Six Indian Americans honored for notable contributions in their professions and to society
The Kerala Center in New York has honored six prominent Indian Americans for making notable contributions in their professions and to the society with their selfless dedication. The awards were presented at the Center’s 30th Annual Awards Banquet at its auditorium in Elmont, New York on Oct 22, according to a Kerala Center press release.
This year’s honorees were:
Jose Kaniyaly, Executive Editor and Partner of Kerala Express weekly newspaper, for his contributions to Malayalam Media and Journalism;
Thomas Joy, police officer and president of the American Malayalee Law Enforcement United (AMLEU), for Public Service;
Bindiya Sabarinath, founder of Mayura School of Arts, for achievements in the category of Performing Arts;
T. Paulose, for contributions to Pravasi Malayalam Literature;
Dr. Javad Hassan, Chairman of NeST Group, for Corporate Leadership;
Dr. Silvester Noronha of MIT, in the category of Applied Science.
READ: Kerala Center to honor six Indian American Malayalees (October 11, 2022)
Hassan and Noronha were unable to attend the awards ceremony due to personal circumstances, the release said.
Indian Consul for Trade and Commerce, Manish Kulhary, was the chief guest. New York Senators Kevin Thomas and Anna Kaplan presented the awards.
Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of the Trustee Board and Award Committee member talked about the maturing of the Indian community in the last 50 years with increasing political participation.
Kulhary stated that he had a relationship with Keralites from his childhood as his teachers in his school in Rajasthan were Malayalees. He praised Kerala for its achievement in education and healthcare, and also praised the Kerala Center for honoring individuals who excelled in their professions and serving the society with dedication.
READ: Kerala Center honors six outstanding achievers (November 26, 2021)
Dr. Madhu Bhaskaran, chairman of the Award Committee and Board of Directors, explained the selection process.
Kaniyaly encouraged associations and its leaders in America to give more recognition to media and journalists here in conjunction with journalists in India. Kaniyaly was introduced by Christy Jose, youth representative of the Kerala Center, and Kulhary presented the award.
Joy encouraged the youth to get involved in public service. He was introduced by Samuel Joseph, youth representative of the Kerala Center, and Sen. Thomas presented the award.
Sabarinath said she feels blessed that she was able to teach dance to more than 1,000 students already. She was introduced by Annie Esthappan, youth representative of the Kerala Center, and Trustee Board member G. Mathai presented the award.
Paulose said that receiving awards is sweet, but it is sweeter when it was from the Kerala Center which always stood for secularism, humanity and inclusiveness. He was introduced by James Thomas, youth representatives of the Kerala Center, and J. Mathews, Chief Editor of Janani magazine, presented the award.
READ: Kerala Center gala honors six Indian Americans including Pramila Jayapal (November 6, 2017)
In addition to New York senators Thomas and Kaplan, Jose Kadapuram, Director of Kairali TV, USA, made a felicitation speech. As part of the award ceremony, a souvenir was released by the souvenir committee members Raju Thomas and Abraham Thomas who presented a copy to Dr. Theresa Antony.
Earlier, the program commenced with the American and Indian National anthems sung by Riya Kootumkal and Bincy Cheripuram. Kerala Center President Alex K. Esthappan provided a brief description of the activities and goals of the Center
James Thottam presided over the award dinner. Board members Abraham Thomas, Mathew Vazhappally and John Paul coordinated the event with Daisy Palliparambil as the MC.
Bincy Cherian sang songs, Maya Devi of Mayura School of Arts performed Indian classical dance and Beena performed a Brazilian dance.
Center Secretary Jimmy John concluded the ceremony with a vote of thanks.