Tags: Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce, Chennai, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, India Vision Foundation, Just a Minute of Peace Organization, Kathleen Kennedy, Kripari Marketing, Maryland, National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations, New Delhi, Pam Kwatra, USA

Pam Kwatra – one of the seven Indians and the only Indian woman recipient of this Award

Chennai 16th May 2008: Pam Kwatra – a respected community leader and Founder/President of Kripari Marketing received America’s singular honor for immigrants on Sunday May 10th. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award is given to men and women who have significant contributions to enriching the lives of all in America. This was presented by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO), at glittering award ceremony held at the great hall in Ellis Island, New York.

The Award – Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award recognizes outstanding citizens of diverse origins in recognition of their humanitarian work and for building the bridge between the two communities – the community of their homeland and the community of their new home-USA. The Ellis Island sits near the Statue of Liberty and represents the first entry point for all immigrants to the USA in early part of the 18th and 19th century.

Pam Kwatra, one of the seven Indians and only Indian woman recipient of this Award received this Honor for all the selfless work she has performed for many years in her personal and professional capacity. She has personally supported many Indian women in the USA who were victims of domestic violence for years and provided them assistance and counseling during their crucial rehabilitation period.

Pam Kwatra Founder & President of Kripari Marketing said, “This award comes at a time when I had completed 30 years of dedicated community service. America has been very good to my family and me. I owe this award to the Indian-American community who have welcomed and nurtured all my ideas. India is a global superpower today – a real superstar. To see the confidence of Indians all over the world and the growing respect they command in every walk of life makes me feel incredibly proud. My activities have grown alongside the community that has earned every inch of its success and respect in the USA. To be an Indian today is a proud statement of civilisations that has come of age. I am proud of being an Indian and an American.

Today, race and origin play and increasing role in defining who we are. This moment of receiving the ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL OF HONOUR is symbolic of an immigrant woman’s achievement in a land that recognizes hard work and opportunity.”

The other six Indians who received the award are Sampat S. Shivangi, obstetrician-gynecologist; Dhiraj H. Shah, retired radiologist; Bhupendra Patel, ophthalmic plastic and facial cosmetic surgeon; Mukesh Patel, entrepreneur; Nadadur Vardhan, entrepreneurs and Samir Chaudhuri, director of the Child in Need Institute.

Past recipients of this Ellis Island Medal of Honor include six Presidents of the United States including Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, Nobel Prize Winners, Famous Athletes, Political Leaders, FORTUNE 500 CEOs, in addition to artistes and musicians whose work has made a lasting impact on humanity at large. Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Phil have also been the proud recipients of the same. Ellis Island is a living tribute to the courage and hope of all immigrants, who have built America.

About Pam Kwatra

Ms. Kwatra sits on the Boards of Several Organizations like India Vision Foundation, Just a Minute of Peace Organization (affiliated with the United Nations), Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce. She is on the Board and Chairs South Asian Business Alliance Network in the East Coast.

Pam Kwatra, a native on New Delhi, was nominated for this honor by Kathleen Kennedy, the eldest daughter of Senator Robert Kennedy. Kathleen Kennedy was the Lt Governor of the State of Maryland for 12 years

For further details please contact:

Ms. Pam Kwatra – kripari {at} aol(.)com

Phone 001-201-788-1105.