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This year’s awards highlight not just individual accomplishments but also collective efforts in promoting Indian culture
The Ministry of External Affairs announced the recipients of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA) 2025 on Friday (January 3, 2025). The PBSA is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians, recognising their exceptional achievements and contributions both in India and abroad. This year’s awards will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu during the valedictory session of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, scheduled from January 8 to 10, 2015 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The PBD Convention, a flagship event to engage with the Indian diaspora, serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and institutions established by them. The PBSA, integral to this event, underscores the diverse accomplishments of the Indian diaspora across various fields.
Distinguished Recipients of PBSA 2025
The Jury-cum-Awards Committee, chaired by the Vice-President of India with the External Affairs Minister as Vice-Chair and other eminent members, meticulously reviewed the nominations and unanimously selected the awardees. This year’s honorees exemplify excellence in fields ranging from community service and education to science, technology, and politics.
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 recognize 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.
Celebrating Global Contributions
This year’s awards highlight not just individual accomplishments but also collective efforts in promoting Indian culture, fostering global goodwill, and driving innovation in diverse fields such as science, technology, and business.
For instance, 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.
Upcoming PBD Convention in Bhubaneswar
The 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention promises to be a landmark event, bringing together Indian diaspora members from around the world to exchange ideas, discuss opportunities, and celebrate their shared heritage. The three-day event will feature cultural programs, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering stronger ties between India and its global community.
The valedictory session on January 10, 2025, will serve as the grand finale of the convention. President Murmu will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to the selected recipients, marking a moment of pride for the Indian diaspora. This year’s convention and awards ceremony will undoubtedly strengthen the bond between India and its global diaspora, paving the way for deeper engagement and collaboration.
Conclusion
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards continue to serve as a testament to the enduring bond between India and its global diaspora. By recognizing the invaluable contributions of overseas Indians, the awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also inspire others to strive for excellence. As the 18th edition of the PBD Convention approaches, it reaffirms India’s commitment to honoring its diaspora and fostering connections that transcend borders. The 2025 awards are a shining example of how the Indian diaspora continues to make significant impacts across the globe.
The PBD Convention, a flagship event to engage with the Indian diaspora, serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and institutions established by them. The PBSA, integral to this event, underscores the diverse accomplishments of the Indian diaspora across various fields.
Distinguished Recipients of PBSA 2025
The Jury-cum-Awards Committee, chaired by the Vice-President of India with the External Affairs Minister as Vice-Chair and other eminent members, meticulously reviewed the nominations and unanimously selected the awardees. This year’s honorees exemplify excellence in fields ranging from community service and education to science, technology, and politics.
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 recognize 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.
Celebrating Global Contributions
This year’s awards highlight not just individual accomplishments but also collective efforts in promoting Indian culture, fostering global goodwill, and driving innovation in diverse fields such as science, technology, and business.
For instance, 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.
Upcoming PBD Convention in Bhubaneswar
The 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention promises to be a landmark event, bringing together Indian diaspora members from around the world to exchange ideas, discuss opportunities, and celebrate their shared heritage. The three-day event will feature cultural programs, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering stronger ties between India and its global community.
The valedictory session on January 10, 2025, will serve as the grand finale of the convention. President Murmu will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to the selected recipients, marking a moment of pride for the Indian diaspora. This year’s convention and awards ceremony will undoubtedly strengthen the bond between India and its global diaspora, paving the way for deeper engagement and collaboration.
Conclusion
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards continue to serve as a testament to the enduring bond between India and its global diaspora. By recognizing the invaluable contributions of overseas Indians, the awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also inspire others to strive for excellence. As the 18th edition of the PBD Convention approaches, it reaffirms India’s commitment to honoring its diaspora and fostering connections that transcend borders. The 2025 awards are a shining example of how the Indian diaspora continues to make significant impacts across the globe.
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