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MEA explains why Dhaliwal who was denied entry to India is receiving Pravasi Samman. Dhaliwal ran into trouble with Indian authorities in 2021 for running a “langar” (community kitchen) to feed agitating farmers at the Singhu border near Delhi.
US-based billionaire Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, who was earlier denied entry in India for organising a langar for agitating farmers over three laws, will be attending Pravasi Bharati Diwas for “his own contribution”, India’s MEA has said following a storm over him.
At the press briefing Secretary CPV and OIA Ausaf Sayeed said, “Awards are given on certain criteria and the same criteria was adopted while selecting Darshansingh Dhaliwal for his own contribution and criteria that is mentioned. Nothing more should be attributed to this.”
PBS is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians. Dhaliwal’s name figures at number 25 of 27 recipients. He is being given the award in the Business/Community Welfare category.
Dhaliwal moved to Milwaukee in the US in 1972 from Rakhra village near Patiala, Punjab. He owns the biggest chain of gas stations in the US. He will be given the honour along with 26 NRIs during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held in Indore from January 8 to 10.
Explaining the criterion for selection Sayeed said, “The criteria for Pravasi Samman is very clear and laid out- since the inception of these awards in 2003. It is for pravasi individuals who have done very well in their own respective fields. It could be education, art and culture, business, science and technology. It could also be for contribution in India and their country and for their services to their communities.”
Dhaliwal ran into trouble with Indian authorities in 2021 for running a “langar” (community kitchen) to feed agitating farmers at the Singhu border near Delhi. He arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on October 23, 2021, but was denied entry by the immigration officials who questioned him for long hours. Back then he was asked to return from the airport, apparently for supporting the farmer’s protests.
The 17th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention will be held at Indore in Madhya Pradesh during January 8-10. The awards will be conferred by the President during the valedictory session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate it on January 9.
The theme of this year’s PBD is Diaspora – reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrtikal. “In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of creating an Atma Nirbhar bharat, Diaspora to play key role in the growth trajectory of India in the next 25 years,” Sayeed said
This PBD is being organised in its physical form after four years due to Covid restrictions. PBD is held every two years. Presidents of Guyana and Suriname will be the chief guests as these countries have a considerable Indian population.
