Washington, Nov 18 (IANS): Distinguished Indian agricultural scientist Anil K. Rajvanshi has been selected for the Distinguished Alumnus Award of the University of Florida, one of America's leading universities.

Rajvanshi, director of the Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) at Phaltan, Maharashtra, is the first Indian to receive the award.

This is the highest recognition for the university alumni, for making "a positive difference in their communities".

Rajvanshi has been given this award for his pioneering work in rural development done at NARI since 1981 when he went back from the US.

Rajvanshi will receive the award from the UF president at the commencement convocation May 3 next year in Gainesville, Florida.

"This award is also a testimony to the fact that the rural work done in India is recognised by one of the top 15 public universities of the US," Rajvanshi said.

This should provide inspiration to all Indian students going to the US to come back and help their country, he said.