Two KSA Indians expatriates from Saudi Arabia – Mohammed Abdul Rahman Saleem and Seshu Kumar Pitani, have been selected for the Pravasi Bhartiya Excellence Award 2016. Both are being honoured for their tireless efforts in improving the welfare of their community in Saudi Arabia.
Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is celebrated every year on January 9 to recognise the contribution of Indians in the development of the country. It is dedicated to the Indians who have worked hard, making their mark overseas and bringing pride to India.
Mohammed Abdul Rahman Saleem: An architect by profession, a social activist and the first recipient of Salar E Millat award from Bazme Ittehad, Saudi Arabia, Saleem has been serving in the Kingdom for the past 40 years. He arrived in the Kingdom in 1976 and worked for the Mataf expansion project in the Grand Mosque in Makkah with Consultant Associated Consulting Engineers. Saleem eventually became the head of Design Section in Umm UI-Qura University from 1977 to 1988. He has also designed the Al-Azizia and Al-Zahir Complex buildings.
Saleem has been the founder of many community organisations in Riyadh such as NRI Architects Association, Bazme Hyderabad, Bazme Urdu Riyadh, Bazme Ittehad Riyadh Chapter, and Bazme Urdu Toastmasters Club Riyadh.
Seshu Kumar Pitani: A mechanical engineer in Petro Rabigh, Pitani has been quite active in welfare activities and awareness campaigns among the Telugu community in Rabigh since 2013. He is also an active member of Telugu Association Jeddah.
Pitani has been chosen for the recognition due to his exemplary contribution in the field of architecture and community service in Saudi Arabia.
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Around 15 NRIs from different Gulf countries have been selected for the Pravasi Bhartiya Award this year. All the recipients will be facilitated in Hyderabad on December 18, 2016 on the occasion of International Migrants Day. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA) is considered the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians by the President of India.