Ravi Kumar, the Chief Executive Officer of Cognizant, underscored the significance of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, which not only acknowledges the achievements of the Indian diaspora but also fosters their connection to their heritage. He articulated the vital contribution that the diaspora can make towards India’s aspiration of becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by the year 2047, emphasizing their role in establishing a link between India and the global community while aiding in the nation’s economic and geopolitical advancement. Kumar received recognition from President Droupadi Murmu for his impactful contributions. Hailing from Odisha, he took on the role of CEO at Cognizant in January 2023, following his tenure as President of Infosys from 2016 to 2022. Earlier in his professional journey, Kumar served as a nuclear scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center in India.
When discussing the potential economic benefits of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, Kumar remarked that this year’s conference theme focuses on the diaspora’s involvement in realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047, coinciding with the centenary of India’s independence. He highlighted the remarkable successes of the Indian diaspora and the importance of their ongoing connection to India, which enables them to contribute meaningfully and bridge the divide between India and the rest of the world. Additionally, he pointed out that these awards inspire the 35 million Indians residing abroad to actively engage in making a positive impact in India, their host countries, and globally.
