| MUMBAI:
Miditech co-founder Niret Alva has been awarded the National Award for his 'Outstanding
Effort in Science and Technology in the Electronic Medium'. President APJ Abdul
Kalam hosted a special felicitation ceremony for the winners and was also attended
by Minister for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal and R. Chidambaram, Principal
Scientific Advisor. The National Awards instituted in 1988 by the National
Council for Science and Technology Communication, Ministry of Science and Technology
encourages and recognizes efforts in the area of science popularization.  Alva
was presented the award for using the electronic medium to powerfully convey the
traditional science and current developments in the country. Accepting the
award Alva said, "I am truly overwhelmed by this moment. I wish to thank
the Government of India for giving me this honor and recognition. It will be my
endeavor to continue using the electronic medium in a more progressive and powerful
manner". He has developed and built major brands like Indian Idol,
Galli Galli Sim Sim (Sesame Street), Wheels, and Living on the Edge.
Alva has also anchored travel shows (Great Escape), automobile (Wheels)
and environment (Living on the Edge and Earth Report).
 Niret
Alva will also be representing India at the Asia 21 Young Leaders Forum in Kochi
from 3 to 5 March. Alva had earlier chaired the first session of the Asia 21 Young
Leaders Summit in Seoul last year where the focus was on value-based leadership.
The Asia 21 initiative unites professionals from across the Asia-Pacific
region representing varied spheres, ranging from business and politics to media,
arts and culture. The meet in Kochi is designed to share and discuss best practices
in leadership and problem solving. Excited at representing India at the
Asia 21, Niret Alva said "I am honored to be a part of this forum. This is
a great opportunity for me to interact and collaborate with dynamic people from
various regions and understand the challenges faced by our society. I hope to
contribute to this forum to the best of my experience and knowledge. " The
first meeting of this year's class of fellows will address topics related to protecting
cultural heritage, human security, environmental protection, economic development,
corporate social responsibility, public health issues. Shaffi Mather, Malini
Mether and Logsang Sangay are other delegates chosen to represent India at the
forum. | 
