On the global stage, India continues to strengthen its position by making significant contributions across diverse fields, including in medical science, education, social work, technology, public affairs, politics, and entrepreneurship. The nation proudly honours such overseas Indian diaspora, on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas day, who channel their expertise towards national development.
This year, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025, the highest honor bestowed by India’s president on overseas nationals, was received by Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed on January 10, a distinguished Saudi-based Indian physician who served for more than 40 years in the Kingdom.
The 9th of January celebrates the tradition of honouring Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) which was started in 2003 to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian diaspora to the development of India.[1][2]
The 18th PBD Convention was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha where 27 eminent Indian diaspora members received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards by the Hon'ble President of India.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has become an institution to strengthen the bond between India and its diaspora. Together we celebrate India, Indianess, our culture, our progress and connect to our rootsNarendra Modi, Prime Minister of India at the PBD convention in Odisha
Born in Gulbarga, Karnataka, Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed is one of Saudi Arabia's most experienced Indian physicians. He spent over three decades at King Faisal Hospital in Taif and almost a decade as a Royal Protocol physician in Riyadh. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he played an active role, overseeing critical care operations and providing medical aid to Hajj pilgrims ensuring their health and safety throughout the annual pilgrimage. Beyond this, he made notable contributions to education, by founding the International Indian School in Taif and supporting the establishment of other institutions to develop academic achievement and cultural integration for the Indian expatriate population in Saudi Arabia.
My heart rate is more this time, I felt excited, thrilled when the award was announced. I was not in the race for the award. I am aware of the honour associated with the award, and the prestige it has. It’s a lifetime achievementDr. Syed Anwar Khursheed
As he received the prestigious award from the President of India, Suhel Ajaz Khan India’s ambassador to the Kingdom, lauded Dr. Khursheed on his achievements.
With over 2.65 million Indians living in Saudi Arabia, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award serves as a beacon of recognition for the unparalleled contributions of Dr. Khursheed in healthcare, education, and community welfare, undoubtedly playing a crucial role in fostering stronger ties with the global community and channeling the expertise towards national development, making the country proud on an international stage.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/Dr Disha Merlyn Mathias/MSM)