British Deputy High Commissioner in southern India Mike Nitharvrianakis presents the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire citation and medal to the president of ABS P.M.Belliappa in Chennai on Monday. Photo: K Pichumani
Recognising his contribution towards improving the Indo-U.K. relationship, the British High Commission presented the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) badge to P.M. Belliappa, president of the Association of British Scholars at a function here on Monday.

Mike Nitharvrianakis, British Deputy High Commissioner in southern India, said that the award is to recognise Mr. Belliappa’s services to environmental protection and for promoting Indo-U.K. alumni relations through the ABS. Calling the award as a “very, very rare honour”, Mr. Nitharvrianakis said “Indians who study abroad always try to give something back to the country where they spent their academic life. Mr.Belliappa is a prime example.”

Terming the occasion as a moment of great joy and pride, Kartar Singh, Deputy Director, British Council, said that Mr. Belliappa is a true ambassador of Indo-U.K. relationship. “This award celebrates his human spirit,” he said. Reflecting on his life and career, Mr.Belliappa said “I have had three careers, running almost in parallel – civil service, my years as an international environmental consultant and the ABS. In all of them, I’ve achieved a measure of success. But the results were achieved only due to a collective endeavour.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / News> Cities> Chennai / by Staff Reporter / April 12th, 2011