Development secretary, Douglas Alexander, has presented Christian Aid Director, Dr Daleep Mukarji, with an honorary OBE in recognition of a career dedicated to the alleviation of poverty.
In handing Dr Mukarji his award, Mr Alexander said that it was ‘on behalf of all of the people whose lives you have quite fundamentally changed.’
Dr Mukarji responded, saying: ‘I am delighted to have received the award particularly as a non-UK citizen.’
‘Starting out as a doctor in Vellore in India many years ago, I had little idea that I would end up being the director of one of the UK’s largest development agencies.
‘But what I did realise was how much needed to be done to help and to change the lives of poor people.
‘What has influenced my life has been a passion for justice and for alleviating poverty.
‘In this I have had the opportunity at Christian Aid to work with fantastic colleagues, with very dedicated partners overseas and a loyal supporter base – whose commitment and generous giving make Christian Aid’s work possible.’