DEEPAK Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, was awarded the prestigious Pride of India 2014 Award in Washington D.C. on Monday.
Obhrai accepted the award at a dinner ceremony held on Capitol Hill, which was attended by a large number of Indian and American dignitaries, including US Representative for New York’s 14th Congressional District Joe Crowley, who is Co-Chair of the US-India Congressional Caucus, and Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor and President of the University of Houston.
The Pride of India Award, conferred by the Indo-American Friends Group of Washington DC and the Indo-American Business Chamber, honoured Obhrai for his contributions towards strengthening Canada’s political, social and cultural relations with India and for his role in increasing Indian diaspora participation in pluralistic political activity.
Obhrai, who in 2009 was awarded the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Government of India, said he will continue to work hard to solidify relations between Canada and India.
In his acceptance speech, Obhrai said: “All members of the Indian diaspora in Canada have played a role in strengthening ties between Canada and India and I accept this honour on their behalf.”