Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center
This is the internet version of the Kerala Center News letter. Vol.3 , 2003
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Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center This is the internet version of the Kerala Center News letter. Vol.3 , 2003 |
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 The awardees with with thier tropies posing for picture after they were honored |
 The awardess with the Board of Deirectors of Kerala Center |
 Ajit Balakrishnan receiving his award for his Entreprenurship |
 Dr. Madhavan V Pillai delivering his Keynote Address |
 E M Stephen, president of the Center, delivering his welcome address |  Children singing the National Anthems of both India as well as USA, at the beginning of the Awards Night |
 Malayalam Class children performing a cinematic dance during the awards ceremony |
Being honored by one's own community members for one's
achievements encourages the honoree as well as others who witness the event to
do better, to dedicate themselves to the cause of humanity, in pursuit of
excellence and greater achievements. That was what one witnessed on Saturday,
November 8th, 2003 at the 11th annual awards ceremony held at the Indo-American
Kerala Cultural and Civic Center, Elmont, New York.
In the presence of nearly 200 prominent NRIs and Government
officials, seven individuals from across the United States were honored for
excellence and dedicated services to humanity. They all had come from the East
(India), and made the West (United States of America) their home. They faced the
challenges of life with courage and wisdom. They exhibited leadership and
commitment to their tasks, excelling in their areas of work and are models to
millions of others.
Reflecting this phenomenon was the keynote address by Dr.
Madhavan V Pillai, who dealt at length on how East has contributed to the West,
even as the East has gained from its association with the West. He said,
"East has been a visionary in many areas, especially in throwing up several
women leaders who have led their countries in challenging times." Quoting
Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen's concept of "Kerala Model," which refers
to all round social development and empowerment of women, Dr. Pillai said.
With anecdotes on how India and the East have contributed to the world, Dr. Pillai said, globalization is a two-way traffic where the West attracts the good from the East even as it spreads it s culture around the globe. "I salute my motherland, for India is the only country which has incorporated its love for environment in its national anthem," he said and added, "In these days of darkness around the globe, the West needs to look up to the wisdom of the East to go on in and make this globe a better place for everyone to live."
Following are the Awardees - 2003 Click here to read Details
Dr. Pascal Bailon (Florham Park, NJ) was honored for his achievements in the
field of Applied Sciences.
Dr. Asha George (Arlington, VA) was honored for her
contributions in the field of Homeland Security and Public Policy.
Dr. Simon George (Long Beach, CA) was the recipient of the
award Saturday night for his excellence in Basic Sciences.
Radha Krishnan (West Bloomfield, MI) was awarded for his
Community Service.
Dr. Marina Kurian, M.D. (New York, NY) was honored for her
contributions in the field of Medicine.
Dr. Madhavan V. Pillai, MD (Richlands, VA) was honored for
his excellence in the fields of Health Services and Arts & Letters.
Ajit Balakrishnan, founder and director of Rediff.com, was
honored for his entreprenurship and vision in the field of media.
The awardees did just that. Coming from the East, the have
become models of entreprenurship, excellence, achievements and reaching new
heights in the West, and they won accolades in their adopted land, making their
dreams come true. These awards recognized their leadership and services to the
larger society," said Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of the Board of
Directors. "This year's banquet has special significance because the Kerala
Center completes ten years of service to the Indian community," said
Dr. Thomas Abraham, and added, with years of fund raising campaign, The Kerala
Center was inaugurated in 1993 by Padmashri Yesudas and is the only Civic and
Community Center in U.S. for Indian American Malayalees.
John Pesala, Family Court Judge, Nassau County, in his brief
address, praised the efforts of the Kerala Center in creating a sense of civic
awareness among the Indian Americans. Many speakers lauded how under the
leadership of E. M. Stephen, the Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic
Center was formed as a non-profit organization in 1990, and has grown into an
institute that caters to the various needs of the community. There are Indian
languages, Music and Dance classes for children, SAT coaching for youngsters.
Various seminars are conducted ranging from political to investment in addition
to many Civic and Cultural activities taking place on a regular basis at the
Kerala Center. The Center has also been providing platform for various political
leaders to have political awareness and campaign meetings with the Indian
community. Not leaving out the important religious factor, the Center has become
a forum for various religious activities and celebration for the members of the
center who represent Hindu, Muslim and different denominations of Christianity.
Over the years, The Kerala Center has become a focal point to
coordinate activities and services to the Indian American community in the New
York region, not only for Malayalees but for the entire Indian community. In the
words of E. M Stephen, President of the Kerala Center, is "to achieve a
proper balance between our country and heritage. We must not forget our heritage
and our responsibilities toward our country," he added.
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