Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- On the occasion of India's 64th Republic Day, the Indian government has honoured noted social worker Ms. Jharna Dhara Chowdhury with the Padma Shri Award.
The award has been given for Ms. Chowdhury's distinguished service in the field of social work, an Indian High Commission press statement said in Dhaka on Saturday.
Ms. Jharna Dhara Chowdhury is the Secretary of the Gandhi Ashram Trust in Noakhali.
“The Award is a recognition of Ms Chowdhury's long standing and selfless service to the people of Bangladesh, in particular of the Noakhali region,” it noted.
The Padma Awards, India's highest civilian awards, are conferred every year in January to recognize exceptional contribution in various disciplines and fields of activities. Only a few of the awards are given to foreign nationals. Ms Chowdhury is possibly the first Bangladeshi citizen to be conferred the Padma Award.
The actual awards ceremony is held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi when the awards are conferred by the President of India around March/ April, according to the statement.
BBN/SSR/AD-26Jan13-3:13 lm (BST)
