The Embassy of India in Addis Ababa

Last Updated on January 4, 2023

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians. PBSA is conferred by the Hon’ble President of India as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention on Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin or an organization / institution established and run by the Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin in recognition of their outstanding achievements both in India and abroad. Dr. Kannan Ambalam will receive the award at the 17th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention to be held in Indore, India on 8-10 January 2023.

Dr. Kannan Ambalam is Associate Professor at Wallaga University in the Department of Public Administration and Development Management. Along with his teaching responsibilities, he actively engaged the students and local communities in addressing the pressing problems of rural infrastructure through construction of bridges and developing water springs.

Since 2013, he has constructed 93 low cost bridges, revived 55 water springs, constructed toilet in one school, built 2 check dams and facilitated the electrification of 1 village. Most of his projects are in East and West Wollega zones.

Recently, he constructed a bridge on the outskirts of Asko in Addis Ababa in collaboration with local community, India Business Forum, Ethio Cement and Abyssinia Steel. Also, he revived two water springs near Hosaena.

These projects have major impact on improving the livelihoods of rural communities. The bridges enable a better rural-urban connectivity for the local communities and provide easy access to market, besides access to medical facilities. During rainy season, children can safely cross the rivers because of the bridges and attend their classes.

The spring projects provide clean water to the surrounding communities.

Congratulations! Dr. Kannan Ambalam.