Bahrain-based Indian businessman Varghese Kurian, chairman and managing director of Al Namal & VKL Group, was today honoured by the Government of India with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest civilian honour for non-resident Indians.  

Kurian, a leading Indian investor in Bahrain, received the award from Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India, at a glittering ceremony in New Delhi.

Kurian is the only Indian from Bahrain to win the award this year and was one of the 14 global Indians to be honoured. The awards were presented at the concluding ceremony of the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a conclave held in New Delhi to discuss diaspora issues. The event was attended by over 1,000 delegates from more than 50 countries.

“I accept this honour from the Indian government with humility and in the name of all employees of Al Namal and VKL Group,” Kurian said after receiving the award. “To win the respect and recognition of my country for my achievements and to be able to contribute to the understanding between Bahrain and India are rich rewards for me and I thank the Government of India for bestowing this honour on me.”

Kurian was praised for his business initiatives that have cemented the already strong ties between Bahrain and India and his philanthropy.

Al Namal and VKL Groups are involved in a diverse range of activities including construction, healthcare, hospitality, education, real-estate and infrastructure development.

Kurian has also personally contributed for social welfare and charity causes in India and Bahrain. - TradeArabia News Service