Bangalore: The third Global Indian Entrepreneurs Conference sponsored by the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin recognised three PIOs at the awards banquet on September 14, according to a press release.

Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, MP, Mauritius Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Co- operation, was honoured for political leadership. A graduate of London School of Economics, Gayan also earned a Masters Degree at the University of London. Gayan has been serving as a minister in the Mauritius government since September 2000. Gayan was also as a minister between 1983 and 1986, the release said.

Gopal Khanna and Karan Bhatia were honoured for their political and business achievements. Gopal Khanna is chief information officer (CIO) of the Peace Corps. He was appointed to this senior foreign services position in the Bush administration on June 17, 2002.

As director Gaddi Vasquez's point person on all technology functions, Khanna is responsible for leading the development of IT strategies and build-up of worldwide technology platforms. Prior to joining the Peace Corps, Khanna was president & chief executive officer (CEO) of ITC, a Minneapolis-based technology solutions start-up venture Khanna founded in 1996.

In terms of charitable involvement, Khanna served as a member of the board of directors of the Minnesota International Centre, Ronald McDonald House, Minnesota Minority Supplier Development Council and the Indian American Republican Council. He has chaired many community initiatives, and currently serves as a national vice president of the Association of Indians in America (AIA), the release said.

Karan K Bhatia serves as deputy under secretary of commerce for industry and security. In this position, Bhatia assists the under secretary in all aspects of management and policymaking at the Bureau of Industry and Security, the Commerce Department agency that handles issues arising at the intersection of industry and national security.

The Bureau is charged inter alia with the administration and enforcement of US dual- use export controls, promoting the assurance of the United States' public and private sector critical infrastructures, ensuring compliance with US anti-boycott laws, and monitoring the viability of the US Defence industrial base. Prior to assuming the position of deputy under secretary in June 2002, Bhatia held the position of chief counsel for export administration in the Commerce Department's Office of General Counsel.

Prior to assuming the position of chief counsel in July 2001, Bhatia was a partner with the Washington DC law firm of Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering, the release added.