SINGAPORE - The Singapore Indian Development Association (Sinda) gave out 414 awards for academic and non-academic achievements by Indian students during their annual Sinda Excellence Awards, held earlier today at Nanyang Polytechnic.

The awards, now in their 24th year, are given out across 26 categories, recognising achievements from primary school to undergraduate levels, as well as excellence in the fields of sports and the arts. This year saw four new categories being introduced, including "Special Mention of Outstanding Achievements", which honoured 19 youth for their contributions in various fields.

One of those receiving the award was Ms Dipna Lim Prasad, who recently won Silver in the 400m hurdles in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games and is now aiming to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Minister for Health Mr Gan Kim Yong, guest of honour for the ceremony, stressed the importance of recognising achievements in non-academic areas.

"There is no longer the notion that there is only a single path to success" said Mr Gan.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, chairman of Sinda, and Senior Minister of State for Law and Education Indranee Rajah, president of Sinda.