PBSA is the highest honor conferred for non-resident Indians. This year, the awards were given away virtually. Dr Sudhakar Jonnalagadda is one of the recipients this year.
The 16th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention was held virtually on January 9. One among this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) recipients is the President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), Dr Sudhakar Jonnalagadda.
The government of India presented the award to Dr Jonnalagadda in the field of medicine for his leadership of AAPI, especially during the pandemic. AAPI is the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States representing the interests of over 100,000 physicians and fellows of Indian origin.
Upon receiving the award, Jonnalagadda said: “I want to express my sincere gratitude to the government of India for selecting me for the prestigious award. In recognizing me, the government has recognized all the medical professionals who have been in the forefront fighting Covid, including those who have laid their lives at the services of treating patients infected with the deadly virus. This award will strengthen the medical fraternity to recommit our efforts and skills for the greater good of humanity.”
Jonnalagadda joined as the 37th President of AAPI on July 11 and has endeavored to make the organization more transparent and politically engaged. He also works towards ensuring the active participation of young physicians, increasing membership, and enabling that the organization’s voice is heard.
PBSA is the highest honor conferred for non-resident Indians, persons of Indian origin, or an institution/organization founded and run by non-resident Indians or persons of Indian origin for their outstanding achievement both in India and abroad. India President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the award. This year’s theme was “Contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat,” based on Prime Minister Modi’s new slogan of self-reliance, a developmental goal the government hopes the diaspora will contribute to.
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