Enterprising Indians invited to apply for 'ROLEX' awards

New Delhi, Dec 27 (UNI) World famous Swiss watch-maker "Rolex" has invited entries for its prestigious biennial "13th Rolex Awards For Enterprise".

The award was instituted in 1978 to mark the 50th anniversary for its Oyster chronometer, the world's first waterproof wristwatch.

The award is open to anyone of any age, nationality or background whose innovative project meets the programme's criteria -- originality, feasibility and potential impact statement.

Project areas broadly comprise science and medicine; technology and innovation; exploration and discovery; environment and cultural heritage.

The programme reflects the company's long-held commitment to individual excellence and its tradition of supporting talent and achievement by providing the financial support and recognition needed to implement innovative, working projects that advance human knowledge and well-being.

The five Laureates of the 13th series of the awards, to be announced at an awards ceremony in late 2008, will each receive 1,00,000 US dollars, a specially inscribed gold Rolex chronometer and worldwide recognition of their work through international publicity and advertising campaigns.

Five Associate Laureates will also be selected. They will each receive a cash award and a steel-and-gold Rolex chronometer.

At the 12th Rolex Awards for Enterprise (2006) ceremony, held in Singapore, Chanda Shroff from India, founder of 'Shrujan', was chosen as a Laureate of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, for starting a movement to revive hand embroidery in the Kutch region, while empowering women financially.

In the past, two Indians have been selected as Associate Laureates in the Rolex Awards for Enterprise.

Capt Gopinath, the founder of Air Deccan, won the Award in 1996 for his project on ecological silk farming.

In 2004, Wildlife film-maker, Shekhar Dattatri, was honoured for highlighting the fate of India's forests and natural heritage.

''All projects must improve the human condition and human knowledge,'' said Rebecca Irvin, Programme Director of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise.

''With the challenges that the world faces today -- from climate change to sustainable development -- the Awards have gained much relevance over the past three decades. We urge those who care deeply about the planet, and are doing something about it, to apply," Mr Irvin added.

The deadline for the applications from the Asia-Pacific is May 31, 2007.

A total of 1,664 entries from 117 countries were submitted for the 12th Rolex Awards in 2006. The oldest applicant was 97 years old, and the youngest 15 years old.

Prospective entrants can complete the official application form available on the Rolex Awards web site -- www.rolexawards.com -- and submit their projects on-line.

UNI SKS DKS KN1629