She moved to the UK in 1975 with her husband and three young children at the age of 25.
With no formal qualifications, she overcame significant cultural and language barriers to succeed.
In the mid 1980s, Asha decided to embark on her own education.
She taught herself English by watching children's television and talking to other young mothers.
“India is a land of opportunity where there is no dearth of talent. But there is a gap between vision and implementation,” she said.
Dame Asha's award citation acknowledges her relentless work in the field.
“She has embraced the apprenticeship agenda, leading the college to become the largest 16-18 provider in the UK and finding jobs for 700 young people in the first year,” it reads.
“Her charitable trust, the Inspire and Achieve Foundation, is especially focused on those not in education, employment or training. She is in the process of opening a skills centre in India,” the citation adds.
