At 70, he became one of the oldest recipients of a Fellowship from the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
Although he’d first received the letter informing him of his inclusion on the list five weeks prior, it felt like “five years” had passed before he could tell anybody, he said.
“I was totally amazed, utterly delighted and very proud,” he explained.
“I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve read the letter and nipped myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
Professor Avtar Singh Matharu, from the University of York, has been appointed an MBE for his services to equality, diversity and inclusion.
“It’s an honour to receive this award but the real reward is seeing communities strengthened by dialogue and mutual respect,” he said.
“I’m determined to make York and North Yorkshire a great place for all its residents, not just a few.”
Professor Matharu leads York’s Interfaith Group, uniting groups with the aim of combating hate crime and discrimination, working alongside local authorities to do so.
He added that the work would continue to make North Yorkshire “an inclusive place for all”.
