Shailesh Vara MP, Minister for Justice and former CF India Chairman, was among the 13 non-resident Indians (NRIs), who were all honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on Thursday 9th of January 2014. Mr Vara was honoured for his Public Services and for promoting ties India and the people of UK
The award was presented at the 12th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), the high-profile annual convention of non-resident Indians (NRIs) and persons of Indian origin (PIOs), which began on 7th of Jan.
“ This is the highest award that a non- resident indian can get from the government of india” said Ranjit Baxi, co-Chairman of CF India. “On behalf of CF india and the Indian community in the UK, we extend our heartiest congratulations to Shailesh on this wonderful achievement.”
Among other recipients was Mahatma Gandhi's grand-daughter Ela Gandhi, honoured for public service and for enhancing India's image and promoting ties between India and South Africa. Other award recipients were from Australia, Bahrain , Canada, Fiji, France, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea , Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates & USA.