Writer Vikram Seth gets Pravasi Bharatiya Award

Vikram Seth was on Tuesday presented the Government of India's `Pravasi Bharatiya Samman' 2005.

Vikram Seth, one of the best known Indian writers in English, was on Tuesday presented the Government of India's `Pravasi Bharatiya Samman' 2005.

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Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs, Jagdish Tytler, presented the 53-year-old writer a medal and a citation at a simple ceremony in his office.

Present on the occasion were Seth's close family members, including his father Prem Seth and mother Leela Seth.

The award is conferred to non-resident Indians and persons of Indian origin who have distinguished themselves in a particular area and made outstanding contribution towards fostering better understanding of India and its interests abroad.

For 2005, there were 15 awardees, including Seth, who were not able to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2005 award ceremony in January.

"It feels great to get an award from your own country," said Seth, after the ceremony.

In lighter vein, the writer, who divides time between London and New Delhi said, "But I don't feel completely pravasi."