Top Indian Diaspora Award to Neville Roach, AO from Australia

The Government of India has  given Australia's Neville Roach, AO  the 'Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award'. Mr. Roach received the award from the President of India in Delhi on January 9, 2008.  

This is an award that is given each year to a few (maximum 15 per year) overseas Indians (the Pravasi Bharatiyas). It has some very significant criteria for selection, including: 

(a) significant contribution towards better understanding abroad of India and support to India's causes and concerns in a tangible way;

(b) significant contribution for the welfare of Diaspora;

(c) notable contribution in philanthropic and charitable work and for social and humanitarian causes in India and abroad;

(d) significant contribution in building closer links between India and its Diaspora in the economic, cultural and scientific fields;

(e) eminence in one's field for outstanding work which has enhanced India's prestige in the country of residence;   

The award is conferred on the 9th of January, which commemorates the day that Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa. The Indian Government runs an annual event around this day to strengthen the links between the Indian Diaspora and India.  

Although the awards commenced in 2002, this is the first time one has been given to someone from Australia.  

On receiving the most exciting news of having been selected for the top award from the Government of India for his exemplary contributions as an overseas Indian, Mr. Neville Roach, AO said:

 "I received an Overseas Goan Achievement Award from the Government of Goa - the State my father's family came from - in January 2007. Well, this year the recognition has gone up a few notches from state to national level!  

Having had the wonderful experience of being recognised by my adopted country, (I was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2000), I am really thrilled to now be recognised by the country of my birth, (India, which despite my 46+ years absence, my heart continues to beat for!) as well.

How I wish my parents could have heard this news - perhaps their sacrifice in allowing me to leave them and India with their blessings might have seemed more worthwhile. While I can't share my happiness with them, I am so happy that I can share it with my immediate family, our very wide extended family and our close friends, within one or more which groups, you have a special place.  

I know it is customary in these circumstances for one to acknowledge and thank numerous people for their support, which helped one achieve whatever one is being recognised for an, not surprisingly, there can be a lot of cynicism about whether the words are genuinely sincere. However, I hope you know me well enough to know that I mean it very sincerely when I say how much I value and appreciate all the advice, guidance, assistance, encouragement and, above all, affection and friendship, that you have given Gladys, me and our family at some time or other over the past so many years. Thank you! " 

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