STEEL tycoon Lakshmi Mittal is not only Britain’s richest man, he is also the country’s most powerful Asian, according to an in-depth and extensive study carried out by publications, Garavi Gujarat (GG2) and Eastern Eye (EE).
Mittal features in the number one position of the first GG2/EE Power 101 list released at the glittering GG2 Leadership Awards dinner in London on Wednesday (23) evening.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, the chief guest at the dinner, and Ramniklal Solanki CBE, the Asian Media & Marketing Group’s (AMG) editor in chief which produces both GG2 and EE, launched the much-anticipated publication with great fanfare in front of a star-studded and high powered audience, including some of those featured in the GG2 101 Power List.
The 56-page glossy features the 101 most influential Asians in the UK, including well-known figures from the world of politics, the arts, high society and sport. Among those in the list are powerful politicians, Sayeeda Warsi and Keith Vaz, creative talents Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar, actors Archie Panjabi and Nina Wadia and sporting figures Amir Khan and Ravi Bopara.
Shailesh Solanki, executive editor of AMG and one of a quartet of editors responsible for the final rankings, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be releasing the GG2/EE Power 101 – it represents an important moment for the community.
“We have been working on this for a while and it makes a real statement about the progress of the Asian community.
“It is both a celebration and we hope, a source of inspiration for many.
“Our journey from the margins as a community, about 40 years ago, has not always been easy and there have been many who have overcome great obstacles and made great sacrifices, so that others may succeed.
“The GG2/EE Power List 101 is in some ways a tribute to them all and while it gives a snapshot of power in 2011, the path of progress was laid long before.”
He explained what had led the panel to choosing Mittal as the most powerful Asian in Britain.
“He came out on top because of his wide-ranging connections and his ability to get things done,” he said.
While the steel magnate has an estimated fortune of £15.5 billion, according to Eastern Eye’s Rich List, he has also the ear of many powerful politicians.
A specially devised scoring system that looked at a number of factors was used to help GG2/EE editors decide the final rankings.
Shailesh Solanki added: “Wealth alone does not confer power. It can, of course, be an attribute and many wealthy people are powerful, but by the same measure, there are many powerful people who are not wealthy.
“We have examined a huge range of factors in compiling the GG2/EE Power 101.
“It has involved a lot of research, debate and argument and we are confident that it will come to be seen as a community resource and something of a rallying call for those who want to excel and achieve.”
Mittal’s closeness to the prime minister was evident in September when the Indian-born industrialist sat next to David Cameron and his son Arthur at a football match between Aston Villa and QPR, which is part owned by Mittal.
The tycoon has also provided £16 million to build The Orbit at the Olympic Park in Stratford with the Mayor of London Boris Johnson stumping a further £3m of public funds. The construction, designed by another GG2/EE 101 Power entry, artist Anish Kapoor, will open to the public next summer. It is expected to be a huge tourist attraction, offering virtually unparalleled views of the capital. It has already been dubbed “Mittal’s monument.”
The top five (in descending order) are Lakshmi Mittal, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Keith Vaz, Gopichand and Srichand Hinduja, and Sir Suma Chakrabarti. For the top 20, see below.Exclusive copies of the GG2 Power 101 were handed out to more than 800 guests at the GG2 Leadership Awards dinner. You can order a copy for £25 by contacting [email protected]
GG2/EE POWER 101 – TOP 20.
1. Lakshmi Mittal2. Baroness Sayeeda Warsi3. Keith Vaz MP4. GP and SP Hinduja5. Sir Suma Chakrabarti6. Anish Kapoor7. Anshu Jain8. Shami Chakrabarti9. Rabinder Singh QC10. Chris Rajendran Hyman11. Kishore Lulla12. Lord Navnit Dholakia13. Rakesh Kapoor14. Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar15. George Alagiah16. Amir Khan17. Lord Swraj Paul18. Anwar Pervez19. Archie Panjabi20. Venkataraman Ramakrishnan
