WASHINGTON (TIP): Dr C. Prasad, an eminent psychiatrist of Washington DC was conferred with the prestigious International Excellence Award 2013 by Global Indian Association (GIA) on the sidelines of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi, Kerala for his contribution to the field of medicine by Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology and Communications Ponnala Lakshmaiah at a grand function held at Hotel Crowne Plaza in Kochi last week. Global Indian Association (GIA) headquartered in New Delhi has been serving the Non- Resident Indians such as launching a campaign to legalize Postal Voting System for them around the world under the supervision of Indian Embassies / Consulates.

Lakshmaiah in his address praised the services of Dr Prasad and said he was proud that the recipient of the award also hails from Andhra Pradesh. The Minister said Andhra Pradesh has been a forerunner in attracting NRI investments. One out of every three software professionals globally is from India and that one out of every three such Indians is from Andhra Pradesh. In fact, IT can be coined as Indian Talent. Andhra Pradesh continues to be a favorite destination for industrial investment from all over the world. Industrial investment in the state is consistently growing and the investments received during 2010-11 stands at Rs 29,995 crores recording a growth of 67 percent over 2009-10, he said.

K. Babu, Kerala Minister for Fisheries said GIA has been working to extend legal and possible intervention besides bring up the matter to the Indian authorities and pressurize the Indian authorities leading to the release of hapless Indians languishing in jails in Gulf countries. Rajeev Joseph, founder-president of the Association said GIA will act as a pressure group to speed up the welfare activities for NRIs initiated by Government of India through Indian Embassies and Consulates in all countries. GIA will also open institutions of higher learning to help children of NRIs returning home with the help of GIA volunteers as stake holders. Indians around the world to be a part of a network extending help to Indians in distress at various countries GIA work for unity and amalgamation of Indian Associations around the globe to serve the Indian Diaspora in a multi-pronged way.

Dr. Prasad did his MD and PhD and working as attending psychiatrist at Crossroads Professional Counseling Centers in Annandale, VA. Dr. Prasad was made Distinguished Fellow 0f the American Psychiatric Association (DFAPA) and also American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in 2011, American Board of Addiction Medicine, American Board of Physician Specialists, American Board of Psychiatric Medicine, American Board of Pain Management, and National Association of Certified Hypnotherapists. In 2007, the Global Organization for People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) presented him with an award him for outstanding professional presentation on mental health issues facing India and unswerving and undaunted support for the vision and mission of GOPIO. In 2010, he received Maryland India Business Round Table award for excellence in Psychiatry and also Maryland Governor’s Citation 2011 in recognition of leadership in promoting business, trade and job growth in Maryland.

Dr. Prasad contributed to a training DVD as an Examining Physician of a Patient Interview for the mock exam Vol. 3. This 75 minute DVD was prepared by American Physician Institute for Advanced Professional Studies (Beat the Boards!) which was distributed to over 3000 candidates taking Psychiatry Part II board exam in the United States. He was also given National leadership Award by National Republican Congressional Committee in recognition of outstanding service and commitment to Republican ideals and in particular for assistance and guidance administered to the Republican Leadership in the area of Health Care Reform. He is the member of American Psychiatric Association, Washington Psychiatric Society, American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI); Virginia Association of Physicians of Indian Origin; American Association of Addiction Medicine, American Association of Pain Management and International Society of Addiction Medicine.