Press Trust of India

Mumbai : Eleven overseas Indians, including technocrat Sam Pitroda, former Prime Minister of Trinidad Tobago Basdeo Panday and social activist Lord Bhiku Chhotalal Parekh, were presented the Pravasi Bhartiya Sammelan awards by President APJ Abdul Kalam on Sunday.

The awards were handed over to the overseas Indians on the concluding day of the three-day Pravasi Bhartiya Sammelan held.

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 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 Commerce was given the award for enhancing India's image and highlighting the issue of emancipation of women.

Dr JK 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 Khilnani 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.