The Ellis Island Honors Society (EIHS) presented the Annual Medals of Honor, to more than 90 individuals including two Indian Americans along with other prominent immigrants for their contributions to the rich mosaic of the United States during a black-tie gala held in Ellis Island's Great Hall on May 13, 2023. Ellis Island is a federally owned island in New York Harbor, situated within New Jersey and New York.
Chandrika Tandon and Ram Shriram,both Chennai-born, were recognized for their contribution along with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Former Republican National Chairman James Nicholson, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, chef personality and TV host Rachael Ray and others, according to Ellis Island honorees list.
Tandon is a recognized business leader, Grammy-nominated artist, and humanitarian who is dedicated to addressing issues in education, the arts, and well-being, according to her profile. She serves on key posts at New York University. As a composer and vocalist, shehas produced several albums, of which Soul Call was nominated for a Grammy award. She was also the Inaugural distinguished alumnus of both the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmadabad (IIMA) and Madras Christian College (MCC).
Shriram, is an Indian-American businessman, and a technology industry insiderfor more than 30 years, working with small and large companies. In 2008 and 2009 he was ranked number three on the Forbes list of top tech deal makers, and in 2007, number six on the top ten kingmakers in tech by Business 2.0 magazine, according to his profile.
The medal has been awarded annually since 1986 to Americans, both U.S. born and naturalized, who represent and contribute to the great nation. This year's medalists come from all walks of life and encompass approximately 54 ethnicities. In the past, EIHS has honoured distinguished and diverse Americans including eight Presidents of the United States.
The Ellis Island Medals of Honor ranks among the nation's most renowned awards. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have officially recognized the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, and each year the recipients are listed in the Congressional Record, according to a release.
