GEMS Chairman receives Rajiv Gandhi Award

Mr Varkey received the award at the 11th Annual Rajiv Gandhi Awards ceremony held in Mumbai, India recently. The annual award is given in memory of the late Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India and a visionary leader who was instrumental in promoting modern technology, science and education in India.

GEMS Education, under the stewardship of Mr Varkey, has grown to become the leading provider of private education in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. Currently the education group manages nearly 100 high quality schools providing education in a variety of curricula in different parts of the world.

Mr Varkey said after accepting that award that it motivates him to continue his efforts to further develop GEMS into an education brand synonymous with quality, global expertise and close association with the community.

"Three generations of my family have been involved in providing quality education to students in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the US over the last 50 years. The Rajiv Gandhi Award is a great recognition for our efforts, heritage and mission to make GEMS further renowned all over the world,"

he said.

Rajiv Gandhi Awards are a platform to bring together achievers, leaders and maestros from different fields in a celebration of their contributions and success. The award foundation is headed by Mrs Sonia Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi's widow and the most prominent leader of India's ruling United Progressive Alliance.

An eminent panel of judges selects the winners after evaluating the performance of outstanding establishments and individuals from different fields. This year's winners fall under different categories including education, media, child prodigy, woman achiever, young & global entrepreneur, and entertainment & sports.