The Founder of City Hindus Network, Dhruv Patel, has received an OBE from Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, for voluntary service to the British Hindu community and to Social Cohesion…reports Asian Lite News
Mr Patel was awarded the honour in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours. He attended the investiture ceremony with his family in the impressive surroundings of the Ballroom at Buckingham Palace.
Mr Patel, who is a businessman with interests in property, retail pharmacy, and the London insurance market, became the first chairman of the City Hindus Network when it was established in 2005, and he held the position until 2010. He now serves as one of its three directors.
Since 2013, the married father of two, has served as an elected member (Common Councilman) of the City of London Corporation.
With a keen interest in the community and helping others, in 2015 Mr Patel, became the City of London Corporation’s first ever chair of a committee from a BAME background when he was elected Chairman of Community & Children’s Services, with the responsibility of leading members into making decisions about social care, education, housing, health and wellbeing.
The London born 35-year-old also serves as a director of the City of London Academies Trust, and is Deputy Chairman of the City Bridge Trust.
Mr Patel has been a Trustee of The Lord Mayor’s 800th Anniversary Awards Trust since 2015. He is a Liveryman of The Clothworkers’ Company and has sat on their Property Committee since 2016. He is also Chair of the Local Governing Body of the Avanti Court Primary School in Redbridge, a role he was appointed to in 2017.
Mr Patel said:
“I’m am deeply humbled to have been invested as an Officer of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
“I have been heavily engaged in voluntary service, particularly for the Hindu community, since my university days. My election to the City of London Corporation gave me the chance to broaden out this work.
“My focus has been on ensuring London’s young people have the best start to life, and all communities have the opportunity to thrive.
“Whilst it is wonderful to receive this national honour, recognition cannot be the driver sewa or selfless service is, and shall continue to be, a vital part of my life.”