Monica Lakhanpaul, a consultant community paediatrician and senior lecturer at the University of Leicester has been honoured here at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards for 2010.
The event brought together royalty, politicians, media professionals and sports personalities to mark the success and contribution of Asian women to Britain.
"I feel very humble to receive such a prestigious award which recognises the sacrifices my family and I have made to enable me to follow my passion of trying to improve the lives for children and young people. I have been very fortunate to have been surrounded by people who believed in me and what I can achieve.
"I hope this award will show others that it is possible to overcome obstacles and follow your dreams," Lakhanpaul said after winning the Public Sector Award in the prestigious competition.
Judges of the Asian Women of Achievement Awards, chaired by British Red Cross chief executive Sir Nicholas Young with Cherie Blair as patron, said this year's winners were some of
the most outstanding individuals ever to be honoured in the programme's 11-year history.
Lakhanpaul was one of six finalists for the Public Sector Award.
Asian women now hold highly coveted roles in UK business, professional and cultural life and continue to be at the forefront of shaping the country into the future, Niche Markets Director at Lloyds Banking Group, Kamel Hothi, said.
"Through our backing of the awards, we're keen to demonstrate our long-term commitment to the Asian community and women in business. It's critical they have access to the right services and support to help them succeed," Hothi added.