Baroness Usha Prashar, awarded a CBE for services to community relations, is the British Indian recipient on the 2025 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman roll call of honours for diaspora champions from around the world at the bi-annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
The prominent House of Lords peer has been recognised for her prolific work within the UK-India corridor, including as former chair of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) UK Council. Baroness Prashar said she is “truly humbled” to receive the Parvasi Bharatiya Samman – which translates as Non-Resident Indian Honour.
She shared: “It is both moving and overwhelming to get such a meaningful recognition from the country of one’s origin. This award holds a deep meaning for me.
“It not only further strengthens my connection to my ancestral home and my roots but also reinforces my links to present and future India – Viksit Bharat.
“The concept of Vasudhavia Kutumbakum (the world is one family), which emphasises global perspective, collective wellbeing, global solidarity and responsibility in tackling important issues such sustainable and inclusive development, climate change, inequalities in all its dimensions and peace, is integral to our values and way of thinking.
MORE LIKE THIS…
“These awards refresh and reaffirm these values, help to breathe new life into them globally, and like the cosmic banyan tree are spreading through the world via India’s diaspora. I am, therefore, eternally grateful to receive this award.”
Indian President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the Valedictory Session of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention on January 10 and confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards upon the members of the Indian diaspora chosen for 2025 in recognition of their achievements and to honour their contributions in various fields in India and abroad.
MORE LIKE THIS…
The PBD Convention in Odisha will have five thematic plenary sessions:
Beyond Borders: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalised World
Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Stories of Migrant Skills
Green Connections: Diaspora’s Contributions to Sustainable Development
Diaspora Divas: Celebrating Women's Leadership and Influence – Nari Shakti
Diaspora Dialogues: Stories of Culture, Connection and Belongingness
