The Asia-Pacific Centre for Arbitration and Mediation, which is comprised of centres from India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, and Nepal conducted the first International ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Summit in India, on May 6th and 7th, 2023, at Hotel Le-Meridien in New Delhi.
The Gala Awards Ceremony was organized to celebrate and honor the exceptional accomplishments of individuals and institutions in the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) sector. The illustrious gathering was graced by the presence of the Justice B.R. Gavai, Judge, Supreme Court of India. With over 300 attendees, including nominees, sponsors, and international delegates, the ceremony proved to be a momentous occasion. The evening included enchanting cultural performances delivered by talented groups of students, captivating the audience
Awards were conferred upon distinguished individuals and institutions in the following categories:
- The "Mediation Pioneer Award 2023" was graciously bestowed upon Mr. Niranjan Bhat of India, honoring his leadership in founding and nurturing the development of mediation in the country.
- The "Leading ADR Specialist Award (Female) 2023" was presented to Mrs. Mohini Bhat of India, acknowledging her exceptional performance as an ADR practitioner in both domestic and international disputes.
- The "Outstanding Mediation Expert Award (Male) 2023" was presented to Mr. Shriram Panchu of India, acknowledging his exceptional performance as a mediator in both domestic and international disputes.
- The "ADR Innovation in Legal Education Award 2023" was presented to Manipal University School of Law in India, recognizing their excellence in academia within the realms of mediation and arbitration, and integrating legal education with access to justice.
- The "Young ADR Academic of the Year Award 2023" was conferred upon Prof. Akash Gupta of India, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to academia in the field of ADR, inspiring students to develop an interest in the subject.
- The "Outstanding Mediation Expert Award (Female) 2023" was presented to Mrs. Sadhana Ramachandran of India, acknowledging her exceptional performance as a mediator in both domestic and international disputes.
- The "Leading ADR User Award 2023" was presented to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) of India, honoring their innovative performance as an Alternative Dispute Resolution User, promoting positive business relationships.
- The "Leading International Arbitrator Award 2023" was presented to Mr. Datuk Sundra Rajoo of Malaysia, acknowledging his exceptional performance as an arbitrator in both domestic and international disputes.
- The “Outstanding ADR Educator Award, 2023” was presented to Prof. Chirag Balyan of India, recognizing his outstanding contributions to academia in the field of ADR, inspiring students to develop an interest in the subject.
- The “Excellence in Mediation Education Award, 2023” was presented to Central Law School of India, acknowledging their excellence in academia within the realms of mediation, inspiring students to pursue professional mediation as a career.
- The "Outstanding Arbitration Expert Award (Male) 2023" was presented to Dr. Lalit Bhasin of India, acknowledging his exceptional performance as an arbitration expert in both domestic and international disputes.
- The "Outstanding International ADR Educator Award 2023" was presented to Ms. Nadja Alexander of Hong Kong, recognizing her outstanding contributions to academia in the field of mediation, encouraging participants to engage with and develop an interest in mediation.
- The "Leading International Arbitration Expert Award 2023" was presented to Mr. Samuel Wong, honoring his exceptional performance as an arbitrator in both domestic and international disputes.
- The "Outstanding Regional Mediation Expert Award 2023" was presented to Dr. Kumar Sharma Acharya of Nepal, acknowledging his exceptional performance as a mediation expert in domestic disputes.
- The "ADR Institutional Administration Award 2023" was presented to Ms. Iram Majid of India, honoring her outstanding performance as an ADR expert in promoting and popularizing institutional ADR.