Wall End councillor Omana Gangadharan has been recognised for her decades of voluntary work.
Members of the Indian Overseas Cultural Congress nominated her for the Excellence in Community Work after 40 years spent in public service, at the council, Newham PCT, and with vulnerable women.
Dr Gangadharan received the award during a ceremony at the SNGM Hall in Barking Road in East Ham.
The awards are handed to people who originally hail from Kerala, south India.
She said: “I didn’t realise I had been nominated, I was so surprised to have received this award.
“There are many unsung heroes in Newham who do a lot for the community. I am happy and surprised to have been given this award.”
Dr Gangadharan has served as chairman of council and civic ambassador and deputy speaker of Newham Council.
Her voluntary work has also seen her involved in a woman’s refuge, and day centres for the elderly.
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