Awards & Recognitions
This weekend was a feel good weekend for me. Five people that I greatly respect have been recognized for their achievements in serving humanity in their own ways.
The first one needs little introduction, his name is Muhammed Yunus. You may know him as the founder of Grameen Bank, the pioneer in the world of mirco-finance. He has also been called the Banker to the Poor. Another, whom you may also have seen on National Geographic Explorer or CNN, is Sir Edward Artis, co-founder of Knightsbridge Int’l, also known as the “FedEx with an attitude” for the Humanitarian World. Along with Dr. Sir James Laws and Sir Walt Ratterman, they deliver aid to the worlds hotspots where most NGO’s and governments fear to go. Last but not least is film director Adrian Belic, whose claim to fame is his Oscar nominated film Genghis Blues.
Mr. Yunnus was given the great honor of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in bringing peace to the world via alleviating poverty. He has helped millions of people in Bangladesh and around the world lift themselves out of poverty (AKA Bottom of the Pyramid) via his pioneering work in micro-finance. (You can see him speak on the video we have on our main page) Grameen is a stellar example of a business doing well by doing good.
Sir Edward Artis, Dr. Sir James Laws and Sir Walt Ratterman were honored along with Adrian Belic at the Ojai Film Festival on Saturday. Adiran Belic’s new film Beyond the Call, about the Knights, won the Top Jury Prize at the festival. This is in addition to awards received at other film festivals around the world. You can see a trailer for the film by clicking here. Adrian won his award for his artistry and vision and the Knights got a standing ovation or their self-less service to humanity.
I am fortunate to have corresponded with Mr. Yunnus on numerous occasions and have to say that he is a big reason for me writing this blog. The Knights and Adrian Belic, I am very fortunate to call friends. Each one of the men mentioned above have been a HUGE source of inspiration in my life. They are living examples of people living on Purpose and what each one of us can do to make a positive difference in the world.
If you want to know how these guys got there, you can buy Muhammed’s book Banker to the Poor on Amazon or check your local listings for when Beyond the Call will come to your area or contact the Knights at KBI.org
Thank you guys!
Monday, October 16, 2006
Shown Left to right following the presentation are Dr Sir James Laws, Producer / Director Adrian Belic and Sir Edward Artis
Dr Sir James Laws and Sir Edward Artis are two of the three subjects of the documentary who were on hand for the Festival.
Sir Walt Ratterman, the third member of the Knightsbridge International Team depicted in the film was unable to attend
as he is currently preparing for a humanitarian mission later this month to the Thai-Burma Border region
Photo by Franz Lopez 2006
Dr Sir James Laws and Sir Edward Artis are two of the three subjects of the documentary who were on hand for the Festival.
Sir Walt Ratterman, the third member of the Knightsbridge International Team depicted in the film was unable to attend
as he is currently preparing for a humanitarian mission later this month to the Thai-Burma Border region
Photo by Franz Lopez 2006
Photo: P. Rahman/Scanpix
