On Saturday, 8th October 2022 in London,Tony Matharu, CHAIRMAN of Integrity International Group was honored at the eleventh Sikh Awards. 

The Sikh Awards recognises the pivotal contributions made by the Sikh community across a variety of fields, from business, charity, education, entertainment, professional services, selfless service and sport, with winners selected across the globe from Asia, USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. 

This international event was attended by over 400 guests of all faiths, from elite international dignitaries to public figures, community heroes, sports stars, celebrities and elite businessmen, including from India, Canada, Kenya, UK and USA.

Previously held in different cities across the globe including in Canada, Dubai, India and Kenya, the grand event took place this year in Westminster, London; a gem stone’s throw away from Tony’s latest five star 520-bedroom luxury hotel project. 

Tony has credited his success to London and the opportunities available to those prepared to make sacrifices and work hard, even for immigrants including, but not particularly, Sikhs, and the values learnt from his mother.

At the awards ceremony, Tony recounted the words of Martin Luther King: “The ultimate measure of man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” and reflected on the challenges and obstacles encountered by Sikhs throughout the world.

Interviewed after being presented with his award, Tony repeated his mother’s favourite quotation originally attributed to Mother Theresa encouraging people to do their best, whatever circumstances they are confronted with: “People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centred. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, other may destroy overnight. Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway. Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.” 

Tony founded what grew into London’s leading independent hotel group, valued at over £1.5 billion and has now, through his Integrity International Group, created London’s latest addition to the luxury hotel sector with his Blue Orchid Hotels group.

A recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Letters and a Fellow of ESCP Europe Business School, Tony combines his passion for hospitality with philanthropy and community engagement. He is committed to caring for, respecting and engaging with the local community. Tony is a keen supporter of the Arts, Sport & Culture, assisting many London and global initiatives including his patronage of the London Indian Film Festival, as Patron and Vice President of Oracle Cancer Trust, as Chairman of the Asian Business Association, as founder of the Central London Alliance C.I.C., board member of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Central District Alliance and the Energy and Environment Alliance, and he is actively involved as a player, board member or trustee of various sporting, charitable and cultural organisations. Tony is a Freeman of the Company of Entrepreneurs and a regular adviser and commentator on entrepreneurship, hospitality and philanthropy.