Dr. Maqsooda Sarfi Shiotani塩谷 マクスーダ
President, Ishikawa India Association
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, conferred by the Government of India, is presented to members of the overseas Indian community who have made outstanding contributions in their field or profession.
Biography
Born in Kashmir, she earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in History from the University of Kashmir (her doctoral thesis was titled “Socio-Cultural Trends in Modern Mongolia”). In 1984 she moved to Japan and has since been based in Kanazawa, Ishikawa.
In 1987, guided by the belief that “cultural exchange begins with food,” she opened the Indian restaurant Rubina in Kanazawa. As the only Indian restaurant in the Hokuriku region certified by the Embassy of India, and as an award-winning restaurant recognised in the UK, it shared the food and culture of India from Kanazawa for 37 years, reaching a milestone in 2023.
She was also deeply involved in the founding of the Ishikawa India Association in 1990, and continues to create spaces where the people of Japan and India can meet and deepen mutual understanding through yoga, food, and cultural traditions.
Her publications include “Japan: From the Eyes of an Indian Girl” (in English).
It is the highest honour a civilian of Indian origin can receive from the Government of India, presented in person by the President of India. Only 27 recipients are chosen worldwide — and Shiotani Maqsooda is the sole recipient from Japan.
Her work with the Ishikawa India Association was highly recognised among her achievements. We are truly honoured that these years of activity have been acknowledged.
The Award Ceremony
From the official broadcast of India's Ministry of External Affairs. The moment the award is presented by the President of India (from 44:22).