In September 2024, Prof Guy Marks, President, explained: "As we embark on our second century, it is important that we take the opportunity to remind ourselves of who we are and our purpose.
"In collaboration with members and colleagues across The Union, we have reinvigorated our vision, mission and values. To achieve our vision and mission, we embody our core values in everything we do."
In order to celebrate those colleagues who shine in their demonstration of our values, The Union launched the Annual Values Awards. The winners of this award are decided by Dr Cassandra Kelly-Cirino, Executive Director, and Prof Guy Marks.
Last year, the Annual Values Award was presented to Dr Rakesh PS, Deputy Director (Programmes) in our India Office, and Lara Garrido, Director of Training and Education.
Dr Rakesh PS, Deputy Director (Programmes), The Union India Office
Rakesh was recognised for exceptionally representing The Union in multiple platforms and his compassion for fellow colleagues and community.
What did it mean to you to win the Annual Values Award?
"I am honoured to have been recognised as this reflects the organisation’s fundamental principles and beliefs. I thank all my colleagues at The Union for helping me uphold the values of this institution. This award is dedicated to my team of colleagues who have supported me in upholding. The award implies a greater responsibility on me to advocate for positively reinforcing the desired behaviour within The Union family."
Why is it important that we try to embody The Union’s values in everything we do?
"The Union’s values are our moral compass that guides our actions, shapes our decisions, and defines our identity. They are the principles that guide our collective behaviour and influence how we are perceived by others. Our core values define who we are and they remind ourselves of our purpose. They are the building blocks on which we define our work and uphold the principles that we stand upon. It is important that we embody our core values of The Union in all our work as it enables us to achieve the vision that we have set for ourselves."
What does it mean to you to work at The Union?
"At the age of 15, I received an award from Hon. President of India wishing me to 'let your life be a joyous adventure in the service to others' and that has since driven my life’s mission. I found my mission in alignment with The Union’s missions right from the start. Working at The Union, I feel like I am a part of a global movement, where I get opportunities and inspirations to make a difference for the people around me. At The Union, I am very lucky to work with a team of colleagues who are truly exceptional."
Why are you passionate about being part of the fight against TB?
"TB continues to impact millions of lives globally, having severe health, social, and economic consequences. Despite being a preventable and curable disease, approximately 1.25 million people die from TB each year, making it the world’s top infectious killer. I have seen people being impacted by TB that includes orphaned children, unemployed youths, broken families and socially deprived societies. Fighting against TB means saving lives, improving people’s health, addressing poverty and undernutrition and contribution to society’s overall development. My work in TB is in alignment with my life’s mission."