The Government of India has honoured Founder & Chairman of GEMS Education, Sunny Varkey with the Padmashri award. It is one of the country's highest civilian awards in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Education and Social service. Varkey joins a select list of Global Indians to be honoured with the Padmashri award for his exemplary services in the field of Education in India and across the world over the last many years. Varkey, the visionary Educationist, manages one of the largest networks of private schools around the world under the aegis of GEMS Education and has contributed significantly to the socio-economic progress of various regions. Varkey received the Rajiv Gandhi Award for Eminent Educationist last year, and has also earlier received the CEO Middle East Award for Corporate Social Responsibility, the Global Indian Business Award and the Most Outstanding Businessman of the Year by Asian Businessman Awards, Middle East
