Andrew Pappachen, a prominent Indian American community leader, was honored with the 2025 Good Samaritan Award by the Global Malayalee Christian Forum during a solemn ceremony held at the Kochi Ramada Inn on January 17, 2026.

The prestigious recognition honors Pappachen’s unwavering commitment to the Indian diaspora and acknowledges more than three decades of “sustained service and leadership” within the community.

In a separate event marked by warmth and nostalgia, Pappachen was also felicitated by his classmates and professors from CMS College, Kottayam. The recent gathering celebrated his enduring contributions to the global Malayalee community and brought together friends, mentors, and supporters from his formative years.

Renowned writer Prof. S. Sivadas, classmate Rev. Dr. K.M. George, and faculty members Dr. George Cherian, Dr. Joseph Cherian, Dr. Mary Kuruvilla, Prof. Parvathy, Thomas Job, and Prof. John honored Pappachen with a ceremonial shawl, symbolizing their respect and admiration.

Expressing his gratitude, Pappachen described the recognition as the “greatest honor” of his life, underscoring the humility and pride he felt in receiving such accolades from both his professional community and his alma mater, according to a statement.

Pappachen’s journey began in Kerala, India, where he earned a master’s degree in chemistry from Kerala University. After migrating to the United States in 1973, he pursued further studies, obtaining a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey. He later completed doctoral-level coursework and earned Mini Masters Degrees in Water Pollution and Air Pollution, along with a degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University.

His professional career spans 47 years in government service. From 1974 to 2018, Pappachen worked for the City of Newark, New Jersey, holding senior roles including Chief Engineer, Director of Operations at the Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation, and Director of Public Works. Between 2012 and 2019, he served as Environmental Commissioner in Montville Township, where he continues to reside.

Currently, Pappachen works as an Environmental Consultant and is certified by the State of New Jersey as a water distribution system and water treatment operator. Since 2000, he has also served as an Adjunct Professor, teaching courses in water pollution, water and wastewater treatment, and environmental regulations.

An accomplished author, Pappachen has published several books in both English and Malayalam. His English titles include Love With The Ghost, A Journey Alone, Rays of Light From The Darkness of A Prison Cell, Zero to Infinity, and Story of Achu. His Malayalam works, published by Prabath Book House in Thiruvananthapuram, include Thalamurakalethedi, Theerdhadanathintte Kadha, Eruttil Ninnu Velichathilaekku, and Sophi.

Beyond academia and literature, Pappachen has played a pivotal role in numerous community organizations. He is the founder, former Global President, and chairman of the World Malayalee Council, and has held leadership positions with the Kerala Center New York, Asian American Heritage Council, Asia Society, and the Festival of People in New Jersey. His contributions have been recognized by organizations including the Asian American Political Coalition, Federation of Indian Associations, Kerala Center New York, Staten Island Malayalee Association, Kerala Cultural Association, and YMCA.

Guided by a vision to unite Malayalees worldwide, Pappachen founded the World Malayalee Voice and has worked consistently to foster communication and preserve Malayalee identity across generations.

He is the son of Korah and Lucy Andrews of Kollad, Kerala. His wife, Somini, is from Vadavathoor, Kottayam. Their daughter, Simmy, is an executive in healthcare management, and their son, Kevin, manages fraud investigations at a New Jersey bank. Kevin’s wife, Grace, and their daughter, Anna, complete the family.

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