Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry received a singular honour this week when he was awarded the Haryana Pravasi Gaurav Samman Award in Haryana, India.

He received the award from the Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal, for outstanding social service to his people in Fiji, at a grand function celebrating the 100th anniversary of the State of Haryana .

Mr Chaudhry’s Girmitya grandparents came from Haryana on board the SS Fazilka in May 1902 and served their indenture at Tunalia, Nadi.

After completing their 1st five-year term, the couple settled in Sigatoka and then moved to Lautoka where his grandfather invested in various properties.

However, in 1928, they sold their Fiji properties and repatriated to Haryana with a son and daughter, leaving their elder son behind.

Mr Chaudhry’s father Ram Gopal Chaudhry later returned to join his brother and live in Fiji.

Mr Chaudhry has always maintained close ties with his relatives in Haryana.

Speaking at the reception, Mr Chaudhry thanked the people and government of Haryana for conferring on him the prestigious Gaurav Samman Award.

“ I will cherish it as a precious gift and honour bestowed on me by the land of my ancestors in recognition of my achievements and service to my people,” he said.

Others also recognised at the celebrations included the famous Hindi film director Subhash Ghai for his contribution to culture and entertainment and actor Randeep Hooda.

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