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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 26, 2021 | The Indian Eye 32

he came from the red state of Tex-
as to the blue state of New York, he
realized that many things he heard
was just a story created by CNN. He
added that Kerala Center’s award
was the first recognition he got after
becoming the mayor, whereas, prior
to this event, he was receiving only
blames. The Mayor was introduced
by James Thomas, one of the youth
representatives of the Kerala Center
and Senator Kevin Thomas, the first
Malayalee senator of New York, pre-
sented the award.
The award for legal services
went to Nandini Nair, Esq. In her
speech, she said that her parents, es-
pecially her mother who came alone
to the United States with only $7 in
her pocket to provide a better life
for her family, is her guide and role
model. She feels grateful that she is Kerala Center officials and Consul Vijayakrishnan with awardees. Front row, from l. to r.: Dr. George Abraham, Dr. Sabu Varghese, Dr. Blessy
able to help so many new comers as
an immigration attorney today. Nan- Joseph, Dr. Devi Nampiaparampil, Dancer and Teacher Chandrika Kurup, Nandini Nair Esq., Mary Philip and Mayor Robin Elackatt. Back row,
dini Nair was introduced by Dr. The- from l. to r.: Dr. Thomas Abraham, Dr. Madhu Bhaskaran, Jimmy John, Alex Esthappan, G. Mathai, Consul A.K. Vijayakrishnan, John Paul, James
resa Antony, Kerala Center board Thottam, Raju Thomas, Abraham Thomas and P.T. Paulose.
member and Dr. Asha Ramesh of
Sabinsa Corp. presented the award.
The award for Nursing and
Community leadership went to Mary
Philip. In her speech she stated that
Kerala Center’s activities are unique
in nature and separates it from other
organizations. She specifically men-
tioned the recognition of Nurses and
other front-line workers and orga-
nizing flag hoisting by retired Indian
Defense Force members on Indian
Independence Day celebration as
examples. Mary Philip was intro-
duced by Christy John, NP and Dr.
Unni Moopan, Kerala Center Trust-
ee, presented the award.
The award for performing Arts
went to Chandrika Kurup. In her
speech, Mrs. Kurup expressed a
lot of satisfaction that her students
are now running their own success- Dancers from Noopura School of Dance performing at the Awards Night
ful dance schools and other related
artist works here in America and in tor for more than six months, it was a Souvenir was released by the com- dran and Lauren Joseph and dance
Kerala. Chandrika was introduced heart breaking. When Dr. Blessy mittee chairman P.T. Paulose along by artists of the Noopura School of
by Annie Esthappan, one of the spoke about her experience treating with other committee members, Dance made the awards night a more
youth representatives of the Kerala Covid patients, she could not control John Paul and Abraham Thomas. by colorful one. Secretary Jimmy John
Center and former student of Mrs. her emotions. Jose Kadapuram, Di- giving a copy of the Souvenir to Dr. concluded the ceremony with a vote
Kurup, and Abraham Philip, CPA, rector of Kairali TV, USA, present- Susan George, spouse of the keynote of thanks to the guests, awardees,
presented the award. ed the award to Dr. Sabu and G. speaker Dr. George Abraham. audience and everyone worked so
The Center also honored two Mathai, trustee of Kerala Center, In the absence of Founder Pres- hard to make it a successful event.
doctors. Dr. Sabu Varghese and Dr. presented the award to Dr. Blessy ident Mr. E. M. Stephen, who was in With dinner, the Award Night came
Blessy Mary Joseph, with special Joseph. Their service to New York- charge of the Center for the last thir- to an end.
awards for their services during the ers including Malayalees during the ty years, Executive Director Thambi The Kerala Center, located at
pandemic. They were introduced height of the pandemic is unforget- Thalappillil and Director Abraham Elmont (Long Island, New York), is
by Benzy Thomas, DNP, whose de- table. Thomas took charge of the event. an IRS Tax-Exempt 501 (c) (3) or-
scription of her experience treating Each of the awardees was also James Thottam was the chairman ganization serving the Keralites and
Covid-19 patients were so touching presented a citation from New York of the Award Dinner. The MC of the Indian American community in
to the audience. When Dr. Sabu ex- State Senate and was presented the program, Daisy Palliparambil, the tri-state New York area. It was
plained his experience with a covid by New York State Senator Kevin impressed everybody with her out- inaugurated in 1993. Kerala Cen-
patient who was a doctor and his Thomas. standing performance. The songs ter’s awards are the most prestigious
colleague who had to be on ventila- As part of the Award Ceremony, sung by famous singer Shalini Rajen- among Indian American Malayalees.

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