a number of legal publications that profiled my achievement. Such recognition has been invaluable in helping me to stand out in a crowded legal profession that is full of so many talented, high-achieving and ambitious people.
Following my win last year, I was appointed National Youth Ambassador for the 2015 IABCA. This has afforded me the opportunity to build deeper connections with the Indian business community in Australia, and connect with other high-achieving individuals. I also aim to use my platform to encourage other young Indian-Australians to strive for greatness in their professional and community endeavours.
My advice to this year’s nominees is to really make the most of this unique opportunity to showcase your achievements and contributions to the Australian community.
I’d encourage the very many bright, hard-working and humble Indian-Australians out there to continually seek opportunities for formal recognition of their efforts – and these awards provide an unparalleled platform in this regard.”
Ajay Mukesh Khandhar, Lawyer, Minter Elision
Small Business of the Year 2014
“The recognition of receiving the Small Business of the Year Award has directly helped us at Indus Valley Designs in strengthening our brand value and customer confidence. Since winning the award we have had interest not only from prospective clients but also potential investors who can help us grow and take the business forward. We are honoured to have received the award and strongly encourage other businesses to nominate or apply.
My first and foremost advice would be to fill in the application honestly. Also make sure you address each criteria for the award category clearly and specifically. Be concise as the judges will have a lot of applications to go through and may not have the time to sort or sift through your application to find the relevant information.”
Diya Singhal, Director, Indus Valley Designs
Educational Institute of the Year 2014
“As winner of Educational Institute of the Year 2014, our institution was able to increase its profile and brand awareness, particularly in the Indian community throughout the greater Sydney area. As an organisation that is well known in India, but not well known in Australia, we seized this chance to let the local Indian community know about our newly established presence in Australia.
The IABCA is just one opportunity for you to engage further with the community in which you are a part. I would encourage anyone looking to nominate this year to leverage the opportunity to connect with business and community further, and not hesitate to explore other opportunities to spread the profile of your organisation.”
Trent Pohlmann, Head of Campus, S P Jain School of Global Management
Young Community Achiever of the Year 2014
“IABCA is one of the pivotal stones in strengthening the integrated multi-cultural framework of our today’s Australian society. In acknowledging the contributions of the various notable individuals and organisations, IABCA has certainly provided an effective profiling. Being the recipient of the Young Community Achiever of the year Award in 2014, I believe that IABCA has fruitfully enhanced and privileged the work and community projects undertaken by me. Not only has it opened several avenues to achieve my long-term goals, but also strengthened my work further with productive opportunities.”
My advice to those looking to nominate this year is to ‘take a bite and make it right’. In order to do this, it is imperative to understand what the community needs for its successful progression. Your constructive contribution and diverse efforts towards shaping an enriched society is what the community is grateful for and the judges are looking for this. Each opportunity is gold and hence, I urge you to take to apply, as you never know which door of success it may open. Above all, success is a combination of 99% perspiration and 1% aspiration. With hard work, dedication and opportunity, success is inevitable.”
Mohit Lachhman Tolani- IABCA 2014 winners offer nomination advice and share experiences/strong>