He has provided more than 200,000 meals to the needy ever since the pandemic began in March 2020.
A London-based Indian origin philanthropist, Amritpal Singh Mann, has been awarded an Officer of the order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his services to charities and various other organisations.
He has sponsored almost £1 million worth of meals to the British public, several landmark community events, exhibitions and talks. Most notable among his charitable work has been providing over 200,000 meals to the needy since the Covid-19 pandemic began in March 2020.
Fondly known to all as Amrit Maan, he is also the MD of Punjab Restaurant at Covent Garden, which according to their Facebook page, is ‘’the oldest North Indian restaurant in the UK, serving generations of diners in the heart of London’s theatre land.’’ It was established in 1946, by his great-grandfather.
Mr Maan is unassuming and humble who believes in helping those in need. He has actively been associated for years with charities and organisations that work with the homeless, the armed forces, arts and heritage.
As a solicitor too, Mr Maan has given pro bono assistance to numerous victims of crime and traumatic events. He has also provided legal and business advice free of cost to many small businesses and organisations.
His interest in the arts led him, in late 2018, to set up a social enterprise that tried to showcase works by British-Punjabi artists. Amrit Maan is also trustee or trusted advisor for several organisations including Under One Sky, The Seven Dials Trust, Khalsa Academies Trust and The Sharan Project, that deal with homelessness, refugees, domestic abuse victims and other vulnerable communities in society.
“I feel truly humbled to have received this honour for services to charity and community. Seva, selfless service, for the community has been the ethos of our family business since it was founded, and I accept this honour not just for me, but on behalf of the generations that came before me who made huge sacrifices, took chances, and shared their spirit with me,” he said, according to a press release.
There have been many congratulatory messages on social media for the philanthropist. Amandeep Madra OBE, Founder, UK Punjab Heritage Association, who is also an OBE for services to Sikh & Punjabi Heritage & Culture, also lauded Amrit Maan’s achievements and congratulated him for the honour.
Amrit Maan said the OBE recognition will strengthen his resolve to continue with his philanthropic work and champion issues, such as women’s rights, fight social injustice, highlight British Sikh history and support, increase Sikh representation to the Armed Forces and other key services.
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