BILIMORIA HONOURED WITH PARVASI BHARATIYA SAMMAN
New Delhi, January 10, 2006 (IANS)

Cobra beer founder Lord Karan Bilimoria says he is "honoured and humbled" on being conferred this year's Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. He was one of the 12 recipients of the award presented by President Pratibha Patil at the valedictory session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2008, the annual conclave of the Indian diaspora, here Wednesday.

"I am thrilled, honoured and humbled on being conferred this award," said the member of Britain's House of Lords. "You know, I have attended every PBD since 2003 except one. I always admired all those who have been conferred this award. I am really honoured that I am in such august company," Bilimoria told IANS.

The award citation described Bilimoria as an active overseas Indian with ongoing links and contribution to India. "In his capacity as the chairman of the Indo-British Partnership, he has aggressively pitched for closer and deeper business relations between UK and India," the award citation read, adding that he was widely respected for his entrepreneurial spirit.

Bilimoria represents the London borough of Hounslow in the British parliament and among many other positions, serves as the chancellor of the Thames Valley University. "He is recognized for his efforts in promoting Indo-British business relations," the citation stated.

Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Indian Americans Joy Cherian and Thomas Abraham and three people from the Gulf were among the others who received the award this year.

ABOUT THE PARVASI BHARATIYA SAMMAN

Introduced in 2003, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman recognises the achievements of overseas Indians, their contributions towards strengthening India's relations with other countries and for fostering New Delhi's prestige and interests abroad. A jury-cum-awards committee chaired by the vice president selects the recipients of this annual award.