British Sikh environmentalist awarded Cranfield University Distinguished Alumni honour
Charan Kanwal Singh Sekhon MBE has been named winner of Cranfield University’s Distinguished Water, Energy and Environment Alumni Award Winner 2024, the first British Sikh to receive the honour in the university’s 78 years history.
The award is one of Cranfield University’s highest honours which recognises exceptional achievement of individuals who have achieved significant success within the water, energy and environment sectors while upholding the highest standards in industry practice with international visibility showcasing the global impact of the institution’s influence and experience of working and contributing across different sectors and geographic regions.
Sekhon is serving as a Senior Environment Officer for the Environment Agency and has led many environmental projects and Equality and Diversity related projects in East Anglia. Born in Punjab, his early life in a rural village with limited access to education motivated him to create and international NGO, SEVA Trust UK. As the founder and chairman, he has made significant contributions to education, health, welfare, and environmental initiatives in the UK and India.
He said: “I am very surprised and feel humbled to be named for this special award. Cranfield, a world-class education and research hub and the alumni network played vital part in my career & helped to extend my network worldwide leading to setting up two charities, SEVA Trust UK and SEVA Trust India.
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“It is also a reflection on the collective team effort and enormous support and guidance I received from my colleagues at the Environment Agency, UNISON and our fantastic team of volunteers of SEVA Trust. I feel this recognition brings further responsibility to do more & better for all by promoting education, better health, environmental sustainability, equality and social justice for all.”
According to the university, Sekhon’s commitment to public service is further exemplified by more than 20 years’ experience as a local councillor. His involvement extends to various youth, charity, and sports projects, including fundraising campaigns and participating in the London Marathon to support individuals with disabilities. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sekhon led a team of volunteers in Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, and Hertfordshire to assist hundreds of vulnerable families, rough-sleepers, and isolated international students with food and essential items. His efforts particularly supported Cranfield University students and the local community.
The relentless dedication to charity and environmental causes, and support for his local community earned Sekhon an MBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours List.
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“Charan's exemplary career and personal life reflect his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on communities and society as a whole,” the university said.
The awards will be presented at the university’s Annual Awards day in September. Founded in 1946, Cranfield University is leading global institution for specialist post-graduate study and research based in Cranfield village near Bedford. The university is ranked amongst the world's best universities in the ‘QS World University Rankings’.