JEDDAH: Dr. Azad Moopen, founder chairman of DM Healthcare and MIMS India and a renowned physician turned entrepreneur based in the UAE and who runs three international schools in Saudi Arabia, has received India’s top most honor for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) — the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award.
The award was conferred on him by the president of India, Pratibha Patil, during a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi recently. The prize was given to Moopen in recognition of his contributions to social and humanitarian causes, and his leadership qualities, passion to reach the underprivileged, and commitment to provide the best medical facilities to the people of Gulf countries and India, a statement said.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman is awarded by the government of India in conjunction with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to honor exceptional and meritorious contribution of overseas Indians in their chosen field/profession. A total of 15 awardees from all over the world are nominated every year to receive the prestigious award.
“I consider this award as a reward for whatever little I have been able to contribute in the area of healthcare and to alleviate the suffering of needy people,” said Moopen after receiving the prize.
“This journey was possible only with the support of the growing fraternity of DM Healthcare and MIMS professionals, who have manfully strived to bring experience and expertise to the masses with a human touch,” he said.
Dr. Moopen has been in the forefront of many philanthropic and social initiatives in India and abroad. He is the founder chairman of Muslim Educational Society (MES), Association of Kerala Medical Graduates and Association of Indian Muslims in UAE, which are involved in educational, charitable and socio-cultural activities. He envisioned the “Save the Little Heart” program in Dubai in March 2009 to spread awareness and raise about 6.5 million to perform cardiac surgery for 60 poor children.
