Honouring a Distinguished Diaspora Leader
Christine Carla Kangaloo Receives Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025: Christine Carla Kangaloo, the President of Trinidad and Tobago, was recently awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) in 2025, India’s highest civilian recognition for overseas Indians. The award acknowledges her outstanding contributions to public service and her efforts in promoting India’s image on the global stage. The honour was formally presented by Dr. Pradeep Rajpurohit, the Indian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, during India’s Republic Day reception in the Caribbean nation.
Lead Role at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025
President Kangaloo also served as the chief guest for the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, hosted in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8 to 10, 2025. Participating virtually, her address received widespread appreciation from both Indian citizens and the global diaspora. She spoke of the long-standing historical ties between India and Trinidad, particularly referencing the 1845 arrival of Indian indentured workers as a foundational moment in Indo-Trinidadian relations.
Celebrating Indo-Trinidadian Heritage
As the first Indo-Trinidadian woman to assume the presidency in Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Kangaloo highlighted the special diplomatic connection between the two countries. She noted that India was among the first nations to establish formal diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago after it achieved independence in 1962. She also emphasized the legacy of the Indian community in Trinidad, who today make up about 42% of the nation’s population. Their contributions to culture, politics, education, and commerce have left a lasting imprint on the country’s identity.
Applauding India’s Global Contributions
In her remarks, Kangaloo praised India’s ancient legacy in fields like education, medicine, mathematics, and navigation. She referenced institutions such as Takshashila, regarded as the world’s first university, and thinkers like Sushruta, known as the father of surgery. She also acknowledged India’s influence in shaping algebra, calculus, and the decimal system, showcasing India’s enduring relevance in global knowledge systems.
Gratitude for India’s International Outreach
President Kangaloo expressed deep appreciation for India’s pandemic support, especially the timely supply of vaccines to Trinidad and Tobago under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Describing the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman as a humbling experience, she reaffirmed her belief in the value of sustained partnerships between India and its diaspora communities.
About the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman is the highest honour granted by the Government of India to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), or diaspora-led institutions. The award recognizes exceptional achievements in public service, education, philanthropy, business, and culture, strengthening India’s bond with its global diaspora spread across over 110 countries.
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Christine Carla Kangaloo Receives Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025:
| Topic | Detail |
| Award Name | Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) |
| Year Presented | 2025 |
| Recipient | Christine Carla Kangaloo |
| Representing Nation | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Event | 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas |
| Venue | Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
| President of India (2025) | Droupadi Murmu |
| Prime Minister of India (2025) | Narendra Modi |
| Recognised For | Public Leadership, Diaspora Diplomacy |
| Indo-Trinidadian Population | Approximately 42% |
