The Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center honored nine individuals for their professional achievements and community contributions during its 34th annual awards dinner on October 24, in Elmont, New York.
Held at the Kerala Center’s auditorium, the ceremony recognized work in political leadership, medicine, nursing, applied science, performing arts, community service, education, Malayalam literature and public service, according to a statement from the organization.
The honorees included legislator and keynote speaker Anant Nambiar, Dr. Joe Verghese, Dr. Beena S. Peters, Dr. Girish Kumar Panicker, T. S. Nandakumar, Sibi David, Prince Johnson and Jose Cheripuram. The center also recognized Inspector Shibu Madhu, a 2025 award recipient who was unable to attend last year’s ceremony.
Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages and former state Sen. Kevin Thomas attended, delivered remarks and participated in the award presentations.
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Board member and program convener Jeswin Samuel opened the program and introduced emcee Daisy Stephen Pallipparambil. Bailey Stephen sang the U.S. national anthem, followed by Bincy Cherian’s rendition of the Indian national anthem. Kerala Center President Alex K. Esthappan welcomed attendees and outlined the organization’s activities and goals.
Trustee Board Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham also addressed the gathering. Dr. Madhu Bhaskaran, chairman of the board and awards committee, explained the selection process and introduced Nambiar, who received the political leadership award.
In his keynote address, Nambiar urged Indian Americans to participate in their neighborhoods and the U.S. political process, emphasizing civic engagement alongside economic opportunity, according to the statement. Varkey Abraham, the center’s grand patron and a trustee, presented his award.
Verghese, recognized for medicine, is chair and distinguished university professor of neurology at Stony Brook University. He coordinates the National Institutes of Health-funded Akkare study, which examines the effects of migration on cognition among Kerala Americans. Youth Forum Treasurer Joel Thomas introduced him, and Dr. Thomas Abraham presented the award.
Peters received the nursing leadership award. She previously served as system chief nursing executive at Cook County Health and is co-founder and chief clinical officer of health technology company HRTLY Inc. Awards committee member Dr. Marilyn George introduced her, and Bhaskaran presented the award.
Panicker, honored for applied science, is a tenured professor of plant and soil sciences and director of the USDA Conservation Research Center at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. His research includes the cover and management factor, known as the C-factor, in horticultural crops. Past honoree Joharath Kutty introduced him, and trustee Dr. Unni Moopan presented the award.
Nandakumar, also known as Bombay Nandakumar, received the performing arts award. A mridangam artist, educator, composer and author, he is a recipient of India’s Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and founder of TSN’s Percussive Arts Centre in New Jersey. Kerala Center member Shynu Geevargheese introduced him, and Executive Director Abraham Philip presented the award.
David was recognized for four decades of involvement in community service, Kerala’s arts and culture, and humanitarian initiatives. According to the statement, he established Art 4 Life to support underprivileged children in Kerala and created opportunities for artists and young performers. Youth Forum Secretary Samuel Joseph introduced him, and board member Jose Kadapuaram presented the award.
Johnson, a veteran educator with 27 years of experience, received the education award. His honors include the 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year award and the 2025 Gilder Lehrman New York History Teacher of the Year award. Past Kerala Center honoree Dr. Anna George introduced him, and board member and former FOMAA President Baby Uralil presented the award.
Cheripuram received the Pravasi Malayalam literature award for his work as a poet, humorist and author. Active in literary organizations including Sarggavedi and LANA, he has published two books and contributes poetry, humor and articles to print and online publications. Youth Forum member Amey Cheripuram introduced him, and Kerala Center member J. Mathews presented the award.
Madhu was recognized for government and public service. According to the center’s statement, he is the first Indian American to attain the rank of inspector in the New York Police Department. Joel Thomas introduced him, and trustee Appen Menon presented the award.
Souvenir committee Chair Mary Philip released the event’s commemorative publication by presenting a copy to Sarggavedi Coordinator Manohar Thomas, joined by committee members Jose Kadappuram and Mathew Vazhappally.
Representatives of community organizations, including Pioneer Club, Sarggavedi, GOPIO, FOKANA and FOMAA, attended the ceremony.
Kerala Center officeholders Abraham Thomas, John Paul, Mathew Vazhappally and Jason Geevarghese coordinated the program. Cultural performances included songs by Tahseen, Bincy and Prem Krishnan, along with dances by artists from a group coordinated by Dr. Madhu Pillai.
Secretary Raju Thomas thanked attendees, sponsors and organizers.
