Chennai: Dr Vasudha Prakash, Founder-Director of V-Excel Educational Trust, an organisation that offers lifespan services to people with special needs, was awarded the Princess Haya Award for Special Education (PHASE) in the Outstanding Management Category recently, making her the first Indian to do so.

The award was given because of the commitment towards issues in advocacy, awareness and fundraising. Ms. Vasudha was awarded for her contribution in consistent involvement, creative ideas implemented, improving operations and developing business relationships to support V-Excel Centre.

Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, had instituted an award in 2008 to promote creativity, excellence and specialist expertise in the special needs sector with an aim to encourage the adoption of best practices in educating and rehabilitating persons with special needs, in line with international standards.

The award's main focus is to create an environment that promotes the development of qualified professionals capable of providing high quality services to those in need.