India’s highest honour given to first Lao national of Indian origin

President Droupadi Murmu presenting the award to Soukthavy Chowdhury in the presence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (far left).

VIENTIANE: The first Lao national of Indian origin Soukthavy Chowdhury, chairman and managing director of the HSMM group of companies, has been bestowed with India’s prestigious Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award this year, underscoring his bold contributions and achievements as part of the Indian diaspora.

The businessman received this Award at the 18th Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas held in Odisha, India on Jan 9.