Winners of the first ever Dorset Ethnic Minority Awards 2018 (DEMA) were recently announced at a spectacular Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner at The Bournemouth International Centre on the 29th September.
The Dorset Ethnic Minority Awards recognises businesses and individuals for their outstanding commitment and dedication to communities in business.
This year the respectable Rafique Choudhury, owner of Taj Mahal restaurant in Bridport was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Rafique arrived in Dorset in 1967 at the age of 26, he opened the doors for opportunity to develop relationships with communities and likeminded people. He forged unique friendships and enjoyed mentoring individuals. Rafique successfully opened his restaurant in Bridport in 1983. His dedication and hard work made the Taj Mahal restaurant a hub of cultural flavour. Thousands of people have passed through the doors of the restaurant as a result of his commitment to unifying ethnic minorities within the local community.
Rafique has become a family name and many have followed in his trail and have successfully set up businesses for themselves. He was recognised for being a community champion, entrepreneur, community role model mentor, philanthropist and for his outstanding excellence by the first annual Dorset Ethnic Minority Awards.
“What an incredible feeling to receive The Lifetime Achievement Award. I cannot express my gratitude for this honour. As much as I appreciate this award and as grateful as I am for it, the greatest reward I’ve ever been given is the simple opportunity to be in a position to offer my help and support to people who may have needed it over the years. Some of the things people have said about me have really touched my heart. Thank you each and every one of you for this honour”.
Attendees spoke favourably about the formal ceremony and the numerous opportunities to network before and afterwards. Organiser of the Dorset Ethnic Minority Awards Nanzy Sebata-Stone added “We are overjoyed and honoured that Rafique is a role model and legend in the community. He has worked hard all his life but always had time to help others at the cost of his own dreams”.
Last year Rafique was also the recipient of the legendary award by International Indian Chef of the Year Awards and he recently featured on BBC 1’s Inside Out’s documentary on ‘T Snook – Hatters and Outfitters’ for his love of hats!