The honor is in recognition for his efforts in promoting education.
A Kerala-based journal has honored entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Islam for his efforts to promote education in India and the United States.
The Indian American was bestowed the Global Business and Leadership Award by Cochin Herald at a ceremony held in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates on December 17.
“I am humbled and honored to receive this award, and I accept this award with humility,” he said in a statement.
In a video message to the gathering, Islam said he was accepting the award “not for me, but in recognition of all those giants who have made a difference in society through their leadership, education, community service and philanthropic engagement.”
The Potomac, MD, resident said he was investing in education it “provides ‘the keys to the kingdom.’ He added: “I have had a life-long passion and love for education. It is the great equalizer and an opportunity creator and bridge to the future… It enables and empowers individuals from humble backgrounds to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities required to compete in the arena with those individuals from the wealthiest of means.”
The philanthropist, who could not be present at the award ceremony on Saturday, told the American Bazaar that he will accept the award in February.
Last year, the Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, -born Islam and his wife, Debbie Driesman, committed $2 million for the construction of a new building for the management school at Aligarh Muslim University, his alma mater. The building named after the couple will be inaugurated in February.