The much sought after Rolex Awards for Enterprise (RAE), a global philanthropic initiative has chosen New Delhi as the venue for its upcoming edition, to be held in November, 2012.
The awards created to recognize the vision and achievement of individuals who have made world a better place to live will honor five winners this year, for their innovations in science and health, exploration and discovery, the environment, cultural heritage, and applied technology.
The winners will be judged by a distinguished jury comprising of heavyweights from different backgrounds, including MahrukhTarapor,SubramaniamRamadorai andGururajDeshpande, from India.
Established in 1976 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Oyster Chronometer, the world’s first waterproof watch, the Rolex Awards has a strong connect with India like in 2006 it recognized ChandaShroff’s 2006 project to revive the craft of Kutchiembroidery in Gujarat, benefitting more than 20,000 women of all castes from 120 villages across Kutch.
Commenting on the Rolex Awards coming to India for the first time, Rebecca Irvin, Head of Philanthropy at Rolex, said: “We believe India is a thought-leader in innovation and enterprise; a concept that is very well embraced and understood in the country. Over the years, of the more than 100 projects that have been supported by the Awards for Enterprise, we have had outstanding examples from India, echoing the vibrant character of the population. By holding the Awards ceremony in Delhi this year, we are recognizing the spirit of enterprise that prevails. In 2012, India had the second highest number of entries, and, in the future, we expect to reach out to many more deserving individuals whose projects are helping to improve the lives of those around them.”