based Indian doctor has been given the highest award the Indian government bestows on nationals living overseas. Dr. M.S. Karimuddin, a Jeddah-based non-resident Indian (NRI) pediatrician has been named the winner of this year's Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA). Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the President of India, will present the award to Karimuddin at a ceremony in New Delhi on Sunday. The PBSA is the highest honor conferred on overseas Indians by the President of India as a part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Conventions organized annually since 2003. The PBSA is conferred on NRIs, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) or an organization or institution established and run by the NRIs or PIOs that has made significant contribution to promoting a better understanding abroad of India; supported India's causes and concerns in a tangible way; and built closer links between India, the overseas Indian community and their country of residence. The prize winner also has to be involved in social and humanitarian causes in India or abroad; welfare programs of the local Indian community; philanthropic and charitable work; and excellence in his or her field, which has enhanced India's prestige in the country of residence. According to a statement from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, Karimuddin will be conferred with the NRI award in recognition of his services both in his professional capacity as a doctor and for his contribution to the welfare of Indians in Saudi Arabia. For over 30 years Karimuddin has been associated with promoting the health of Indian children by developing and leading community initiatives in important areas. As a member and chairman of the managing committee at the International Indian School, Jeddah (IISJ) the doctor has successfully pursued the highest standards in academic and extra-curricular activities of the school. “Dr. Karimuddin thus exemplifies the best standards of professional achievement and community service,” the statement said. Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad has welcomed the award saying that Karimuddin has a long record of selfless and devoted service to the Indian community. The award will motivate Karimuddin to continue his commitment to community services, particularly in his capacity as a member of the Higher Board of the international Indian schools in the Kingdom. The ninth edition of the PBD Convention is being held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, from Jan. 7 to 9. The Prime Minister inaugurated this annual flagship event of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs on January 8, and the President will deliver the valedictory address and also confer the award on Jan. 9. The theme of PBD 2011 is “Engaging the Global Indian”. Sir Anand Satyanand, Governor General of New Zealand, is the Chief Guest on the occasion.
