Eminent Indian American physician and philanthropist Dr Sudhir Parikh, who was awarded with the prestigious Padam Shri this year, has been recognised in the US Congress for his extraordinary contribution.
"I applaud Dr Parikh's achievements and dedication and recognize his work as it serves as an inspiration to us all," influential US Congressman Frank Pallone said in his remarks in the US House of Representatives.
"Madam Speaker, please join me in leading this body in acknowledgement of the extraordinary contributions of Dr Sudhir Parikh. He is a greatly valued citizen of the state of New Jersey, and I am honoured to recognize him today," Pallone said.
A nationally acclaimed and respected allergist and immunologist, Dr Parikh, the Congressman said has used his time, money and influence to advance the goals of the Indian
American and Indian communities.
With the Padma Shri award, Dr Parikh becomes the only Indian American to receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honour, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the Congressman said.
The Ellis Island Medal is the highest civilian honour presented to a US immigrant for community and social service.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award is the highest honour the Government of India presents to non-residents.
"Publisher of Parikh Worldwide Media, the largest Indian American publishing group in the US, Dr Parikh's priority is to use the media to empower second-generation Indians assimilating to American society," Pallone said.
"His work with the media has a dual purpose: to expose mainstream America to the accomplishments and quality of the Indian American community and to encourage young people to pursue the American Dream," the New Jersey Congressman said in his remarks.
Pallone said Dr Parikh has also helped construct an influential Indian American lobbying force in Washington, arranged several high-level meetings between US and Indian lawmakers and secured critical votes on multiple Indian
issues.
"Dr Parikh has worked closely with members of both houses of Congress and the Administration to develop a close, strategic relationship between US and India," Pallone said.
The New Jersey Congressman in his remarks in the House of Representative said, under his guidance, the Friends of India Caucus was created in the Senate.
"Dr Parikh was also actively involved in the US-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement," Pallone said, adding that he currently serves as founding board member and vice chairman of the Indian American Republican Council, president of the
Indian American Forum for Political Education and the board of the Federation of Indian Associations.
"As a community activist, Dr Parikh has donated to charitable organisations in both US and India.
Most notably, he accompanied former President Bill Clinton to Gujarat in 2001 following the devastating earthquake and in 2004 launched a humanitarian programme to help tsunami victims," Pallone said.
"Dr Parikh has worked to establish trauma centres in India and supports the One Teacher School in tribal regions.
Moreover, Dr Parikh has donated considerably to the Indian Independence Day Parade, the American India Foundation, Share and Care, and the Nargis Dutt Foundation.
Dr Parikh is one of the largest benefactors of both the Vraj Temple and the Vaishnavaite Temple," Pallone said.