Boston: As part of its Centennial celebrations, the Harvard Business School (HBS) recently conferred its highest recognition, the Alumni Achievement Award, on Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Mahindra & Mahindra, Anand G. Mahindra.

The other awardees included John Doerr, a partner in the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers; Jeffrey R. Immelt, Chairman & CEO of General Electric; Meg Whitman, former President & CEO of eBay; and James D. Wolfensohn, former President of the World Bank.

HBS Dean, Jay Light presented the awards at the HBS Centennial Global Business Summit, a two-day event being held on the School's campus in Boston.

After receiving the award, the recipients participated in a panel discussion focusing on "Leadership for the 21st Century" with journalist and TV host Charlie Rose.

"For four decades, the Alumni Achievement Awards have recognized extraordinary alumni who embody the highest standards of accomplishment and integrity," said HBS Dean, Jay Light. "The recipients represent the best in our alumni body. They are exemplary role models who have truly made a difference in the world."

Presented annually since 1968, the HBS Alumni Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have contributed immeasurably to their profession, industry and community.

Anand G. Mahindra completed his MBA from Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Magna cum Laude (high honours) in 1981.

Anand Mahindra has been driving Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) into the ranks of the world's global corporations since 1991, when he joined the utility vehicle and tractor maker founded by his grandfather and granduncle in 1945.

As part of a philosophy of diversification and globalization Anand Mahindra implemented in 1994, M&M today is a $6.6 billion enterprise involved in many activities, including information technology, logistics, infrastructure development, and financial services, as well as automotive and farm equipment.