Patidar Shiromani award conferred upon Bihar CM

Gandhinagar, Dec 27 (UNI) The World Patidar Federation (WPF) today bestowed the Patidar Shiromani Award (PSA) on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his contribution to the community at a global meet held here.

However, Mr Kumar could not attend the function because of his official duties. In his absence, the award was accepted by Bihar's Education Minister Brijesh Patel.

The other distinguished awardees were Gujarat Education Minister Anandiben Patel, Nirma Group chairman Dr Karsanbhai K Patel, GCCI Vice President Girishbhai Patel and the Ahmedabad-based U N Mehta Institute Honorary Director Dr R K Patel.

In the meet, organised by the WPF, National Federation of Indian Association (NFIA) President C K Patel was given away the PSA award for his ''unique'' contribution to the community. Forty NRIs attended the convention.

In his welcome address, WPF President Shankerlal Guru said Union HRD Ministry had okayed the proposal of the WPF (formed two years ago) for the PSA. In India's over 100 crore population, 13 per cent constitute Kurmis, Patels and Patidars, who are small landholders.

Prominent personalities present on the occasion were Gujarat Assembly Speaker Mangaldas Patel and Sacchidandji Maharaj of Dantali ashram.

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