Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed, one of the longest-serving Indian physicians in Saudi Arabia, has been conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest recognition bestowed by the President of India on overseas nationals. The ceremony took place on Friday, honoring 27 distinguished recipients for their exceptional contributions.
Hailing from Gulbarga in Karnataka, Dr. Khursheed’s medical career spans over 40 years, with significant service in Saudi Arabia. He has dedicated three decades to King Faisal Hospital in Taif and served as a Royal Protocol physician in Riyadh for nearly ten years. Dr. Khursheed played a key role in Saudi Arabia’s COVID-19 response, overseeing critical care and providing medical assistance to Hajj pilgrims.
Beyond his medical achievements, Dr. Khursheed has made notable contributions to education. He founded the International Indian School in Taif and provided strategic support for establishing additional schools for the Indian expatriate community across Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to Gulf Madhyamam, Dr. Khursheed expressed his gratitude and excitement over the recognition. “I really felt excited, thrilled when the award was announced. I was not in the race for the award”, he said.
“I am aware of the honor associated with the award and the prestige it carries. Joining the list of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees is a lifetime achievement", added Dr. Khursheed.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, established in 2003, recognizes overseas Indians for excellence in fields such as medicine, education, business, public service and community development. Dr. Khursheed is the sole recipient from Saudi Arabia this year, highlighting his impact within the 2.65-million-strong Indian community in the Kingdom.
Several eminent Indian expatriates in Saudi Arabia have received the award in previous years. These include Dr. Majid Kazi, personal physician to King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, in 2006; Rafiuddin Fazulbhoy, founder of the Indian International School in Jeddah, in 2008 and Dr. M.S. Karimuddin, a renowned pediatrician, in 2011.
Social worker Shihab Kottukad was honoured in 2014 for his support of vulnerable Indian labourers. In 2017, educationist Zeenat Jafri received the award for founding the first Indian school in Riyadh and in 2021, Dr. Siddeek Ahmed was recognized for his philanthropic initiatives.