In a remarkable honor that highlights the contributions of Indians living abroad, Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed, an Indian physician based in Saudi Arabia, has been awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for 2025. This prestigious accolade is the highest recognition given by the Government of India to overseas Indians, celebrating their exceptional efforts in various fields. Dr. Khursheed's life and career are exemplary in setting new benchmarks in healthcare, community service, and transnational relations. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu in a ceremony held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, marking a moment of pride for not just the awardee, but also the extensive Indian diaspora.

Dr. Khursheed's journey began in Gulbarga city in Karnataka, India, before his transition to Saudi Arabia, where he remarkably contributed to healthcare over the past 45 years. His professional career includes serving three decades at King Faisal Hospital in Taif and nearly a decade with the Royal Protocol in Riyadh. During this time, he played a pivotal role in overseeing critical care operations, notably aiding in the Hajj pilgrimage and addressing needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating his commitment to public health and community welfare.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, established in 2003, is known to recognize overseas Indians' achievements in diverse fields such as medicine, education, business, and public affairs. Dr. Khursheed is celebrated for his monumental impact on healthcare and the strengthening of bilateral ties between India and Saudi Arabia. As Vice President of the Saudi-Indian Healthcare Forum, under the patronage of the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, he has furthered cooperation in healthcare initiatives, cultivating a legacy of collaboration that continues to benefit both nations greatly.

Aside from his commitments to healthcare, Dr. Khursheed has made significant strides in education. He founded the International Indian School in Taif, contributing to the educational needs of the Indian expatriate community. His influence stretches beyond institutions, as evident in his engagement with social and philanthropic work to support underprivileged Indians. These efforts exemplify his dedication to community welfare and reveal a broader mission of enhancing lives beyond the professional realm.

Dr. Khursheed's honors join a distinguished group of previous award recipients from Saudi Arabia, including Dr. Majid Kazi, Rafiuddin Fazulbhoy, and Zeenat Jafri. Each has played a unique role in showcasing Indian contributions overseas, underscoring an ongoing narrative of collaboration and contribution that spans borders. These esteemed awards shine a light on the extensive efforts to build and nurture community relations and development on a global scale, serving as an inspiration to many.

The linkages forged by Dr. Khursheed between India and Saudi Arabia extend also into cultural understanding and exchange, illustrating the broader impact of such recognitions. Dr. Khursheed himself expressed gratitude upon receiving the award, emphasizing it's a testament to the vital contributions made by Indian professionals in Saudi Arabia. His multilingual skills, fluency in Arabic, and deep integration into Saudi culture reflect a life intertwining professional excellence with cultural empathy.

With more than 2.65 million Indians working and residing in Saudi Arabia today, such recognitions serve as a beacon of their collective contributions to their adopted homeland and back to India. As India's ambassador to the Kingdom, Suhel Ajaz Khan, remarked that Dr. Khursheed's accomplishment is a source of pride for the Indian diaspora, celebrating their enduring bond and mutual advancement.

This prestigious acknowledgment of Dr. Khursheed is not just a mark of personal achievement; it is a celebration of shared progress and a symbol of important Indo-Saudi relations. His work in fostering healthcare and educational bridges between the two nations continues to inspire current and future generations, enhancing not only the lives of Indian residents abroad but also their counterparts back home.