Viral Desai, CEO of the Surat based textile dyeing company ‘Zenitex’, has been conferred with the ‘Mahatma Gandhi Samman’ by the London-based NRI Welfare Association of India. The young entrepreneur was given the recognition for his eco-friendly practices and ethical business values.

Desai, who was one of the 20 Indians from across the globe to bag the award, said, “Receiving an award abroad representing India is quite gratifying and it is a great feeling to contribute in my own little way to make a name for India globally.”

The award is given to those who have made India shine. Desai this year made it for the second time to the Limca Book of Records for winning top recognition for sustainable practices in the textile industry in India.

Under his leadership and guidance, Desai’s company Zenitex holds the record of achieving a hat-trick of bagging the ‘National Energy Conservation’ award, which recognises innovations and achievements for efficient utilisation and conservation of energy.

Desai has also won for Zenitex the ‘Best Industries of Gujarat’ award for three consecutive years from the state government. He was also conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by the UK-based World Records University for achieving highest award in the field of environment protection and energy conservation. He is the youngest to get this prestigious degree.