Vancouver, May 16 (IANS): Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata was honoured with the Chanchlani Global Indian Award by the Canada India Foundation at the third annual gala here Saturday.

Tata has been given the award for his leadership, vision and professional excellence. The award carries a special cash prize of $225,000 and a citation.

Bestowing the honour on Tata, foundation chairman Ramesh Chotai said: "Mr. Tata exemplifies those qualities of the CIF Chanchlani Global Indian Award through his international business ventures, professional appeal, and philanthropic endeavours.''

The citation said: "On November 26, 2008, India as well as the entire civilized world was shocked by gruesome acts of terror in Mumbai that killed 173 people and wounding hundreds of others. One of the key targets of the attack was the landmark Taj Mahal Hotel, owned by the Tata Group. 'Mr. Tata's leadership in the aftermath of the terror attacks, particularly his commitment to the victims of the attack, has inspired people around the world.''

Aditya Jha, national convener of the Canada India Foundation, said the special cash award of Rs. $ 225,000 for Tata will ultimately go to the families of the victims.

Tata, who joined India's largest business conglomerate in 1962, replaced his predecessor JRD Tata, as chairman of Tata Sons, in 1991. Set up in 2008, the Canada India Foundation gives the Chanchlani Global Indian Award each year to recognise individuals who have demonstrated global leadership, vision and professional excellence, which has made people of Indian origin around the globe proud of their heritage.