Rakesh works as a retail duty manager for BP and was highly commended in the Alumni Award for Outstanding Contribution to an Organisation 2012 for using his MBA to support the business and increase sales.
Rakesh was also recognised personally for his achievements at work and helping to raise money for charity when he was selected to run with the Olympic torch through Bexley.
Here’s his story:
“The 22nd of July was an amazing day! It was one of the best days of my life; there was a great crowd, people were dancing in colourful dresses, and some of them were jumping towards me to touch the torch.
“On the day I met many other inspiring torchbearers like former world heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis who sat next to me in the Olympic bus and kept telling me his great stories.
“Last year, Coca-Cola conducted a dedicated search with BP to recognise and reward the positive contributions made by people every day in the UK by giving them the opportunity to run with the Olympic flame.
“I was selected by my peers in BP because of my passion and ability to inspire happiness in others. I organised employees’ social event, inspired the store team to raise funds for a children’s hospital and supported the Movember campaign to make people aware of prostate cancer.
“Voluntarily, I work as a regional representative of BP Employee Forum to improve the communication between head office and store employees. I have also been honoured with an Open University alumni 2012 award for outstanding contribution for an organisation.
“I believe great goals can't be achieved without sacrifice, focus and a never give up attitude. Many years ago it was in my dream to be a part of an Olympic event now it’s a reality.”
Rakesh can be seen ruinning with the Olympic torch in this video, from 18:25 to 18:29.
