The Indian Panorama

Tag: Sibu Nair

  • KERALA CENTER TO HONOR EIGHT AT ITS 32ND ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

    KERALA CENTER TO HONOR EIGHT AT ITS 32ND ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

    ELMONT,  NY (TIP): The Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center, Inc. will honor eight Indian  American Malayalees for their outstanding achievements in their field of specialization and for their service to the society, at its 32nd Annual Awards Dinner to be held on October 19, 2024. Public officials and leaders from the USA and India are expected to attend this prestigious event.

    “The Kerala Center has been honoring outstanding achievers since 1992. Every year we invite nominations and the Award Committee has to make a unanimous choice for a candidate in a category to receive the award, and this year is no different from previous years in terms of their achievements,” said Dr. Thomas Abraham, Kerala Center’s Trustee Board Chairman and Award Committee Member.

    “Kerala Center is very happy to honor American Malayalees who excel in their professions and who work for social progress — their examples should be an inspiration for others,” said Dr. Madhu Bhaskaran, Chairman of the Board and Award Committee.

    This year’s honorees are:

    Johnson Samuel (Long Island, NY), Humanitarian and Social Service; Suja Thomas (Albany, NY), Nursing Leadership; Wesley Mathews (Trenton, NJ), Public Service; Dr. Sunanda Nair (Houston, TX), Performing Arts; Hashim Mooppan (Washington, DC), Legal Services; Samcy Kodumon (L.I., NY), Pravasi Malayalam Literature; Sibu Nair (Buffalo, NY), Community Service; and Varkey Abraham (Long Island, NY), Business Leadership.

    The awardees will be honored at the Kerala Center at the  32nd Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 5:30 PM at the Kerala Center, 1824 Fairfax St., Elmont, New York.

    There will be variety entertainments and a fabulous dinner for the evening. Dr. Madhu Bhaskaran is the Awards Committee Chairman and other members are Dr. Thomas Abraham and Daisy P. Stephen.

    Kerala Center President Alex K. Esthappan said that the Center has recognized over 185 American Malayalees in the last 32 years and that it is great to see that they have continued to rise further in their careers and serve the society. All are invited to join this Annual Awards Dinner.

    Please contact the Kerala Center to reserve your seats at: 516- 358-2000 or at email: kc@keralacenterny.com.

    For further information, please contact: Alex Esthappan, President, 516 503 9387, Raju Thomas, General Secretary, 516 434 0669.

  • Vibrant Eid Celebrations: Indian Muslim Community Lights Up New York’s Consulate General of India

    Vibrant Eid Celebrations: Indian Muslim Community Lights Up New York’s Consulate General of India

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): On April 21, 2024, the Indian Muslim Community (IMC) of NY/NJ/CT continued its tradition of showcasing unity and strength by hosting the Eid Celebrations 2024 at the Consulate General of India (CGI) in New York. The event began with a stirring Quran recitation and translation by Sumayya Ahmed, setting the tone for a day filled with cultural richness and community spirit.

    Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Varun Jeph, Acting Consul General of India in New York, highlighted the significance of Eid in India’s cultural landscape, emphasizing its reflection of the nation’s millennia-old composite culture and unity in diversity. He underscored the importance of celebrating diversity, a value shared by both India and the diverse city of New York.

    Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer addressing the audience via his video message.

    Despite being unable to attend in person, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer conveyed his heartfelt wishes through a video message, emphasizing the theme of unity in love and faith during challenging times marked by division and bigotry.

    New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Indian woman elected in the state, shared her deep connection with the Muslim community and her efforts to empower it. She highlighted initiatives such as expanding halal food options in public schools and ensuring the allowance of the Muslim call to prayer in New York City.

    Ilayas Quraishi receiving New York State Assembly’s special citation from Jenifer Rajkumar

    Special citations from the State of New York were presented to IMC’s founding member Ilayas Quraishi and others, recognizing their contributions to the community. Quraishi expressed humility and gratitude for the community’s support in preserving the tradition of celebrating Eid at the CGI in New York.

    Reflecting on the journey of Indian Muslims in the United States, Quraishi emphasized the shared humanity and values of compassion, generosity, and unity that Eid represents. He acknowledged the responsibility of representing over 200 million Indian Muslims and Indian American Muslims in the United States.

    IMC’s core committee members along with Dr. Varun Jeph, Jenifer Rajkumar, Yusuf Salaam and representatives of New York State Governor, New York City Mayor, and New York City Public Advocate.

    New York State Senator John Liu acknowledged the significant Muslim population in India and the thriving Indian American community in New York, emphasizing the importance of unity and solidarity.

    Full house at the Eid Celebration

    Councilman Yusef Salaam highlighted the symbolic significance of Eid, representing gratitude, brotherhood, and unity among Muslims worldwide.

    Deputy Public Advocate Kashif Hussain expressed gratitude for the invitation and presented citations from the New York Public Advocate to community members for their contributions.
    The event also received messages of support from New York Governor Kathy Hochul and presentations from various community leaders, including Sibu Nair, Deputy Director of Asian American Affairs for New York State.

    A ghazal performance being presented by Suman Laskar.
    Sumayya Ahmed recited the Quran to start the event.
    Zoha Ahmed explained the significance of Eid at the event.
    Surya Makkar played traditional drums at the event.

    The celebrations featured a diverse range of cultural performances, including explanations of Eid’s significance, ghazal performances, traditional drumming, and stand-up comedy, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Indian Muslim community.
    The Indian Muslim Community’s Eid Celebrations at the Consulate General of India in New York served as a testament to the community’s resilience, unity, and commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding in society.
    (Based on a press release issued by Ilayas Quraishi)