World for Libya

On Wednesday 15^th June I attended the “World for Libya” charity ball at the Four Seasons Hotel in London.

Reem and Salah Mussa’s team created a fantastic evening and in such a short period of time, to be able to create such a successful evening within a short 4 weeks is truly an exceptional achievement.

It was great to see such a good cause being helped and supported by so many people, the auction being a great success and resulting in necessary funds being raised to help those in need in Libya. With lots of great entertainment and a wonderful atmosphere.  

A success and wonderful evening. 

Pratham Summer gathering

A warm summers evening, drinks and canapés, the setting was perfect for Pratham’s summer gathering. Pratham is a charity for children in India and was seeded in Mumbai by UNICEF and Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai in 1994 with a mission to ensure "every child in school and learning well". The organisation was formed as a tripartite partnership between the government, the corporate sector and citizens. Today the mission has expanded to 21 of India’s 28 states and is the largest non-governmental children's charity working to provide quality education to underprivileged children in rural and urban India.
An excellent evening raising awareness, an organisation providing a solution.
I praise and continue to support all the hard work done by Prathams.

http://www.pratham.org.uk/

Premier Summer Ball

Summer has started in fantastic fashion; on Saturday 4^th June 2011 I was honored to attend one of the best dinner party events I have experienced. Mr Athwal’s 25 years of business acumen was reflected in his organisation and execution or this truly special evening.

“A Bollywood night to remember” was written on my initial invite, and true to these words, this evening was a night I will never forget.

I must thank Mr Athwal and everybody who made this evening possible, a wonderful and magical night.

Setting the standards high

Peter Virdee invited to join Coutts & Co Private Bank UK Philanthropy board

Peter Virdee has been honored and is delighted to be joining the board of Coutts & Co Private Bank UK Philanthropy.

“In charity there is no excess”
Francis Bacon (1561-1626) British statesman and philosopher.

Coutts private bank, have an impressive 300 years history of involvement in the charity sector. Most famously, Angela Burdett-Coutts was one of the greatest Victorian philanthropists of her day making unprecedented inroads into helping those less fortunate than herself.

Today this charitable tradition is proudly upheld. The Coutts Charitable Trust and the Coutts Foundation maximize the impact of giving by supporting numerous good causes.

Unquestionably by far the most important part of Peter Virdee’s values and beliefs is that of helping others, those that are in need. In recognition of Peter’s contributions and willingness to always help others in need, Peter has been requested to sit on the Coutts UK Philanthropy board.

“I have spent my life earning money, but my wealth has come from what I have given”

-Peter Virdee

English National Opera

ENO believes opera should be for everyone and is committed to developing new audiences through an innovative and dynamic programme, created by imaginative stage directors and designers from across the arts and performed by leading artists.

ENO traces its roots back to 1931 when Lilian Baylis established the Sadler’s Wells Opera Company at the newly re-opened the Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Baylis had been presenting opera concerts and theatre in London since 1898 and was passionate about providing audiences with the best theatre and opera at affordable prices, a belief that remains today at the heart of English National Opera.

We are very proud and honored that Peter Virdee has been kindly asked to become a patron for the English National Opera. Peter has been supporting the ENO and values their work.

ENO’s work is internationally recognised and we enjoy longstanding relationships with leading artists, directors and conductors. This world-class reputation underpins their many partnerships with houses and festivals around the world where their work is regularly staged.

First Sikh Business Awards

The Worlds First Sikh Awards "Inspiring and encouraging generations around the world..."

Winston Churchill once said ‘British people are highly indebted and obliged to Sikhs for a long time.’

The Sikh Awards took place at Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Sunday October 10th 2010, and will recognise the special contribution Sikhs have made to British society in the fields of business, sport, entertainment, charity, the media, service and education.

Hosting this prestigious event was Ms Sonia Kaur Deol an acclaimed presenter reporter who has worked for the BBC and is at the top of her field. Sonia truly enchanted the stage contributing hugely to the success of the awards. The Judges panel was carefully selected, the UK’s first Asian judge, Sir Mota Singh QC, is among the judges for the Sikh Awards, along side B&S groups own co founder and director Peter Virdee.

The evening was a great success, the honor felt in the ball room by each individual attending not only by the nominees or winners was clearly present.

The clear success of this event is due to the hard work over many months by each individual and a team dedicated to not only make themselves proud but every Sikh around the globe. The event organisers Opulence (www.opulenceinternational.com) kept the whole evening running smoothly and the guests enjoying the ceremony.

Following the inaugaral Sikh Awards, there will be an annual event in different parts of the world. The 2011 Sikh Awards are likely to take place in the USA or Canada, and the Awards are set to return to the UK in 2013.

The Inaugural Saragarhi Cup Polo Match

The British Army Polo Team were crowned champions at a charity match attended by the Prince of Wales, after a nail biting game against a team of India's star players.

The inaugural Saragarhi Cup Polo Match on Saturday saw the army team take on India's Sherdills team in a fundraising challenge in aid of two South Asian charities.

The British Asian Trust and The Bhumi Vardaan Foundation were the beneficiaries of the match, which was held at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club near Windsor.

The final score was 4-3 with the British Army Polo Team clinching victory thanks to a last minute goal.

The Prince was on hand to present the trophies and meet guests at a post match reception.

Organised by the Anglo-Sikh Heritage Trail, the event also featured traditional Bhangra music and dance originating from the Punjab region and associated with Sikh farmers celebrating the coming of the harvest season.

Peter Virdee enjoyed the match from the VIP enclosure watching the skill shown from each player and was left impressed by the dedication and sportsmanship shown from both teams