(Embargoed for publication/broadcast till 1915 hrs)

New Delhi, Oct 1 (UNI) Eminent cardiologist Naresh Trehan was today conferred the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration, 2005 by President APJ Abdul Kalam for his contribution to cardiac care.

The award, comprising Rs one lakh, a citation and a plaque, was conferred on Dr. Trehan at an impressive function in the Darbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan this evening.

The awardee has been designated as the ''Lal Bahadur Shastri Fellow'' and his name inscribed on the honours roll of the lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, Delhi.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who was Chairman of the Jury, and Mr Anil Shastri, Convenor of the Jury, Delhi Lt Governor B L Joshi and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit were among the distinguished gathering at the function.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Trehan, who heads the Escorts Heart Care Institute, said he felt greatly honoured on this momentous occasion, especially because of his great admiration for Lal Bahadur Shastri.

''Shastriji had blessed me by saying "Beta, Aap bhi father jaisa doctor ban na' (Son, you also become a great doctor like your father) when I had gone to see him with my father at the age of 6 or 7,'' the famous cardiologist recalled.

''I draw inspiration from Shastriji even today,'' he said.

Expressing his gratitude to the President for doing the honours, Dr Trehan took the opportunity to announce the inauguration of a unique Institute for Integrated Medical Science and Holistic Therapies in Gurgaon on August 15 next year, as a 60th birthday gift to India.

The Institute, he said, would be such where not only the highest end of modern medicine would be available at affordable costs, but research and integration of traditional forms of medicine like the Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Unani and Chinese would also be done.

Mr Shastri, Convenor of the Jury and Chairman, Board of Governors of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, said, ''The award honours people from whose life and works, younger generations can draw inspiration and courage. It is also a fitting tribute to the memory of one of the greatest sons of India.'' UNI SKS VA GC1810