A University of Wolverhampton academic has scooped an award for her work and research in Sikh studies at an awards ceremony recently.
Picture caption: Award winner Opinderjit is far right.
Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar MBE, Director of the University’s Centre for Sikh and Punjabi Studies, received the British Indian Award for ‘Influencer of the Year’ at a high profile ceremony held at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre at the Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre just a few weeks ago.
Dr Takhar is also Course Leader in Religious Studies in the University’s School of Humanities and an internationally-recognised researcher in Sikhism who has published extensively on the Sikh and Punjabi community.The British Indian Awards celebrate success, excellence and perseverance across allindustries and are organised by Oceanic Consulting–the UK’s leading ethnic awards company.
Dr Takhar said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have received the British Indian Award for‘Influencer of the Year’. This is recognition for the success that the Centre for Sikh and Punjabi Studies has been achieving at an international level.”Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “Dr Takharhas worked for the University for nine years as Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies in our School of Humanities.
As well as teaching, she undertakes a variety of research,specialising in subject matter that relates to the Sikh community as well as topics including caste and gender balance.“Engaging tirelessly with local, regional, national and international community groups and governing bodies, Dr Takhar is consistently raising awareness of issues that affect the Sikh community in the UK and abroad.
Her work as Director of the Centre for Sikh and Punjabi Studies, in particular, has made a significant contribution, having an impact on people’s lives by bringing communities together as well as helping to raise the profile of the University.“Her award is very well deserved and is most certainly a result of her hard work, commitment and dedication to promoting equality and diversity as well as enriching the lives of our students and our communities.”CEO of Oceanic Consulting, Irfan Younis, said: “Congratulations to all winners and finalists.
The night produced some memorable moments, and gave thanks to those hard-working and brilliant people who cement Indian culture and presence in all sectors of this country.”The Centre for Sikh and Punjabi Studies, which is the first of its kind in the UK, offers PhDsand Master’s level courses in Sikh studies, as well as continuing professional development(CPD) courses for teachers and managers of diverse work forces such as national and local government, the NHS and the emergency services.
