Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations 2012 in Kerala

As in the previous years, it is decided to organize Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations in Trivandrum, Kerala on 9th,10th and 11th January, 2012. You may remember that in 2002 the Atal Bihari Government at the Centre declared 9th January as the “Pravasi Bharathiya Diwas” to honour NRIs working all over the world. We are also celebrating Pravasi Barathiya Diwas in Kerala from 2003 onwards and honour NRIs with Pravasi Bharathi (Kerala) Awards.

NRIs, political leaders, social leaders, businessmen, educationalists, IT entrepreneurs and cultural performers are honoured during this occasion. Financial assistance is given to poor gulf returnees on this occasion. Also educational assistance is distributed to poor students from the society. An organizing committee is formed with the Worshipful Mayor of Trivandrum Adv. K.Chandrika and Sri. N.Peethambara Kurup M.P as the Chief Patrons. Political and social leaders are included in the committee. Celebrations are organized under the auspices of Pravasi Bharathi News Bulletin, an NRI magazine published from Trivandrum since last six years. Award ceremony will be held on 11.01.2012.

“Pravasi Bharathiya Diwas” was declared by the Government of India in the year 2002 for honoring NRIs all over the world, for their contribution for the economic development of our nation and recognizing their role in the welfare of the society. 9th January is fixed for the Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations every year, by the Central Government.

In Kerala, Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations are organized every year since 2003, under the auspices of Pravasi Bharathi News Bullettin, Pravasi Bharathiya Forum and regional committee comprising of social and political leaders. During these celebrations prominent NRIs and eminent personalities from political, cultural, business, health and humanitarian sectors, who excel in their respective areas, are also felicitated and honoured with awards. Also we give financial assistance to those gulf returnees who are suffering from diseases and poverty.

In the previous years the celebrations were held at Trivandrum in 2003, 2004, 2005 ,2009, 2010 and 2011 and at Ernakulam in 2006, at Kannur in 2007 and at Kozhikode in 2008. The 9th Pravasi Bharathi Day celebrations will be held in Trivandrum on 9th, 10th and 11th January, 2012. Pravasi Bharathi (Kerala) Awards will be distributed in the valedictory function, which will be held at Symphony Hall, Mascot Hotel, Trivandrum at 5.30 PM, on 11th January, 2012. As in the previous years Central and State Ministers, MPs, MLAs, social leaders and prominent NRIs from different parts of the world will participate in this colorful function.

Kindly go through the attached brochures and write-ups and send us your biodata and photo to our email id as soon as possible to consider for Pravasi Bharathi (Kerala) awards for the year 2012.

List of PBD (Kerala) will be finalised by 15th December, 2011.

Waiting for an early reply. Thanking you very much.

Yours Lovingly

Kadakkal Ramesh

Chief Co-ordinator, Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations Committee-2012

Mob: 0091 9387801535

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10th PRAVASI BHARATHI DAY CELEBRATIONS IN KERALA - 2012

ORGANISING COMMITTE

Chief Patrons Adv. K.CHANDRIKA (Worshipful Mayor, Thiruvananthapuram)

: Sri. N. PEETHAMBARA KURUP M.P.

Patrons : Sri. C.DIVAKARAN. MLA (Former Minister)

: Sri .V. SURENDRAN PILLAI (Former Minister)

: Sri. T.SARATCHANDRA PRASAD Ex MLA

: PadmaSree Dr. VELLAYANI ARJUNAN

: Sri. S.R. SAKTHIDHARAN (Former Chairman, Kerala Press Acadamy)

: Sri. S. SUVARNA KUMAR (General Secretary,Sree Narayana Academy)

Advisory Board : Sri. M.S RAVI (Managing Director, Kerala Kaumudi)

: Dr. M.A. KAREEM (Former Director,State Resource)

: Adv.M.P. SAJU (State Executive Committee Member, C.M.P.)

: Sri. THOPPIL SAI ( RSP (B) State Committee Member )

: Sri. BEEMAPALLY RASHEED(Dist:President ,Muslim League Tvm)

: Sri. KALAPREMI BASHEER BABU ( Chairman, Kalapremi Group)

: Sri. M.S.FAIZAL KHAN (Managing Director, NIMS MEDICITY)

: Sri. KAYAMKULAM YOUNUS (Secretary, Sir Sayed Foundation)

: Sri. G. MAHEEN ABUBAKKER (Gl:Secretary, STU State Council)

: Sri. KARAMANA JAYAN (Dist: President, BJP,Tvm)

: Sri. DHARMALAYAM KRISHNAN NAIR

( President, Sree Chithira Thirunal Smarka Kala Kendram)

: Sri. U.ABDUL KHADER RAWTHER, (President, AKGRO,

Kottarakkara Taluk Council)

Literary Competition Committee

Chairman : Padmasree K.P.UDAYABHANU (Playback Singer)

Convenor : Sri. CHALAI A.S.MUJEEB REHMAN (Secretary, Malayala Deshiya

Vedi)

Chairman : Sri. CHERIYAN PHILIP (Former Chairman, KTDC Ltd)

Secretary : Sri. POOVACHAL NAZAR

(Associated Editor, Pravasi Bharathi)

Programme-

Chief Co-ordinator : Sri . KADAKKAL RAMESH

(Vice- Chairman, NRI Co-Ordination Council)

Co- ordinator : Sri. S.BADUSHA (Bureau Chief, Thekkan Star)

Convenor,Reception : Sri. KURIYATHI SHAJI (Secretary, AKGRO State Council)

Legal Advisor : Adv. S.A. ABDUL KAREEM,

: Adv. P.H. MUHAMMED BASEER RAWTHAR, Changanassery. : Adv. K.P. DHILEEF KHAN

Overseas-

Co-ordinators : Sri. KULAMUTTOM ASHRAF Abudhabi Ph: 0505724565

: Sri. WILLAT CORREYA, Ras-Al Khaima Ph: 055-2542744

: Miss. SHERIN WILSY ALAPAT, Dubai Ph: 0507552446

: Sri. NOUSHAD PUNNATHALA, Dubai Ph: 0505846237

: Sri. S.A. LABBA , Chairman, ASCO, Kuwait Ph: +96590010060 : Sri. P. NIZAR, Saudi Arabia Ph: 00966 1508330543

: Sri. K.SUDHAKARAN, DOHA- QATAR Ph: 009745524850

: Sri. K.D.SHAJIMON, UK Ph:0447886526706

: Sri. SABU KURIYAN, UK Ph:00447904071234

: Dr. CYRIAC MAPRAYIL UK Ph: 00442088935268

: Adv. RIPPLE HAMSA, Georgia Ph: 09744110000

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PRAVASI BHARATHI ( KERALA ) AWARD WINNERS IN

THE PREVIOUS YEARS (2003 To 2011)

1. Former Chief Minister Sri.E.K.Nayanar-2003

2. Dr.K. Sudhakaran. Managing Director, New Al-Ain Medical Clinic, Al-Ain-2003

3. Dr. M.I. Sahadulla CMD, KIMS Hospital Trivandrum-2003

4. Sri. C.P.A. Bava Haji, CMD, Ceepees Group, Dubai-2003

5. Sri. D. Ponnayyan, MD, Moriya Trading, Muscat, Oman-2003

6. Sri. K. Rajendran, Tourism Promoter, Dubai-2003

7. Mr. Ramesh Babu, Sub Editor, Kerala Kaumudi Tvm -2003

8. Mr. Kadavil Rasheed, Photographer, Tvm-2003

9. Sri. Konniyoor Samad, Director, Sevanikethan, Tvm-2003

10. Sri. A. Najeeb Khan, MD, Image Garments&Exporters, Kochi-2003

11. Mr. Willat Coreyya, Dubai-2004

12. Mr. K. Sudhakaran, Qatar-2004

13. Former Norka Minister Sri. M.M. Hassan -2004

14. Mr. Baby Mathew, CMD, Somatheeram Tvm -2004

15. Mr. G. Rajmohan, Chairman, Pollution Control Board Tvm -2004

16. Mr. A. Salahudeen, MD, Panam Travels Tvm. -2004

17. Dr. P. Muhammed Ali, M.D, Galfar Group, Muscat-2005

18. Mr. John Titus, Aeronautic, USA-2005

19. Dr. P.A. Ibrahim, Chairman, Al-Shamal Group Dubai-2005

20. Mr.B.R. Shetty, Chairman, NMC Group, Abu Dhabi-2005

21. Smt. Lekha Sreenivasan, USA-2005

22. Mr. Bobby John, London-2005

23. Mr. S. Radhakrishnan, Moscow-2005

24. Adv: Ashiq Thycandi, Indian Chambers Law’s Forum, Dubai-2005

25. Mr. Chandra Senan, Program Producer, Asianet Radio, Dubai-2005

26. Mr. Gokulam Gopalan, CMD,Sree Gokulam Groups Chennai-2005

27. Mr. Roy Joseph, MD, Kallarakkal Resorts, Cochin-2005

28. Dr. S.A. Raja, Chairman, Raja’s Group, Nagarkovil-2005

30. Mr. Nandha Govind, Chairman, Monteith Motors, Chennai-2005

31. Smt. Mariamma Varkey, Founder, Varkey Group, Dubai-2006

32. Mr. M.Ayyappan, Chairman, Hindustan Latex Ltd, Tvm -2006

33. Mr. C. George, Founder, GEMS Foundation, Tvm-2006

34. Mr. Eappan Joseph, MD,TTP, Ltd, Tvm-2006

35. Mr. K.R. Rajendren, MD, KMML, Chavara, Kollam -2006

36. Mr. K. Prassannakumar, MD, Consumer Fed, Kochin -2006

37. Mr. E.M. Najeeb, CMD, ATE Group, Tvm-2006

38 Present Food And Civil Supplies Minister Sri.C. Divakaran-2007

39. Present Water Resources Minister Sri. N.K. Premachandran-2007

40. Mr. Sasidharan Nair, President FOKANA, USA-2007

41. Mr. K. Muralidharan, Chairman, SFC Group, Abu Dhabi-2007

42. Mr. J. Sugathan, Chairman, Royal Group, Dubai-2007

43. Mr. Noushad Punnathala, Dubai-2007

44. Smt. Latha K. Namboothiri, MD. Kristal Group Bangaloore -2007

45. Mr. Polly Mathew, Chairman, Somatheeram Tvm -2007

46. Mr.Baiju Gopalan, Executive Director, Gokulam Groups Channai-2007

47. Mr. K. Thulasidas IAS, CMD, Air India Bombay -2007

48. M. Faizal Khan, MD,NIMS Group Tvm-2007

49. Dr.P. Ashokan, MD, S.P. Fort Hospital Tvm -2007

50. Mr.K.B. Venu, Director PRD, Govt. Of Kerala-2007

51. Former Union Defence Minister Sri. O. Rajagopal-2008

52. Former Labour Minister Sri.K.Pankajakshan-2008

53. Mr. P.N.C. Menon, Chairman, Shoba Groups, Dubai-2008

54. Mr.Vijayan Thomas, Chairman, Euro Groups, Dubai-2008

55. Mr. P.K. Rajan, Managing Director, Spectrum Groups, Sharjah-2008

56. Mr. L. Balachandran, Managing Director, Emasco Groups, Dubai-2008

57. Artist.K.G.S.S. Nair, Muscat-2008

58. Mr. Vijayan Nair, Managing Director, Al-Ghusoor Int’l Groups-Abudhabi-2008

59. Smt. Zareena Asharaf, Dubai-2008

60. Adv. P.M. Sajid Aboobakar, Dubai-2008

61. Mr. Dileep Khan, Miracle Man, Dubai-2008

62. Brahmakumari’s Prajapathy Lekshmi Behan, Mysore-2008

63. Mr.Kris Gopalakrishnan, CEO, Infosys, Bangaloore-2008

64. Mr. N.S. Sasidharan Kartha, Managing Director, CMRL Aluva-2008

65. Dr. J. Rajamohan Pillai, Managing Director, JVS Group UK-2008

66. Mr. Gopu Nanthilath, Managing Director, Nanthilath Group Trissur. -2008

67. Mr. Kallingal Basheer, Managing Partner, Kallingal Group Tvm. -2008

68. Mr. Anil Nambiar, Surya TV-2008

69. Mr. Mukesh Nair, ND TV-2008

70.Matha Amrithanda Mayi, Amrithapuri-2009

71. Former Cultural Minister Sri. G. Karthikeyan-2009

72. Bishop Mar Mathew Arackal, Kanjirappally Diocese-2009

73. Mr. N.Jahangir, Managing Director, NEST Group-2009

74. Capt. George Kakkanat, Global General Secretary, WMC, USA-2009

75. Sri. Varghese Moolan, CEO, Moolans Group, Saudi Arabia-2009

76. Sri. Sabu Kurian, MD, St.Mary’s Int’l Consultancy, London, UK-2009

77. Sri. Tom George Kolath, Film Producer, Houston, USA-2009

78. Adv: Ripple Hamsa, Legal Consultant, Georgia, Russia-2009

79. Sri. K.P. Sasidharan, G.M, Dengo Emirates Shipping LLC. Dubai-2009

80. Sri. K.K.Noohkhan, MD, Veeyem Group, Dammam, SaudiArabia-2009

81. Sri. Jaison.P. Arampankudy, Director, Ayur Tours& Promoters Germany -2009

82. Sri. K.M. Mathew, Chief Editor, Malayalamanorama Kottayam -2009

83. Dr.K. Radhakrishnan, Director, VSSC, Tvm-2009

84. Sri. Aryadan Shoukath, Film Director, Nilambur-2009

85. Dr. Marthanda Pillai, CMD, Ananthapuri Hospital, Tvm-2009

86. Sri.P.V. Gangadharan, Director, KTC Group, Kozhikode-2009

87. Sri.G. Unnikrishna Kurup, MD, First First Flight Tours&Travels, Tvm-2009

88. Dr.Reji G. Nair, MD, Consumerfed, Govt.of Kerala-2009

AWARD WINNERS OF 2010

89. Sri. Oommen Chamdy (Former Chief Minister) - Karmaretna

90. Sri. M.V. Sreyamskumar MLA- The Man of Excellence

91. Sri. Shahal H. Musliyar (Chairman, TKM College Trust Kollam)- The Man of Vision

92. Sri. A. Younus Kunju Ex.MLA (Chairman, Fathima Memmorial Educational Trust Kollam)- Udyog Patra

93. T.K. Govindan Master (Chairman, Pariyaram Medical College) Sreyas

94.Col. Dr. D. Jaypaul (Commander, Salvation Army)-Spiritual Excellence

95. Smt. Geethu Mohan Das (Cini Artist)- Chalachithra Prathibha

96. Sri. Madathil R.Reghu (MD,Madathi Group, Dubai)- Karmasreshta

97. Dr. B. Govindan (Chairman, Bhima Group) -Sreyas

98. Baby Asna (Bala Prathibha)

99. Sri. Chaithram Mohan (MD, Scan Marineship Maintanance, Sharjah) Thilak

100. Sri. T.S. Kalyana Raman (Chairman, Kalyan Jewellers Group) Udyog Patra

101. Sri. P.C. Pillai (M.D. KSFE Ltd)- Sreyas

102. Sri. Saji Basheer (MD,SIDCO)- Udyog Patra

103. Sri. C.R.G. Nair (Priyadarsini Forum, Dubai)-Pramukh

104. Sri.V.S.Abdul Karim (CMD, Creative Tours & Travels Bombay)- Sreyas

105. Miss. Fousiya Younus (Young Poetress)- Prathibha

106. Dr. C.A. Raman - Udyog Patra

107. K. Rajagopal (Gel. Secretary, Pravasi Sangamam, Dubai)- Sreyas

AWARD WINNERS OF LAST YEAR (2011

108. Sri. V.S.Achuthanandan, Chief Minister of Kerala – The Man of Vision

109. Capt. Padmabooshan C.P. Krishnan Nair (Chairman, Leela Group) Man of Excellete

110. Sri. Jacob Punnoose IPS, DGP, Kerala, Karma Sreshta

111. Mr. Suresh Gopi, Film Actor, Chalachira Prathibha

112. Mr. Y. Sudheer Shetty, CEO, UAE Exchange, Abudhabi, Karma Retna

113. Mr. E.P. Moosa Haji, Chairman, Fathima Group, Abudhabi, Karma Sreshtha

114. Miss. Saranya Mohan, London Yuva Kala Prathibha

115. Fr. Daniel Kuzhithadathil, Spiritual Excellence

116. Capt. Stanley George, Newyork, Karma Retna

117. Mr.John Brittas, MD, Kairali TV Madhyama Sreyas

118. Mr.M.Raja, MD, Raja Steels, Coimbatore, Busines Man of The Year

119. Sri. Roy Enacherril, USA, Sreyas

120. Dr. Hilur Sainudeen CMD, Steps, Moscow, Sreyas

121. Sri. G. K. Pillai, President, FOKANA, USA, Pramukh

122. Mr.Saju Edakkau, Dubai, Thilak

123. Mr. Sasi Kumar. R. Nair, President Lions Club, Dubai, Udyog Pathra

124. Mr. Paul Karukapallil, USA, Udyog Pathra

125. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Chairman, Santhimadam Groups, Guruvayoor, Sreyas

126. Mr. N. Anwar, MD, Nihana Traders, Thiruvananthapuram, Thilak

127. Mr. K.K. Muhammed Ali, MD, Nisa Travels, New Delhi, Sreyas

128. Mr. N.Anand, Singapore, Udyog Pathra

129. Mr. Kelvin James, Dubai, Young Busines Man of The Year

130. Mr. Kulamuttam Asharf, Abudhabi, Sahithi

131. Dr. Shahul Hameed, MD, Airocis Aviation Academy, Kannur, Udyog Pathra

132. Smt. Leela Maret, Scientist, Newyork, Sreyas

133. Mr. C.P. Radhakrishnan, Banglore, Udyog Pathra

134. Dr. M.Suresh Kumar, MD, Kerala Feeds Ltd, Thrissur, Udyog Pathra

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Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations In Kerala

9^th January was declared as “Pravasi Bharathiya Diwas” by the Vajpayee Government in 2002, to honour Non-Resident Indians residing all over the world for their outstanding contribution for the welfare of our society. Every year on this day prominent NRIs are honoured with Pravasi Bharathiya Smman Awards by the President of India, in the colorful function held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. In Kerala also Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations are held every year since 2003 to honour prominent Keralite NRIs and other political and social leaders. The celebrations in Kerala are organized under the auspices of Pravasi Bharathi News Bulletin, the first Non-Resident Magazine published from Trivandrum, Pravasi Bharathiya Forum and NRI Co-Ordination Council, Kerala since last seven years. Pravasi Bharathi Forum and NRI Co-Ordination Council are NRI organizations which look after the problems of Keralite NRIs working abroad. A regional committee comprising of local social and political leaders is also formed to organize the celebrations.

We have been organising Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations in Kerala in a very successful manner since last nine years. During the tenth year celebrations in January, 2012 we would like to organize in a grand way by inviting all our Award Winners from allover the world, which numbers around 150 since last nine years and oraganising a grand get together for their family members. We are planning to organise a three day celebration from 9th to 11th January, 2012 by providing food to the inmates of Sree Chithra Poor Home, which is a well known orphanage in the capital city, on the first day afternoon and an inaugural function in the evening at Gandhi Part, East Fort, Trivandrum with the participation of political and social leaders. On the second day there will be different seminars in the city discussing the different aspects of rehabilitation of gulf returnees, role of Non Resident Keralites in the overall development of our state etc. On 11^th January, 2012 there will be a family get together for the family members of all our Award winners of the previous years in the morning session with a lunch in the afternoon. In the evening there will be a procession in the city including the award winners, political and social leaders from Vellayambalam to Mascot Hotel, Tvm which will be the venue for the valedictory function.

We also do several charity activities during the Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebration. We have already distributed more than 100 sewing machines to poor gulf returnees for self employment. We have distributed financial assistance to ailing gulf returnees and to poor students for their educational purpose.

The flow of educated and skilled labour from Kerala towards the Middle East and other countries started nearly five decades ago. The inflow of foreign currency to our country has helped a lot to improve the economic situation of the nation, especially the state of Kerala. There are millions of Keralites working abroad in different countries in the world, especially in the Middle East. The employment opportunities in the gulf has been a big relief to the severe unemployment problem in Kerala, with thousands of skilled labourers and professionals like Engineers, Doctors and Nurses, getting jobs in the Middle East.

Some of the youth with little education and technical knowledge from our state migrated to USA and Middle East and they have excelled in their fields and became successful entrepreneurs, who can be good models for the unemployed, educated youth of Kerala. Such hardworking people became millionaires in a short span of around two decades or less. During the last Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations in the previous years, we have encouraged such individuals with Pravasi Bharathiya Awards. They are little known in our society. Our Celebrations have brought out their stories of hard work and achievements to the public. Some of the individuals whom we have encouraged are Dr. Galfar Muhammed Ali, Sri. P.N.C Menon (Chairman, Sobha Developers), Sri. G.Sugathan (Indroyal), K.Muralidharan (Chairman, SFC Group, Abu Dhabi), Sri. Kris Gopalakrishnan(CEO, Infosys) etc.

We have honoured several political leaders also during the Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations in Kerala. In the year 2003, the first Pravasi Bharathi Kerala Award was presented to the former Chief Minister of Kerala Sri.E.K.Nayanar, for his outstanding contributions for the overall development of Kerala. In 2004 the award was given to Sri. M.M. Hassan. In the following years present State Ministers Sri. C. Divakaran and Sri. N. K. Premachandran also received awards form us. In 2007 former state minister and RSP State General Secretary Sri.K.Pankajakshan was honoured with Award. In 2008 former union Minister Sri. O. Rajagopal and in 2009 G.Karthikeyan (former minister) received Pravasi Bharathi Awards from us. In 2010 the Award was given to the then Leader of opposition Sri.Oommen Chandy and in 2011 the recipient for the Pravasi Bharathi Award for politicians was given to then Chief Minister of Kerala Sri.V.S.Achuthanandan.

In 2003, 2004 and 2005 the Celebrations were held in Trivandrum. In 2003, former Chief Secretary Dr. Babu Paul IAS and Senior most freedom fighter and well known Gandhian Sri. Jubba Ramakrishna Pillai inaugurated the function and distributed awards. In 2004, former Minister of State for Defence Sri. O. Rajagopal inaugurated the function and distributed awards. In 2005, former UN Ambassador Sri. T. P. Sreenivasan inaugurated the celebrations and distributed the awards. In 2006 the Pravasi Bharathi Celebrations were held in Ernakulam and Dr. Sebastian Paul M.P. inaugurated the function and distributed awards. In 2007 the Celebrations were held in Kannur and State Civil Supplies Minister Sri. C. Divakaran and Freedom Fighter Sri K. E. Mammen were the Chief guests who inaugurated the function and distributed awards. In 2008, the sixth Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations were held in Kozhikode and Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Sri K. Venkatapathy inaugurated the function and distributed awards for NRIs and other dignitaries. In 2009, the Celebrations were held in Trivandrum.

Pravasi Bharathi News Bulletin is an NRI Magazine Published from Trivandrum, since 2004, with 15,000 copies, out of which around 5,000 copies are sent to overseas including USA, Middle East, Europe and Australia. This Magazine is distributed among Central Ministers from Kerala, State Ministers, MPs, MLAs, NRIs, Gulf Returnees, Businessmen in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Pravasi Bharathi News Bulletin has always taken initiative to present the problems of the NRIs and Gulf Returnees before the Central and State Governments . It has also brought the success stories of several NRIs to the readers. Mr. S. Ahmed is the Chief Editor of Pravasi Bharathi News Bulletin.

Pravasi Bharathiya Forum is an NRI based platform, where Non-Resident Indians from different parts of the world come together to express their opinion in the social, economic and cultural aspects. Kadakkal Ramesh is the Convener for this Forum.

Regional committees are formed while conducting the Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations in a particular town. Prominent Personalities in the area are included in the committee for successfully conducting the Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations. MPs, MLAs, Mayor, Social leaders and businessman are also included in the committee. Support from different government organizations, nationalized banks and private business firms has always been very helpful for the success of Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations in the previous years.

We have honoured several prominent personalities from tourism, health, education, cultural and other areas also. Sri. Baby Mathew of Somatheeram, Sri. Gokulam Gopalan, Dr. Sahadulla of KIMS Hospital, Mr. K. Muraleedharan of SFC, Abu Dhabi, Dr. Asokan of SP Fort Hospital, Dr. S. A. Raja of Tamil Nadu, Mr.E.M.Najeeb, MD, ATE Group, Smt. Lekha Sreenivasan (wife of former Ambassador Sri. T.P. Sreenivasan), Smt. Latha Namboothiri of Kristal Group etc are some of the important personalities among them.

We honoured spiritual leaders like Lekshmi Behan of Brhmakumaris, Calicut in 2008 and Matha Amritanda Mayi and Bishop Mar Mathew Arackal of Kanjirappally Diocese in 2009.We honour personalities from IT sector also. Sri. Kris Gopalakrishnan, CEO and MD of Infosys was honoured with Pravasi Bharathi Kerala awards in 2008. In 2009 Sri. N.Jehangir, Managing Director of NEST group was honoured with award from the IT sector. Prominent NRI Businessmen Sri. Vijayan Thomas and Anil Nambiar of Surya TV were also honoured with Pravasi Bharathi award in 2008.

Ours is the only organization in Kerala, which celebrates Pravasi Bharathiya Diwas every year, since 2003. In 2009 the inaugural function was inaugurated by former Chief Minister of Kerala, Sri.Oommen Chandy at Gandhi Park, Trivandrum. Matha Amritanada Mayi, Dr.K.Radhakrishnan (Present Chairman, ISRO), N.Jahangir(MD NEST Group), Varghese Moolan (Saudi Arabi), Sabu Kurian(London), George Kakkanatt(USA), Tom George Kolath(USA) were some of the prominent personalities who received awards from us last year.

In the year 2010, 8^th Pravasi Bharathi Day celebrations were held in Trivandrum on 9^th, 10^th and 11^th January, 2010. The inaugural function was held on 9^th January at Gandhi Park, East Fort, Trivandrum, which was inaugurated by Hon. Minister for Law & Youth Affairs, Sri.M.Vijayakumar. Justice D. Sreedevi, Chirperson of Women’s Commission was the Chief Guest of the day. Adv.P.Ramachandran Nair (District Secretary, CPI), Sri.T.Sarathchandra Prasad Ex MLA, Sri. S.Sivankutty (District President, BJP) were the other dignitaries present on the occasion. Six students from Chathannoor Govt. Higher Secondary school, Paravoor Sri Narayana Higher Secondary School and Kalady Boys Govt. Higher secondary school who won first prize in the Balachalachitrotsavam organized by Govt. of Kerala was honoured in the function and were given mementos by Justice D. Sreedevi.

The valedictory function was held on 11^th January, 2010 at Mascot Hotel, Trivandrum in which several NRIs from different parts of the world were honoured with Pravasi Bharathi (Kerala) Awards. Several political , social and cultural leaders and business were also honoured in the function. His highness Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma was the Chief Guest. Sri. V.Surendran Pillai MLA, Sri.E.M.Najeeb (MD, ATE Group), Sri.N.Balagopal (Chairman, KEDES), Sri.Noushad Punnathala (President, Kollam Pravasi Sangham, Dubai) were also present at the function.

Pravasi Bharathi (Kerala) Awards were distributed by His Highness Uthradaom Thirunal Marthanda Varma Maharaja. In 2010 the prominent award winners were Sri.Oommen Chandy (Former chief minister of Kerala), Sri. M.V.Sreyams Kumar MLA, Sri.Shahal S.Musaliyar (President, TKM Group, Kollam), Sri.A.Younus Kunju Ex MLA (Chairman, Younus College of Engineering, Kollam), Sri.T.K.Govindan Master (Chairman, Pariyaram Medical Colege), Col.D.Jayapaul, Smt.Geethu Mohandas, Sri.Madathil Raghu, Dr.B.Govindan (Chairman, Bhima Group), Kumari Asna Aslam, Sri.T.S.Kalyanaraman (Chairman, kalian Group), Sri.P.C.Pillai (MD, KSFE), Sri.Saji Basheer (MD, SIDCO), Sri.C.R.G.Nair, (Priyadarshini, Dubai), Sri.V.S.Abdul Karim,( MD, Creative Group), Sri.Chaithram Mohan (Dubai), Fousiya Younus, Dr.C.A.Raman (Somatheeram Resort) and Sri.K.Rajagopal (Dubai).

Kumari Asna Aslam, who is blind by birth was given financial assistance for treatment by Sri.T.S.Kalayanaraman and Sri.Younus Kunju in the function. Sri.Kalyanaraman offered One Lakh Rupees for the expenses for her eye operation. The valedictory function was well attended by several prominent persons from different walks of the society.

9^th Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations were held in Mascot Hotel, Trivandrum on 11^th January, 2011 in which Kerala Ministers Sri.N.K.Premachandran, Sri.V.Surendran Pillai and Sri.Kadannappally Ramachandran were present along with worshipful Mayor of Trivandrum Adv.K.Chandrika. The prominent Award winners were Sri.V.S.Achuthanadan (Former Chief Minister of Kerala), DGP Jacob Punnoose, actor Suresh Gopi, John Brittas, Capt.Krishnan Nair, Mr.Sudheer Shetty (COO, UAE Exchange), Mr.G.K.Pillai (President of FOKANA), Dr.Leela Maret (USA), Dr.S.Radhakrishnan (Chairman, Santhimadom Builders), E.P.Moosa Haji (Abudhabi), M.Raja (MD, Raja Steel, Coimbatore), Fr.Daniel Kuzhithadathil etc.

10^th Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations in Kerala will be organized in Trivandrum from 9^th to 11^th January, 2012. NRIs from all over the world are expected to participate on this prestigious occasion. Political and social leaders, businessmen, educationalists, cine artists and literary leaders will be honoured in the function. Leaders from FOKANA, USA, World Malayalee Council, NRIs from London, Moscow and UAE are expected to participate in this celebration.

By honouring leaders of global organizations like FOKANA, World Malayalee Council, Global Malayalee Council, United German Malayalee Association, Manchester Malayalee Association in UK and other Gulf based organizations with Awards, we have attained world appreciation also. The government and the public appreciate our initiative for encouraging the NRIs from Kerala, who play a vital role in the economic development of our state. We are always grateful to the government and private agencies, who have supported us during these years for successfully conducting the Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations in Kerala.

Kadakkal Ramesh

Chief Co-ordinator, Pravasi Bharathi Day Celebrations 2012 in Kerala

Mob:0091 9387801535

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