A Lifelong Commitment to Excellence
-
Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed’s journey reflects a life dedicated to excellence in medicine, education, and social welfare
-
His legacy, marked by selfless service and transformative contributions, continues to inspire and uplift communities across borders.
-
Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed Honored with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman 2025
Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed, a distinguished physician and community leader based in Saudi Arabia, has been awarded the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) for 2025 in recognition of his transformative contributions to medical science.
The PBSA, the highest honor conferred upon overseas Indians, celebrates individuals whose exceptional achievements foster global goodwill and strengthen the bond between India and its diaspora.
This accolade was presented during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at the Valedictory Session on January 10, 2025.
Born in the historic city of Gulbarga in Karnataka, India, Dr. Khursheed’s journey from his humble beginnings to becoming one of Saudi Arabia’s most respected medical professionals is an inspiring tale of perseverance and dedication. His early education and medical training in India laid a solid foundation for his illustrious international career. Despite his global commitments, Dr. Khursheed maintains strong ties with his hometown, which he visits twice annually, embodying a deep connection to his roots.
A Stellar Medical Career in Saudi Arabia
Dr. Khursheed’s professional journey spans an impressive 45 years in Saudi Arabia, where he has established himself as a stalwart in the Kingdom’s healthcare sector. His remarkable three-decade tenure at King Faisal Hospital in Taif earned him widespread recognition for his clinical expertise and unwavering dedication to patient care. His career reached its zenith with his appointment as a Royal Protocol physician in Riyadh, where he served for nearly a decade, including as the personal physician to King Abdullah. This esteemed role underscored the trust and respect he garnered from the Saudi leadership.
Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Khursheed’s exemplary leadership and tireless efforts were instrumental in supporting the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia. He provided round-the-clock consultations, championed vaccine awareness, and ensured uninterrupted healthcare services during the global crisis. Building on his extensive public health experience, his contributions during this critical period reinforced his reputation as a physician deeply committed to community welfare.
A Lifeline for Hajj Pilgrims
For over 30 years, Dr. Khursheed has been a cornerstone of the medical support system for Hajj pilgrims. His meticulous oversight of critical care operations in Mina and Arafat has ensured the safety and well-being of millions performing the sacred pilgrimage. His contributions include:
- Developing emergency response protocols
- Coordinating medical teams
- Implementing preventive healthcare measures
- Managing critical care facilities
- Training medical staff for pilgrim care
- Educational Leadership
Recognizing the importance of education for the expatriate community, Dr. Khursheed founded the International Indian School in Taif, a pivotal institution for Indian families in the region. His vision extended to guiding the establishment of other Indian educational institutions across Saudi Arabia.
His educational initiatives emphasize:
- High academic standards
- Cultural preservation
- Community integration
- Opportunities for expatriate children
- Sustainable educational frameworks
- Championing Social Welfare and Bilateral Cooperation
Dr. Khursheed’s contributions extend beyond medicine to social welfare and cultural diplomacy. As Vice President of the Saudi-Indian Healthcare Forum since 2021, he has worked to enhance bilateral healthcare cooperation.
His initiatives with organizations like the Gulbarga Welfare Society and MESCO have provided critical support for underprivileged Indians in Saudi Arabia.
Fluent in Arabic and deeply attuned to Saudi culture, he serves as a cultural ambassador, fostering goodwill between the Indian and Saudi communities.
Recognition and Legacy
Receiving the PBSA places Dr. Khursheed among an elite group of overseas Indians honored for their outstanding contributions. Previous Saudi Arabian recipients of the award include Dr. Majid Kazi, Rafiuddin Fazulbhoy, and Dr. M.S. Karimuddin, among others.
His selection not only celebrates his personal achievements but also brings immense pride to the 2.65 million-strong Indian community in Saudi Arabia—the second-largest in the Middle East after the UAE.
***********************************************************
Readers
These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.
Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world. We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.
Please help us to keep our journalism independent and free.
In these difficult times, running a news website requires finances. While every contribution, big or small, will make a difference, we request our readers to put us in touch with advertisers worldwide. It will be a great help.
For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com