Asian Business Awards Investor of the Year Cyrus Vandrevala backs The Independent’s SafeCall campaign
Investor and philanthropist Cyrus Vandrevala supports Independent’s We started a campaign to launch SafeCall, a vital savior for lost youth in crisis.
The billionaire announced a major donation after winning the Asian Business Awards Investor of the Year award.
“I was impressed by the campaign that introduced a digital solution to bring lost children to safety,” said Mr. Vandrevala.
“It’s shocking that 70,000 children go missing every year in the UK. Having children in the UK with happy school and home lives makes me want to help those who suffer like this even more.”
Mr. Vandrevala becomes the latest supporter of the publication’s campaign, following host Lorraine Kelly’s endorsement on Tuesday. Barclays, Nationwide and the Hunter Foundation have generously supported the campaign in recent days.
SafeCall will fund a new service aimed at reaching the 70,000 children reported missing in the UK each year. Sir Keir Starmer and Sir David Beckham also showed their support for the campaign.
donate Here or text SAFE to 70577 to donate £10 to Missing People, enough for one child to get help.
The Indian private equity investor and his wife, Priya, founded the Vandrevala Foundation in 2008, which works to raise awareness about mental health issues in India and provides support services to individuals experiencing emotional distress.
Mr. Vandrevala is also an early investor in pioneering, technology-focused businesses. Working in the US, India, Japan and the UK, he is known for his exceptionally high-return investments in technology, healthcare, education and real estate.
Around 600 children go missing every day in the UK. Independent It aims to raise £165,000 to help launch SafeCall, a free new service that will provide confidential support, guidance and a route to safety for children in crisis.
“It’s heartbreaking when a parent doesn’t know where their child is, and if this campaign with Missing People helps bring children to safety, I’m more than happy to lend my support,” Mr. Vandrevala said.
Young people are most likely to get lost; 61 percent of all incidents recorded by police are among 12 to 17 year olds. Many say there are still no services available to meet their needs, leaving them alone just when they need help most.
Many disappear repeatedly or due to exploitation, family breakdown or mental health-related issues. But it is hoped that SafeCall will offer them a dedicated helpline, WhatsApp channel, chatbot and website.
Elsewhere at the ceremony, Tan Sri Sir Francis Yeoh, chairman of YTL Corporation, received the ASEAN Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable contributions to business and philanthropy across the region. Prashant Kothari, senior investment manager at Pictet Asset Management, was named Fund Manager of the Year, while Navjot Sawhney, founder of the Washing Machine Project, received the Sustainable Business of the Year Award.
Rajbir Singh Manak, managing director of Stanmore, part of the Akaal Group, was honored with the High-Growing Business of the Year Award and Lioncroft Wholesale CEO Dr. Jason Wouhra OBE received the Entrepreneur of the Year award. The Education Business of the Year Award was given to Dr Vishwajeet Rana, founder of Global Banking School, while Arora Group CEO Sanjay Arora was also named Hotelier of the Year.
Zain Kajani, director of JMK Group, was named New Generation of the Year and Rohin Shah, managing director of ANAROCK, received the International Business of the Year Award.
A total of 11 awards were presented at the event and also launched the latest edition of the annual Asian Rich List, which profiles the 101 richest South Asians in Britain. The Hinduja family topped the list with an estimated fortune of £37 billion, followed by steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal and his son Aditya with £15.5 billion, while petrochemical magnate Sri Prakash Lohia and his family came in third place with £12 billion.
The combined wealth of the 101 richest Asians in Britain exceeded £140bn this year; This represents an increase of £13.75bn on the previous year. More than 650 guests, including business and industry leaders, parliamentarians and community figures, attended the ceremony in central London.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed said: “There are Asian businesses all over Britain supporting both the local economy and the local community… without them we would all be lost.”
He added: “Your success is an inspiration not only to the Asian business community, but to every part of our country.”
Please donate now To the Independent and Missing Persons’ Safe Call campaign, which aims to raise £165,000 to create a free, nationwide service to help vulnerable children find safety and support.
If you or a loved one is lost, text or call the charity Missing People on 116 000 for advice, support and options. It’s free, confidential and non-judgmental. Or visit www.missingpeople.org.uk/get-help
