An Indian doctor at the University College in London has been named the 'World's Outstanding Young Person' for 2004 by US-based NGO Junior Chamber International for his "exemplary service" to medical care and education.
Dr Koshy Eapen, 29, will receive a cash prize of US$ 10,000 as well as a golden medallion and a plaque at an International Award Ceremony at Fukuoka in Japan on November 24.
Eapen was chosen from 246 nominations from 107 countries for his "exemplary service to medical care and education", Fernando Sanchez-Arias, president of the 59th World Congress of the NGO, said in an official communication on Saturday night.
"Koshy has been chosen for his meritorious service for the elderly in India. With his many qualifications, commitment to social needs, generosity, zeal, determination, multiple scholarships and awards, excellent academic credentials and leadership skills, he is certainly the model for young people anywhere," Sanchez-Arias said.
Previous winners included former US President J F Kennedy, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, rock star Elvis Persley, software expert Linius Torvalds, management guru Anthony Robbinsactor, Hollywood action star Jackie Chan and Sri Lankan cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga.
This year, Queen Rania Al Abdullah II of Jordan has been chosen for humanitarian leadership along with Eapen.
Commenting on the award, Eapen said, "I am certainly thrilled to win such a prestigious award. I have committed this prize money to the educational trust I founded in India to offer further full scholarships for Indian students."