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The Kerala Center recognizes 7 Indians at 33rd Annual Awards Dinner
The event featured New York Senator John Liu, among other dignitaries.
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Staff Reporter - Sat, 01, Nov 2025
- 02:21 EDT
- 23
Kerala Center awardees with the officials of the organization / Handout: The Kerala Center
Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center, Inc., popularly known as The Kerala Center, celebrated its 33rd Annual Awards Dinner at the Center’s auditorium in Elmont, New York on Oct. 25.
The Center honored seven individuals who made notable contributions to the society through their professions. The program commenced with introductory remarks by G. Mathai, Trustee of the Kerala Center and Program Chairman.
The event's MC, Daisy Stephen Pallipparambil, coordinated the event. Following Pallipparambil's introductory remarks, the American National anthem was sung by Bailey Stephen and Indian National Anthem by Amisha Jaimon.
Kerala Center President Alex K. Esthappan welcomed the attendees and provided a brief description of the activities and goals of the Kerala Center.
The Awards Dinner also featured New York Senator John Liu, Assemblymembers Michaelle Solages & Edward Braunstein, former Senator Kevin Thomas and North Hempstead Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava. They felicitated and presented awards the seven winners of the 33rd Annual Awards.
ALSO READ: The Kerala Center announces honorees of 33rd Annual Awards Dinner
Dr. Thomas Abraham, the Chairman of the Trustee Board and Award Committee member, made his remarks and introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Suresh Kumar. In his speech Dr. Kumar talked about the concept of Indian Civilizational Intelligence that has the potential to propel India to be a number one economy of the world.
The Board and Award Committee chairman Dr. Madhu Bhaskaran explained the process of selecting the awardees prior to the award presentation. In addition to the Kerala Center awards, Assembly members presented their own certificates and proclamations honoring the awardees.
The award for excellence in community service went to Koshy O. Thomas. He was introduced by Samuel Joseph, youth forum secretary of the Kerala Center, and Assemblyman Braunstein presented the award in the presence of Sen. John Liu and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages.
The award for excellence in Nursing leadership went to Priscilla Samuel. Samuel was introduced by Baily Stephen, and Varkey Abraham presented the award in the presence of Assemblywoman Solages.
The award for notable contribution to Pravasi Malayalam Literature went to Jayan Varghese. He was introduced by Raju Thomas, General Secretary of Kerala Center, and Ragini Srivastava, North Hempstead Town Clerk presented the award.
The award for excellence in legal service went to Diya Mathews. Mathews was introduced by Dr. Anna George, and Attorney Appen Menon, Kerala Center Trustee, presented the award.
The award for excellence in engineering went to Joharath Kutty. She was introduced by Nazeem Beena, and former Sen. Kevin Thomas presented the award.
The award for excellence in education went to Dr. Nandini Ambat Menon. She was introduced by Jose Stephen, Kerala Center member and NYC school teacher, and Dilip Varghese, Kerala Center Founder Grand Patron, presented the award.
The awardee for excellence in Govt. and public service was awarded to Inspector Shibu Madhu. However, he was unable to collect the award in person.
The ceremony was attended by leaders of several community organizations including Pioneer Club, Sarga Vedi, INANY, GOPIO, FOMAA, and FOKANA.
As part of the Awards Ceremony, a souvenir was released by the souvenir committee that consisted of Jose Cheripuram, Jose Kadapuram and Dr. Teresa Antony, by giving a copy to Susamma Abraham, a Grand Patron of the Center.
Indian classical dances performed by Chandrika Kurup’s Noopura School of Dance also featured at the awards night. Kerala Center Associate Secretary Mary Philip concluded the ceremony with a vote of thanks to honored guests, awardees, sponsors, photographers, audience and everyone who worked hard to make the event successful.
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