RIYADH — The 2021 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) was won by Dr. Siddeek Ahmed, chairman of Eram Group, a business conglomerate with global operations in several sectors including oil and gas, power, construction, manufacturing, travel, healthcare, IT, media, logistics, automotive and training & education.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) is India's most prestigious award for non-resident Indians and is a recognition of the contributions made by a member of the Indian community and their tangible involvement in acts of charity, philanthropy and social upliftment.

Conferred by the Indian president as a part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Conventions organized annually since 2003, it also acknowledges the winner's support and contribution in multiple fields of endeavor including education, business, medicine and employment opportunity.

This win is a testament to Dr. Ahmed’s unwavering commitment to addressing the critical challenges faced by humanity, including access to clean sanitation, environmental issues, skilling the underprivileged and responsible and sustainable living through integrity, innovation and ideas.

Dr. Ahmed, who hails from Kerala, has 25 years of experience under his belt and has built an enviable business empire, his intent to use his expertise and his corporate infrastructure for the benefit of rural India in particular. Courtesy the foresight and corporate wisdom of its chairman, the Eram group has established credentials across the globe.

Expressing his gratitude to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narender Modi for the honor and thanking the Pravasi Divas committee Dr. Ahmed said, “My contribution to society is something that I have learned from my parents. They have always been soft and generous to people’s sufferings and what I do today is what I have seen growing up. It’s an irreplaceable part of my life.”

Eram Group as a caring corporation came into prominence in recent years as it enthusiastically offered its services to the 'Make in India' platform. By collaborating with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Ahmed extended his vision and outstanding technology in the sanitation sector through his company, Eram Scientific Solutions.

The innovative 'e-Toilet' which is an automated public sanitation solution in line with Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan was duly showcased in the UN Innovation exhibition and recognized by the UN's country representative for its game changing potential.

Modi had bestowed on Dr. Ahmed the Toilet Titan award at the Safaigiri Summit in 2015, a salute to the Eram work ethos and the dedication of its 8,000 plus employees from over 20 plus countries. — SG