Indian Diaspora represents the best of our country, says President Murmu at 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award to 27 people at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on January 10, 2025.
The Indian Diaspora has made a mark that the world acknowledges and respects, President Murmu says
The Indian Diaspora represents the best of our country, President Droupadi Murmu said on Friday (January 10, 2025) as she conferred the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award to 27 people at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention, which concluded in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on Friday (January 10, 2025).
They have carried with them not just the knowledge and skills acquired in this sacred land, but also the values and ethos that have been the foundation of our civilization for millennia, she emphasised. "Whether in the fields of technology, medicine, arts, or entrepreneurship, the Indian Diaspora has made a mark that the world acknowledges and respects," President Murmu stated.
The President congratulated all the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees, including Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Kangaloo. She said that Kangaloo's outstanding contributions in leading her nation, with a special focus on women and the Indian diaspora, had set a high benchmark on the world stage.
Honoured for Their Outstanding Contribution
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians and recognises the excellence achieved by them in various fields.
Among the notable recipients is Prof. Ajay Rane from Australia, recognized for his impactful community service, and Dr. Marialena Joan Fernandes from Austria, celebrated for her contributions to education. Dr. Philomena Ann Mohini Harris from Barbados has been honored for her work in medical science, while Swami Sanyuktanand from Fiji has also been acknowledged for his tireless community service. Saraswati Vidya Niketan, an institution in Guyana, has received recognition for its efforts in community service.
Other distinguished awardees include Dr. Lekh Raj Juneja from Japan for his contributions to science and technology and Dr. Prem Kumar from the Kyrgyz Republic for his work in medical science. In the field of business, Mr. Soukthavy Chowdhury from Laos and Mr. Krishna Savjani from Malawi were honored for their entrepreneurial achievements. Baroness Usha Kumari Prashar from the United Kingdom has been recognized for her influential role in politics, further emphasizing the global reach of Indian excellence.
The awards also recognised organizations like Hindustani Samaj in Russia, which has made significant contributions to community service. Individuals such as Mr. Atul Arvind Temurnikar from Singapore and Dr. Ram Niwas @ Hla Tun from Myanmar have been celebrated for their efforts in education.
Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed from Saudi Arabia has been honored for his contributions to medical science, and Mr. Ravi Kumar S. from the United States has been recognized for his impact in IT and consulting.
A Committee, with Vice-President of India as the chairman and External Affairs Minister as the vice-chairman, selected the awardees.
They have carried with them not just the knowledge and skills acquired in this sacred land, but also the values and ethos that have been the foundation of our civilization for millennia, she emphasised. "Whether in the fields of technology, medicine, arts, or entrepreneurship, the Indian Diaspora has made a mark that the world acknowledges and respects," President Murmu stated.
The President congratulated all the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees, including Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Kangaloo. She said that Kangaloo's outstanding contributions in leading her nation, with a special focus on women and the Indian diaspora, had set a high benchmark on the world stage.
Honoured for Their Outstanding Contribution
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians and recognises the excellence achieved by them in various fields.
Among the notable recipients is Prof. Ajay Rane from Australia, recognized for his impactful community service, and Dr. Marialena Joan Fernandes from Austria, celebrated for her contributions to education. Dr. Philomena Ann Mohini Harris from Barbados has been honored for her work in medical science, while Swami Sanyuktanand from Fiji has also been acknowledged for his tireless community service. Saraswati Vidya Niketan, an institution in Guyana, has received recognition for its efforts in community service.
Other distinguished awardees include Dr. Lekh Raj Juneja from Japan for his contributions to science and technology and Dr. Prem Kumar from the Kyrgyz Republic for his work in medical science. In the field of business, Mr. Soukthavy Chowdhury from Laos and Mr. Krishna Savjani from Malawi were honored for their entrepreneurial achievements. Baroness Usha Kumari Prashar from the United Kingdom has been recognized for her influential role in politics, further emphasizing the global reach of Indian excellence.
The awards also recognised organizations like Hindustani Samaj in Russia, which has made significant contributions to community service. Individuals such as Mr. Atul Arvind Temurnikar from Singapore and Dr. Ram Niwas @ Hla Tun from Myanmar have been celebrated for their efforts in education.
Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed from Saudi Arabia has been honored for his contributions to medical science, and Mr. Ravi Kumar S. from the United States has been recognized for his impact in IT and consulting.
A Committee, with Vice-President of India as the chairman and External Affairs Minister as the vice-chairman, selected the awardees.
Ceasefire Agreed in Oleshky Amid Ukraine's Humanitarian Crisis
Russia and Ukraine reach a ceasefire deal in Oleshky as humanitarian conditions worsen for civilians, allowing aid and evacuation efforts.
| 2026-10-24
Donald Trump Hints at US Interest in Cuba After Conflict in Iran
Former President Donald Trump suggests a potential US focus on Cuba following military operations in Iran, stirring international speculation.
| 2026-10-24
UK Court Rules Against India in RAKIA Investment Dispute
The English Court of Appeal dismisses India's appeal over a bauxite supply agreement dispute with Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority.
| 2026-10-24
India Raises Concerns Over Chinese Border Patrolling Deviations
India's Ministry of External Affairs addresses China's border patrol irregularities amid rising tensions along the Line of Actual Control.
| 2026-10-24
Akhilesh Yadav Questions Seat-Sharing Figures Amid Congress Demand
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav casts doubt on seat-sharing claims as Congress seeks 175 to 200 seats ahead of upcoming elections.
| 2026-10-24