Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) was introduced in 2003 to recognize the achievements of the Indian Diaspora. Every year a maximum of 15 overseas Indians are conferred with PBSA by the President, Vice-President or Prime Minister depending upon the availability of these dignitaries, during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD).

PBS Award shall be conferred on a Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian origin or an organization or institution established and run by the Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin, who has made (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; or (f) eminence in his skills which has enhanced India’s prestige in that country (for non-professional workers).

Nominations for the Award could be made by Heads of Indian Diplomatic Missions abroad, Chairman of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Prominent Overseas associations with nation-wide character as may be decided by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and awardees of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award.

The last date for receipt of nominations in the prescribed proforma in the Ministry for PBSA 2008 is November 7, 2007. The nomination form and other details are available on the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, New Delhi website, www.moia.gov.in