PM Modi ‘truly goes out of his way’ to work with Sikh community: Darshan Singh Dhaliwal
Indian-American businessman and philanthropist Darshan Singh Dhaliwal said on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “really going out” to work with the Sikh community inside and outside India. Daliwal has been selected as one of the 27 recipients of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award this year.
“I think Modi is doing a lot for the Sikh commander, he is doing a lot for the country, but he is doing a lot for the Sikhs in particular. And I don’t know what else he can do? He really goes out. His way of working with the Sikh community,” he told PTI.
Dhaliwal is one of two recipients of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest honor bestowed by the Indian government on people of Indian origin, from the United States this year. Rajesh Subramaniam, CEO of FedEx, was another awardee.
The two, along with other recipients, will be presented with the prestigious award by the President of India during the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Indore from January 8-10.
A native of Punjab, Thaliwal immigrated to the United States in 1972. He along with his brothers started their business in petrol and real estate sectors. He owns several businesses, including 1,000 petrol stations, with annual sales of US$2 billion.
“I am really grateful to the Government of India (for this award) and I was really surprised (when I saw my name among the awardees). I was shocked to be rewarded,” said Thaliwal. He is going to India this week to attend the PBD meeting in Indore.
“I think we have got the best prime minister. We should work with him and help him achieve what he wants to do. He is doing good for the country and when India does good, we (of Indian origin) do good,” Thaliwal said in response to a question.
