Tanzanian doctor receives Indian government's prestigious award

Dar es Salaam. Dr Kaushik Laxmidas Ramaiya, the Chief Executive Officer and Consultant Physician at Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital in Dar es Salaam, has been awarded the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025.

The award, the highest honour conferred by the Government of India on overseas Indians, was presented by the President of India during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on 10 January 2025.

This recognition highlights Dr Ramaiya’s remarkable contributions to the field of medicine and his dedication to community service.

A Tanzanian citizen of Indian origin, Dr Ramaiya has devoted his career to advancing healthcare through extensive research on non-communicable diseases, particularly within African Indian communities.

His work has focused on critical areas such as glucose tolerance, cardiovascular disease risk factors, Type 1 diabetes in children, gestational diabetes, and the metabolic complications associated with antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS.

He has also studied the intricate relationship between diabetes and tuberculosis, addressing challenges faced by diverse populations.

Dr Ramaiya’s collaboration with Tanzania’s Ministry of Health and the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government has led to the implementation of comprehensive diabetes and non-communicable disease programmes in healthcare facilities across the nation.

A prolific researcher, he has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and recently joined the board of the National Health Insurance Fund, further solidifying his influence in Tanzania’s healthcare system.

This accolade places Dr Ramaiya among a distinguished group of Tanzanians of Indian origin who have previously received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, underscoring the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in various fields.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, conferred as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations, honours Non-Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin who have achieved excellence both in India and abroad, while fostering closer ties between India and their host countries.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, an event aimed at engaging the global Indian diaspora, is held biennially to celebrate their achievements and contributions.

The 2025 convention in Bhubaneswar, themed “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and featured virtual remarks by Trinidad and Tobago’s President, Christine Carla Kangaloo.

The event showcased exhibitions celebrating India’s cultural heritage and diaspora contributions while introducing innovative initiatives such as the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train offering a cultural tour of India to diaspora members.

Dr Ramaiya’s recognition at this prestigious platform not only celebrates his medical achievements but also highlights the vital role played by the Indian diaspora in strengthening cultural and developmental ties.

His work exemplifies the enduring connection between the diaspora and India, contributing to the collective progress of both nations.