Fijian honoured with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
Chairman of the Board of Vinod Patel Group, Vinod Patel, has been awarded with a prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) from the Indian Government. This is for his commitment in philanthropy and social services. The 78-year-old Ba based founder of Vinod Patel Group is amongst 30 recipients who have been honoured with the award in Bengalore, India. In receiving, the award Mr Patel said: “I’m grateful for this recognition which truly belongs to all the hardworking community members who supported my effort to make a small positive difference in people’s life.
“I have been fortunate to receive overwhelming support from many friends and family members and many charitable organisations. “These organisations include Red Cross of Fiji, Sanathan Dharam, the Gujarat Association and from many other social organisations from Ba. “Therefore, I truly feel whilst I have been awarded this recognition it is bestowed to many hundreds of people who supported in my social service journey. “I thank my wife for her support and all my children and family who stood by me all the times. Finally this is an award for all the Indian origin diaspora community of Fiji - God bless Fiji!” The award is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians.
It is conferred by the President of India as a part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conventions. These conventions have been organised annually since 2003 for non-resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin or an organisation or institution established and run by the Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin.
This also includes the recognition of their outstanding achievements both in India and abroad. This was the 14th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention held from 7 to 9 of this month.