Ram Prakash Gupta, from Lancashire is one of 26 remarkable individuals to be recognised at the Palace of Westminster with the prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) in recognition of their extraordinary endeavours.
The British Citizen Award in partnership with One Stop, is now in its ninth year and recognises exceptional people who positively impact their communities throughout the country. Dubbed ‘The People’s Honours’ – due to the fact that anyone with an OBE, CBE of KBE is ineligible to receive a BCA – this programme recognises true community heroes for their divergent endeavours and positive impact on society.
Ram will be recognised at the Palace of Westminster on 29th June 2023 and honoured with The British Citizen Award for Services to Education and will receive the coveted BCA Medal of Honour and invited to use the post-nominals BCAe as a legacy of his achievements.
Ram has donated thousands of laptops, tablets and other IT equipment to the disadvantaged in the community, so that children and families have access to IT and education. He also worked closely with the Blind Society and their programme called ‘Jaws’, whose mission is to teach blind children and adults how to use computers. He introduced virtual reality equipment to a Hospice for patients with life-limiting illnesses to use. They may be too ill to travel, but the virtual reality equipment allows patients to visit their dream destinations and experience adventures without leaving the room.
Ram also supports Nightsafe, a charity which supports the local homeless, sleeping rough on several occasions, organised auctions and donating funds. He has employed a number of resident homeless and put them onto apprenticeship schemes. Ram is a proud patron of Blackburn Youth Zone and supports local causes like the Cathedral, Rummage Rescuers and Secret Santa who provide facilities to the most underprivileged in society.
Ram is also a founding member of Community Foundation for Lancashire, an umbrella for charities to become self-sustaining. Ram is a founding member of the Saffron Group which delivers social value and encourages businesses to add social value to their activities.
Stephanie Wood, from BCA partner One Stop said:
“This year’s medalists have reminded us of how many amazing people are supporting our communities, especially during such a challenging time. At One Stop we serve many communities across the country, and we know how important voluntary work is to support those in need. We’re proud to be partnering with the BCA again and to play a small part in helping each medallist to be recognised. Our congratulations go to all honourees.”
The Medal presentation will be hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright, and attended by BCA Patrons, Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia. The British Citizen Award was established in 2015 to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on their communities and society.
Each medalist is presented with their BCA at the Palace of Westminster by Senior Representatives from official partner One Stop, Places for People, Specsavers, Objective HR, and Uniserve who all support this unique programme. Medalists then board an Open Top Lap of Honour tour before attending a certificate presentation at the prestigious Church House to complete their recognition.
The British Citizen Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday people from all cultural backgrounds from across the country for exceptional endeavor. The Medal presentation is held twice annually, to nominate an outstanding individual from your community to be considered for The People’s Honours visit www.britishcitizenawards.co.uk.
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