Kuala Lumpur, 23 January (TheCapitalPost) – A glittering evening unfolded as distinguished guests, friends, and dignitaries gathered to honor Tan Sri Dr. S. Subramaniam, the recipient of the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA). The award, conferred by the President of India, recognizes his outstanding contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and fostering collaboration between India and Malaysia.
The event, hosted by Mr. Batra of the renowned Spice Garden Restaurant chain, was a remarkable celebration of Tan Sri Dr. Subramaniam’s achievements. His Excellency B.N. Reddy, the High Commissioner of India, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor, emphasizing the significance of this award. In his speech, Mr. Reddy highlighted Tan Sri Dr. Subramaniam’s instrumental role in advancing India-Malaysia relations during his tenure in the Malaysian government.
“Tan Sri’s leadership during his time as Malaysia’s Human Resources Minister paved the way for impactful agreements that ensured the rights and welfare of Indian workers on work permits. It was a groundbreaking achievement that continues to resonate,” said Mr. Reddy.
The celebration saw a gathering of prominent figures from various sectors, including former Director-General of Health Tan Sri Hisham, former Secretary-General of the Health Ministry Datuk Seri Chen Chaw Min, and former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Human Resources Dato Segarah. Joining them were notable personalities like Tan Sri Palan, Pro Chancellor of the University of Cyberjaya, and Dato Sahadevan, CEO of NLFCs.
The evening was also attended by representatives from the business, healthcare, and arts sectors, reflecting the wide-reaching impact of Tan Sri Dr. Subramaniam’s work. Mr. Batra, in his heartfelt address, described Tan Sri as family, stating that the event was not just a tribute to his achievements but also a celebration of enduring friendships and shared respect.
A standout moment came with an address by Tan Sri Hisham, who shared reflections on working alongside Tan Sri Dr. Subramaniam during his time as Health Minister. He commended his leadership at the 67th World Health Assembly, where Tan Sri served as Vice President of the World Health Organization.
“Under his visionary guidance, Malaysia achieved significant milestones in public health. From ensuring affordable Hepatitis C treatment to introducing parallel pathway training for medical specialists, his contributions have left a lasting impact,” said Tan Sri Hisham.
Attendees also celebrated his efforts in addressing healthcare gaps in underserved regions such as Sabah and Sarawak. Beyond his contributions to the healthcare sector, Tan Sri Dr. Subramaniam’s role as a dermatologist and a politician was applauded for shaping policies that improved the lives of many.
The evening’s proceedings underscored the deep ties between India and Malaysia, with attendees expressing hope that Tan Sri Dr. Subramaniam would continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening these bonds.
As the event concluded, the atmosphere was filled with admiration and gratitude, marking not only a celebration of a lifetime of achievements but also a reflection of shared progress and unity.
-TheCapitalPost