Melbourne: An NRI businessman has been chosen as member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (NZOM), one of the nation's highest civilian honours, for his contribution to business and to the Indian community.
Roshan Lal Nauhria, 65, hailing from Punjab is the only Indian who finds his name in this year's Queen's birthday honours list, instituted in 1996, announced on June 1 by the Prime Minister's Office.
Nauhria was awarded for his longstanding services to the business world and the Indian community, and the honours would be presented to him by Governor General of New Zealand Sir Anand Satyanand, also an NRI, in September, according to an official website.
Born in 1944 in Dharamkot village near Moga in Punjab, Nauhria graduated in Electrical Engineering from BITS, Pilani, in 1970 before migrating to New Zealand in 1972, where he set up his own construction and property business in 1976.
He runs a construction firm (concrete and reinforcing steel) in Auckland that generates significant employment. He stands at the forefront of the Indian community and is the founder President of the Bharatiya Mandir in Auckland, set up in 1986.
Former Vice-President of Hare Krishna Mandir (ISCKON) in Auckland, Nauhria is the President of the United Indians, the apex body of the 23 major Indian associations in that country.