Tuesday, April 19 2005 18:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Vikram Seth, one of the best-known Indian writers in English, was today (Apr 19, 2005) presented the Government of India's 'Pravasi Bharatiya Samman' 2005.

Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs Jagdish Tytler presented the 53-year-old writer a medal and a citation at a simple ceremony in New Delhi in his office.

Present on the occasion were Seth's close family members, including his father Prem Seth and mother Leela Seth.

The award is conferred on Non-Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin who have distinguished themselves in a particular area and made outstanding contribution towards fostering better understanding of India and its interests abroad.

For 2005, there were 15 award winners, including Seth who was not able to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2005 in January when the awards were given away.

After the ceremony, Seth said, "It feels great to get an award from your own country."

In lighter vein, the writer, who divides time between London and New Delhi, said, "But I don't feel completely Pravasi."