GOPIO
has selected seven to receive community service awards at the annual
banquet to be held on Jan. 6th. The senior most Indian Administrative
officer, Shnipping Secretary and former MOIA Secretary K. Mohandas will
be recognbized for his services to the Indian Diaspora community. This
year's award recipients are as follows:
Faisal Kottikollon (Bahrain) - Entrepreneur/industrialist.
Founder President/CEO of Emirates Techno Casting synergy comprising of
several successful companies. A visionary industrialist and
philanthropist, a man widely respected for his business acumen and
compassion for the underprivileged. As the founder-chairman of the
UAE-based KEF Holdings, he has scripted a phenomenal success story that
continues to inspire many entrepreneurs. Many years of service in
practicing corporate social responsibility as well as setting up the
Shabana & Faizal Foundation charity organization directing funds and
support for the betterment of deprived people.
Raghunath Manet (France)
- Prominent exemplary classic Indian dancer and teacher with exemplary
contribution to social and humanitarian activities that include active
collaboration with UNESCO for promotion of art and Indian culture
worldwide. Pro bono community volunteer service as teacher of vocal,
instrumental, Ayurveda, yoga and classic dance at his own institution.
Offering basic education, training facilities, shelter & access to
art & culture, including handicrafts, to particularly the disabled,
blind persons and kids and disadvantaged persons through his own school
based in Pondicherry. Participating in voluntary activities for
AIDS/SIDACTION. Funding for Reconstruction of Historical sites and
Temples in South India by performing Freely.eg. "The famous Temple of
Tanjore".
Prof. Ved Prakash Nanda (USA)
- Director of the International Legal Studies Program at the University
of Denver and an internationally renowned jurist. He was also the
former president of the World Jurist Association and President of the
World Association of Law Professors. Prof. Nanda is the recipient of the
2004 Gandhi, King, Ikeda Award; the 1997 United Nations Association
Human Rights Award; and the 1990 World Legal Scholar award. He has
authored or co-authored 22 books in international law and is widely
published in law journals, magazines and newspapers. He has been a
Distinguished Visiting Professor and Scholar at a number of universities
in the United States and abroad. One of the founding team setting up
GOPIO International for the cause of protecting and furthering the human
rights of PIOs; a professional of excellence and dedication to
community service. A staunch supporter of forging better bilateral ties
and understanding between India and US and India and many other
countries.
Photo
from top left clockwise - Faisal Kottikollon, Raghunath Manet, Prof.
Ved P. Nanda, Hendry Vikramasinghe, Datuk A. Vaithilingam, Dr. Ajeet
Singhvi and
Dr. Rami Ranger
Dr. Rami Ranger
Dr. Rami RangerDr. Rami Ranger, MBE (UK) - A
very successful businessman with recognition from Her Majesty the
Queen five times, four times for business (Sun Mark Ltd) and once
personally for community service. This year the company was added to
the Sunday Times most profitable 100 companies in Britain in their
"Profit Track 100". He also devotes his time to benefit society by
launching ground breaking initiatives designed to strengthen social
cohesion in Britain. He has created hundreds of jobs for fellow Indians
and he also raises funds for worthy projects in India. He encourages
the British Indian community to become more publically and politically
spirited in Britain. In addition, he has also helped 5 fellow Indians
to become Members of Parliament in Britain to safeguard India's
interest.
Ajeet Singhvi, MD (USA) - Immediate
Past President of American Association of Physicians of India Origin
(AAPI), the largest organized association of PIOs and NRIs in the US.
Worked for over 30 years towards better understanding between people of
Indian and United States. Prominent physician with faculty appointment
at Loma Linda University Medical Center, a Fellow of the American
College of Gastroenterology and the American Gastroenterological
Association. He served as the Chief of Staff at Hemet Valley Medical
Center from 2000 to 2004, and was also on the Hemet Hospital Foundation
Board. He is presently serving on the Board of Riverside County Medical
Association. He has been working closely with community leaders to
address issues of mutual interest, especially the first ever "Health
India Think Tank". Worked closely with community leaders to address
issues of disease prevention and health promotion amongst
Indo-Americans.
Datuk A. Vaithilingam (Malaysia)
- A dedicated national leader of NGOs for social service and community
development in Malaysia; recognized as a righteous spokesperson for the
advancement of inter-faith advocacy and its role in fostering harmony
within the multi-religious communities of Malaysia. At the forefront in
initiating and implementing community development and social welfare
programs in for in Malaysia. He has helmed various leadership roles of
Malaysia Hindu Sangam that is Malaysia's national representative
organization of the 1.8 million Hindus in the country. He served as the
President of the Malaysia Hindu Sangam for over 12 years until his
retirement in 2009. He has also been a key founder member of the
Malaysian AIDS Council, as well as the Malaysian Consultative Council
for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism & Taosim (MCCBCHST).
Hendry H Wickramasinghe (Sri Lanka)
- Secretary/Consultant at Office of Hon. M.P. Praba Ganesan.
Participated in the peace process activities in Sri Lanka at the grass
root level, representing Indian origin Tamils. An ardent activist in
promoting the Indian origin upcountry Tamils rights in socio-cultural
and political spheres and facilitating higher studies of upcountry
Tamil students. Made significant contribution in the service of
preservation and betterment in temples in Colombo. Actively campaigning
for the civil rights of Indian origin Tamils in Sri Lanka whom were
disenfranchised in 1948. Participated with Ministers and Members of
Parliament in seminars and study tours on the Federal System in most of
the European countries since the year 2000. Many years in support of
the community in both public and social service, as well as your
exemplary achievements and your commitment to human rights.
SPECIAL AWARD - Hon. K. Mohandas (India)
