BOSTON, Oct. 24, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The eleventh annual presentation of Excellence Awards presented by the NRI Institute in London, England, and sponsored by one of the oldest legal firms in the UK, Gullands Solicitors, honored Surjit Babra, CEO of the SkyLink Travel Group for his professional excellence and philanthropic activities. The event, which took place at London's Radisson SAS Portman Hotel, focused on honoring people of Indian origin, living in India and abroad, for their outstanding achievements and excellence in their endeavors. Babra, whose firm's international headquarters is based in Toronto, Canada, was present to receive the award.
Over 400 people of Indian origin were on hand to celebrate the achievement of Babra and others who received recognition for demonstrating excellence in their professional, philanthropic, and civic activities. The guest list of the UK Chapter of the NRI Institute, which organized the event, included such prestigious individuals among their guests of honor as: Lord Swraj Paul, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Minister Parmjit Dhanda MP, Minister Liam Byrne MP and Keith Vaz MP.
As SkyLink Travel Group Chairman, Babra, a Sikh born in Punjab, has applied his sensitive leadership to substantially contribute to the growth of the global company and its internal support system which responds philanthropically to the special needs of peoples globally. The company has provided tangible support to help victims in dire circumstances on five continents over the years.
Included in Babra's charitable works is his special assistance in helping the Sikh community to bring 149 new scrolls from the Golden Temple in Amritsar to Toronto to replace tattered Holy Scriptures. This delicate, sacred mission was accomplished by Babra through SkyLink Aviation, by airlifting each holy book, occupying its own linen-covered seat in an airplane. Babra arranged for this most holy of airlifts and accompanied the holy books aboard the flight. In so doing, Babra realized his seemingly impossible dream of serving his faith at the highest level.
Babra's prior humanitarian missions include SkyLink Aviation airlifting 100 UN workers and their families out of danger, delivering medication to victims of natural disasters, including the Tsunami, and countless other philanthropic projects.
Nationally syndicated radio show travel expert Stephanie Abrams notes, "I have known Surjit Babra and SkyLink for almost two decades. His warmth, sincerity, and kindness transcend his business goals. His achievements are linked to his focus on going beyond expectations to rise to whatever the occasion demands. This recognition is well deserved! Caring and a strong ethical code permeate the fiber of SkyLink and it starts at the top!" Abrams concludes.
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