Three Indians, including two women, have won an inaugural award set up by Queen Elizabeth II to recognise exceptional youths who are transforming the lives of others and making a difference in their communities from across the Commonwealth nations.

The British monarch will present the awards to Ashwini Angadi, Akshay Jadhao and Devika Malik from India among 60 others at a gala ceremony in Buckingham Palace on June 22.
Angadi is a visually impaired student, Jadhao is a para-athelete and Malik is a educationist in rural areas.

The Queen’s Young Leaders Award, launched by Prince William and Harry last year, has been organised by the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust to recognise young people from across the 53 countries of the Commonwealth who are “taking the lead in transforming the lives of others and making a lasting difference in their communities”.

Born with a visual impairment, Banglorean Ashwini was brought up in a poor rural community in India. She fought to get an education, and overcame the odds to graduate from Bangalore University with outstanding grades. She gave up an excellent job with an IT firm to work as a facilitator for Young Voices in India, and campaign for the rights of people with disabilities.

Source: http://eastcoastdaily.in/2015/06/13/three-indians-won-queens-exceptional-youth-award/