New York: The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA), the highest honor conferred on overseas Indians, will be presented at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding contributions of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and organizations or institutions established by them. The awards celebrate their achievements both in India and abroad.
The 2025 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was held from January 8 to January 10 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The awards were presented during the Valedictory Session by the Honorable President of India.
A Jury-cum-Awards Committee, chaired by the Vice-President of India and comprising the External Affairs Minister as Vice-Chair along with other distinguished members, reviewed the nominations. The committee unanimously selected the awardees, who represent excellence in fields such as community service, education, science, medicine, business, and public affairs.
This year, three distinguished Indian-Americans—Sharad Lakhanpal, Sharmila Ford, and Ravi Kumar S.—have earned this coveted recognition, alongside 24 other global leaders.
Dr. Sharad Lakhanpal, a renowned rheumatologist based in Dallas, has been honored for his extensive contributions to medical science. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, Lakhanpal has played a pivotal role in numerous clinical trials and is a clinical professor of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. A recognized expert, he has delivered lectures around the world and served as the president of the American College of Rheumatology. His efforts in advancing the field of rheumatology have made a lasting impact, both in the United States and globally.
Sharmila Ford, a passionate cultural ambassador and devotee of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), has been acknowledged for her exemplary service to the community. Known for her dedication to preserving Bengali culture in the U.S., she has also been instrumental in supporting ISKCON’s global initiatives. Married to Alfred Ford, the great-grandson of automotive magnate Henry Ford, Sharmila has helped strengthen ties between the U.S. and India through her advocacy for projects like the Chandrodaya Temple in Mayapur, India. Her contributions bridge spiritual and cultural divides, enriching the Indian diaspora’s legacy in the United States.
Ravi Kumar S., the dynamic CEO of Cognizant Technology Solutions, has been recognized for his transformative leadership in the IT and consulting sectors. With a background in leading major organizations like Infosys, Kumar’s vision has propelled Cognizant to the forefront of global technology and business innovation. He is also actively engaged in various strategic initiatives, including serving on the board of the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum. His contributions to the tech industry have significantly advanced the U.S.-India relationship and the global IT landscape.
