INDIA AWARDS HIGHEST CIVILIAN MEDAL

The President of India, His Excellency Pranab Mukherjee has awarded the country's highest civilian medal given to its vast diaspora, to Dr Satendra Singh. The Pravasi Bhartiya Samman is conferred upon only fifteen eminent Indians each year from 120 countries, in a diaspora of 30 million. The award is given on recommendation by a Cabinet Committee of Ministers under the chairmanship of the Vice President of India and upon formal approval by the Prime Minister.

Dr Singh's award citation recognises 40 years contribution in serving the cultural and educational interests of India and forging links among NZ, India and Fiji.
Other awardees of 2013 included the President of Mauritius Mr Rajkeshwar Purryag and British opera singer of Indian descent, Ms Patricia Rozario.

Dr Singh was awarded a Queen's Service Medal (QSM) in New Zealand in 1990 and was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2006.