by Gareth Cross
The former surgeon Kanwar Panesar OBE was this weekend named as AGE Concern's North West Pensioner of the Year for 2017.
He worked as a specialist in children's surgery at Altnagelvin Hospital for over 30 years and has been heavily involved in community work since coming to Derry.
Mr Panesar was born in India in 1941 and moved to London before coming to Northern Ireland in the mid 1970's.
He first became a consultant at Altnagelvin in 1975 and stayed there until retiring several years ago.
Mr Panesar founded the Northern Ireland Sikh Association and also served as Chairman of the Parent Teacher Association.
He was made an OBE in 2004 and has also been appointed to a fellowship of the British Medical Association.
Mr Panesar said that he was honoured to receive the award.
"I was told I was one of the nominees and attended the ceremony at AGE Concern and was surprised to win it," he said.
"It was a great honour, absolutely tremendous. They said it was in recognition for my community work in the area."
Although Mr Panesar retired some years ago he has showed no signs of slowing down.
"I continue to work with the medical council and have tried to give back to the community in any way I can," he explained.
"I've always been involved with the Sikh community in Derry and regularly take part in events at the centre in Bond's Hill.
"It's lovely to be recognised, I take it as a great compliment."
An AGE Concern spokesperson offered their congratulations to Mr Panesar.
"Older People North West (AGE Concern) would like to congratulate all the nominees for this year’s pensioner of the year," the spokesperson said.
"Older people play such a valuable role in our communities and this award has aimed to showcase some of the outstanding contributions older people play."
The spokesperson said Mr Panesar beat off stiff competition to win the award.
"This year we had fantastic nominations of older people, who contribute to our communities in a variety of ways," the spokesperson said.
"Unfortunately there could only be one winner.
"Our winner this year was Mr Kanwar Panesar was the Founder President of the Northern Ireland Sikh Association – responsible for establishing the Northern Ireland Community & Cultural Centre in Derry and has been involved in cross community work for many years."
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