President Droupadi Murmu praised the Indian Diaspora on Friday, January 10, 2025, during the closing ceremony of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. She presented the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award to 27 distinguished individuals, acknowledging their contributions to various fields.
“The Indian Diaspora represents the best of our country,” she said. “They have carried not just knowledge and skills but also the values and ethos that define our civilization. Their achievements in technology, medicine, arts, and entrepreneurship have earned global respect.”
Among the awardees was Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Kangaloo, honored for her leadership and focus on women and the Indian community. Other recipients included:
Prof. Ajay Rane (Australia): Community service
Dr. Marialena Joan Fernandes (Austria): Education
Dr. Philomena Ann Mohini Harris (Barbados): Medical science
Swami Sanyuktanand (Fiji): Community service
Saraswati Vidya Niketan (Guyana): Community service
Honorees in other fields included Dr. Lekh Raj Juneja (Japan) for science and technology, Dr. Prem Kumar (Kyrgyz Republic) for medical science, and Mr. Krishna Savjani (Malawi) for business. Baroness Usha Kumari Prashar (UK) was recognized for her political contributions.
Organizations like Hindustani Samaj (Russia) and individuals such as Mr. Atul Arvind Temurnikar (Singapore) and Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed (Saudi Arabia) were also acknowledged. A committee chaired by the Vice-President and supported by the External Affairs Minister selected the awardees.
This prestigious honor highlights the remarkable impact of Indians worldwide.
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