Kurian, who is the largest Indian investor in Bahrain, received his award from the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, at a glittering ceremony in New Delhi, applauded by over 1000 members of the Indian Diaspora from more than 50 countries.
Kurian is the only Indian from Bahrain to win the award this year and was one of the fourteen global Indians to be honoured. The awards were presented at the concluding ceremony of the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a conclave held in New Delhi to discuss Diaspora issues.
“I accept this honour from the Indian government with humility and in the name of all employees of Al Namal and VKL Group,” Kurian said after receiving the award.
“To win the respect and recognition of my country for my achievements and to be able to contribute to the understanding between Bahrain and India are rich rewards for me and I thank the Government of India for bestowing this honour on me.”
Kurian was singled out for his bold business initiatives that have cemented the already strong ties between Bahrain and India and his philanthropy.
His Al Namal and VKL Groups are involved in a diverse range of activities – construction, healthcare, hospitality, education, real-estate and infrastructure development. He is respected for his success in many areas of business and his capacity to pioneer new avenues of growth. His work has brought together many Indian and Bahraini business ventures and created new pathways of prosperity between these two countries. Today Kurian is part of a respected circle of Indian businessmen who are regarded by the Bahrain government and leaders as ambassadors of the Kingdom’s “Business-Friendly” title and he has accompanied the Crown Prince of Bahrain on visits to India.
Kurian also personally contributed on innumerable occasions for social welfare and charity causes in India and Bahrain. He is known for his generous support of noble causes and has underwritten the building of cemented houses for the poor and mass weddings for poor couples in his hometown of Chittar in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.
He is at the forefront of people to contribute to Bahrain causes such as the funds for injured workers or the families of workers who die in workplace accidents.