Bangkok--27 May--AIT
INDIAN Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hon. Dr. Veerappa Moily was bestowed the inaugural "AIT Global Citizen Award" on the occasion of the 119th Graduation of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) held on 23 May 2013. The award was bestowed on the Indian Minister by Mr. Nopadol Gunavibool , Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), and Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Thai Government
The AIT Global Citizen Award has been instituted to honor prominent individuals and personalities who have contributed towards the cause of internationality.
Accepting the award, Dr. Moily thanked AIT for the "great gesture" stating that it reinforces his desire for fostering the spirit of global citizenship. Dr. Moily was commended for his role played in propelling the city of Bangalore on the global map as an Information Technology hub.
AIT has always been known for promoting internationality. A unique international institution of higher education and research, the Institute has been practicing multiculturalism and internationality much before the term acquired prominence. Ever since its creation in 1959, AIT's overriding goal has been to produce global citizens.
Continuing with this tradition, the Institute has created an "AIT Global Citizen Award" to honor prominent individuals and personalities who have contributed towards this cause, Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, Acting President of AIT stated.
Reading the citation for honoring the Minister during AIT's 119th graduation, the Institute Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sivanappan Kumar remarked that Dr. Moily's contribution in promoting India and particularly the city of Bangalore as a global destination for the IT industry has helped the city emerge as the "Silicon Valley of India." His efforts as Chief Minister of his province of Karnataka, India has contributed to Bangalore becoming a global city with major international IT companies establishing their offices in the city. Under his leadership as federal minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, India has emerged as a global major in the field of energy, and it is now strengthening its association with the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), particularly in the field of oil exploration.
Hon. Dr. Veerappa Moily delivered the graduation speech at the morning session of AIT's graduation, while Prof. Emeritus Dr. Sahas Bunditkul, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand was the graduation speaker during the afternoon session. Dr. Subin Pinyakan, former Foreign Minister of Thailand and Dr. Tint Lwin Thaung Executive Director of RECOFTC delivered the AIT alumni message for the graduating students.
Photo caption 1: Mr. Nopadol Gunavibool (left) bestowing the "AIT Global Citizen Award " to Dr. Veerappa Moily.
Photo caption 2: From left: Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, Mr. Nopadol Gunavibool (left), Dr. Veerappa Moily, Dr. Subin Pinyakan, Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal, Mr. Anil Wadhwa, and Mr. Sohail Mahmood.