Pravasi Bharatiya Samman: Meet the winners

Dr Parikh could not enjoy his moment of glory when his mother country recognised him for his services to society. Shaktinath Chaudhary, a US citizen, protested publicly against the Indian government giving him an award.

Dr Parikh was encircled by the media for his reaction after the function, but his wife stopped him from reacting to the sensitive issue.

Many secular activists in India and abroad believe that Dr Parikh, who is a well-known Indian American, is a friend of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, which makes him unsuitable for any award that recognises Indian values.

Dr Parikh was so taken aback by the public protest in the presence of President Abdul Kalam that he could hardly present any defence. He told rediff.com, "I am a physician and philanthropist. I am not a politician. I work for India and lobby for causes that enhance India's image and help people."

He added, "I have got prestigious awards in America, but to get an award in India is altogether a different emotion. I feel humbled. This will inspire me to work harder for our community in the US."

Before he got the award, he had told rediff.com, "Critics of Modi in India do not know that the hoteliers' association, AAHOA, was working behind the scenes to acquire his visa. I was not involved in the process at all." He jokingly added, "If I were to have been involved, Modi's visa might not have been denied. Currently, I am trying hard, along with fellow American Indians, to make President's Bush's visit a big success by helping India get a civil nuclear energy plant."

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