Washington, DC

Ambassador Meera Shankar hosted a reception at the Embassy Residence on 7th July 2011 to felicitate Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator, USAID on the conferment of the Pravasiya Bharatiya Award by the President of India. 

 The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) is the highest honour conferred by the Government of India on overseas Indians.  PBSA is conferred by the President of India on a Person of Indian Origin who has made significant contribution in one’s field or outstanding work in the country of residence including in Philanthropic and charitable work, amongst others.

 Dr. Rajiv Shah is an outstanding Indian American and a true global citizen.  He has gained rich experience in social work through his various activities as part of the World Health Organization, US Department of Agriculture, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other Non-Profit Organizations.  He now heads one of the world's largest Aid Organizations - USAID, and  is well recognized internationally for his developmental and humanitarian activities.
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