Rohan Bopanna and Team Garuda
share Young Achiever 2008 award

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Rohan Bopanna receiving the award from Mr Mohandas Pai, Member of the Board and Director HR, Infosys Technologies. Mr M. R Jaishankar, CMD Brigde Group and Mr G.S. Bhaskar, President Rotary Bangalore Midtown are also seen.		Team Garuda receiving the award from Rtn U.B. Bhatt, District Governor, Rotary Bangalore Midtown. Also seen is Mr Mohandas Pai, Member of the Board and Director HR Infosys Technologies.

The winners of the Young Achiever 2008 award, instituted by Brigade Group & Rotary Bangalore Midtown, were announced at a function held at the St Joseph's Boys' High School in Museum Road. Chief Guest Mr Mohandas Pai (Member of the Board and Director-Human Resources, Infosys Technologies) and District Governor, Rotary Bangalore Midtown, Rtn U.B. Bhatt presented trophies and citations to joint-winners Rohan Bopanna and Team Garuda. M.R. Jaishankar, CMD, Brigade Group, then presented each winner a cheque for Rs 50,000. A citation, special mention award and a cash prize was given to presented to Anup Sridhar.

Tennis player Rohan Bopanna has a string of impressive achievements, including his career high doubles ranking of 43. Known for his big first serve, Bopanna has represented India in the Davis Cup for 5 rewarding years. His biggest dream come true was when he played against Roger Federer at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany.

Sharing the award with Rohan Bopanna was Team Garuda, a team of young professionals who designed and fabricated India's ever super mileage car that runs for 180 km on a single litre of petrol. Team Garuda is now all set to go international by participating in the prestigious SAE super mileage competition, USA, as well as competing at the UK Shell Eco-Marathon Youth Challenge.

Anup Sridhar, one of the best known badminton players and one of the most consistent sportsmen in India, was presented a Special mention award, a citation and a cash prize.

While addressing the gathering, M.R. Jaishankar expressed satisfaction at the success of the state-wide search for a Young Achiever. "The purpose behind the institution of this award is to identify inspiring personalities amongst the youth today, and to encourage their achievements." Chief Guest Mohandas Pai (Member of the Board and Director-Human Resources, Infosys Technologies), was full of praise for the winners, and stressed the importance of passion in order to succeed in one's respective field.

The winners left the audience inspired with a speech that spoke of hard work as the key to excel and shine in anything one chooses to pursue.