A Well-Deserved Honor:
-
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025 is a fitting recognition of Krishna Savjani’s remarkable achievements
-
His legacy exemplifies the transformative potential of vision, dedication, and service, inspiring future generations across continents
Krishna Savjani OBE SC, a distinguished legal and business icon in Malawi, has been honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) 2025. Conferred during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, this prestigious accolade underscores his transformative contributions to law, governance, and nation-building. Presented by President Droupadi Murmu on January 10, 2025, the PBSA celebrates Savjani’s exemplary efforts in strengthening India-Malawi ties and his enduring legacy of service.
A Legacy Rooted in Dedication
Born in Jamnagar, India, in 1947, Krishna Savjani’s journey to prominence began when his family relocated to Malawi. His father, Haridas Manji Savjani, laid the foundation with a successful import business during World War II. Following this legacy of perseverance, Krishna Savjani charted his own path, combining legal expertise with a passion for social and economic progress.
A Legal Career of Excellence
Savjani’s academic journey began at Sir Robert Armitage High School in Limbe, where his leadership skills emerged early. He organized debates featuring political stalwarts, igniting his interest in law and governance. After being called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn in 1969, Savjani returned to Malawi and founded Savjani & Co. in 1978. Under his leadership, the firm became a leading name in Malawi’s corporate legal sector, consistently ranked at the top by Chambers and Partners.
Pioneering Malawi’s Financial Markets
Savjani’s vision extended to Malawi’s financial sector as Chairman of the Malawi Stock Exchange (2000–2010). His tenure was pivotal in introducing modern trading systems and international best practices, fostering foreign investment. His efforts in drafting the exchange’s listing rules laid the groundwork for sustained growth in Malawi’s capital markets.
Community Leadership and Cultural Integration:
-
Since 1971, Savjani has served as a spokesperson for Malawi’s Asian community, advocating for cultural integration and economic partnerships
-
His efforts have fostered mutual respect and cooperation between Asia and Africa, strengthening the historic ties between India and Malawi
Championing Justice and Public Service
In 1994, during Malawi’s transition to multiparty democracy, Savjani played a key role on the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Mwanza Motor accident, investigating the deaths of three Cabinet ministers and a Member of Parliament in 1982. His commitment to justice and governance has left an indelible mark on Malawi’s political history.
Global Recognition and Diplomacy
Savjani’s contributions to law and diplomacy earned him international acclaim. In 2003, Queen Elizabeth II awarded him the Order of the British Empire (OBE), recognizing his outstanding service. As British Honorary Consul since 1998 and Honorary Legal Adviser to the British High Commissioner since 1994, he has strengthened diplomatic ties between Malawi and the United Kingdom.
Shaping Malawi’s Legal Landscape
Savjani’s impact on Malawi’s legal framework is unparalleled. Through Savjani & Co., he has handled landmark commercial cases and contributed to setting high professional standards. As a member of the Advisory Committee for the Appointment of Senior Counsel since 1999, he has played a vital role in elevating the legal profession in Malawi.
***********************************************************
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