London: Anita Bose, daughter of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and her husband Martin Pfaff, until recently a member of the German Parliament, were honoured with Indian Overseas Congress annual awards in London on August 18 night.

At a function organised to celebrate India's 56th Independence Day at the Indian Gymkhana, Anita and her husband were presented with a medal and shawl each by Kalpana Sen and her husband Ronen Sen, the High Commissioner for India in UK respectively.

Others who received the awards included Indian-origin cricketer Vikram Solanki, who scored a century for England in their one-day match against South Africa and Atma Singh, non-resident Indian (NRI) policy adviser to the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone on Asian Affairs.

Besides, Brigadier Shaheed Swaroop Singh Rai who died soon after the Bangladesh Liberation was honoured posthumously. Youngest Brigadier of his time, Rai had fought during the Liberation of Bangladesh, both the Indo-Pak wars, the China war and liberation of Goa. His younger brother Captain Gurmeet Singh Rai received the honour.

Speaking on the occasion, the High Commissioner said India's progress on the path of socio-economic development, within the framework of a democratic, secular and federal policy, has been sustained by the efforts of all Indians, including those residing abroad.

He noted that after every conceivable challenge, be it the natural disaster or border conflict, the country has emerged stronger. It has also made significant progress in diverse fields.

PTI