The 鈥攚hich translates in English to 鈥淛ewel of India鈥濃攊s given by the country鈥檚 president to nonresident Indians who have made exceptional contributions to society. About 25-30 recipients worldwide are selected for the honor each year.聽
, a professor and former chair of the Department of 成人直播al and Counseling Psychology in the College of 成人直播 and Human Development, has spent years addressing high suicide rates in his native country by raising awareness and encouraging mental health counseling. In 2010 he formed India鈥檚 first nationwide organization for mental health counselors and has been instrumental in establishing campus-based counseling for college students.
鈥淚n India, many consider it taboo to seek help from a psychologist or therapist,鈥 Sandhu said. 鈥淲e want to change those attitudes 鈥攊t鈥檚 the best way to save lives.鈥
The selection committee considered Sandhu鈥檚 work in India as well as his international contributions to education and counseling.
The Hind Rattan Award is given by the . The selection committee includes prominent government officials and diplomats. India President Pranab Mukherjee or Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will present the award.
Sandhu鈥檚 accolades include two stints as a Fulbright Senior Research Scholar and inclusion in the . He is an expert in multiculturalism and diversity and has authored or edited 12 textbooks. He earned a doctorate at Mississippi State University.