Monday, January 10 2005 13:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: Eleven overseas Indians, including technocrat Sam Pitroda, former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Basdeo Panday, social activist Lord Bhiku Chhotalal Parekh, were among those presented the Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan awards by the President, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam today (Jan 10, 2005).

The award was handed over to the awardees on the concluding day of the three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan held in Mumbai.

Pitroda was presented the award for addressing the causes and concern of India and rendering important service to the Indian diaspora in the field of telecommunication while Panday was honoured for his contribution to the freedom movement and life long service to the diaspora.

Lord Bhiku, social activist was conferred the award for his salutary services to the diaspora while rice scientist Dr Sant Singh Virmani was honoured for assuaging India's concern for food security and environment.

Amina Cachalia was selected for the award for enhancing India's image and highlighting the issue of emancipation of women.

Dr J K Chande from Tanzania got the award for fostering better understanding between India and Africa and Professor Alokeranjan Dasgupta, a poet and philosopher, was selected for strengthening Indo-German relations through culture.

Ahmed Kathrada and Professor Sunil Khilani were honoured for enshrining Gandhian values and contribution to political thought respectively.

M Arunachalam, Chairman of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Yusuffali, entrepreneur from UAE were also honoured on the occasion.