Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has revealed the names of 27 awardees selected for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) 2025, in recognition of their significant contributions to global progress. The prestigious awards will be presented during the valedictory session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8 to 10.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, conferred by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, acknowledges the exceptional contributions of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and organisations led by them. These awardees have made remarkable strides in various fields, impacting both India and the international community.
The selection process involved an esteemed jury-cum-awards committee, chaired by the Vice-President of India and assisted by the External Affairs Minister, which carefully reviewed the nominations before making its unanimous selections. The awards highlight the immense contributions of the Indian diaspora in shaping the global landscape across sectors like community service, education, business, medicine, politics, and science.
“The 2025 awardees exemplify excellence and dedication in their respective fields, reinforcing India’s global influence and the extraordinary achievements of its people worldwide,” the MEA stated.
This year’s awardees include notable figures like Ajay Rane (Australia, community service), Marialena Joan Fernandes (Austria, education), Philomena Ann Mohini Harris (Barbados, medical science), Swami Sanyuktanand (Fiji, community service), and several others representing the diaspora across the globe, from Tanzania to the USA, for their contributions in diverse fields.
