[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF PRABHAKAR SHUKLA: AN EXEMPLARY INDIVIDUAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very distinguished 
and outstanding individual from my district. Prabhakar R. Shukla has 
been a devoted father and an extraordinary individual who has inspired 
many of his fellow community members.
  Mr. Shukla was born in the small village of Saras in Gujarat, India. 
He grew up in Saras working on his family farm while receiving his 
education. At the age of 12, he was sent to boarding school to pursue 
further studies and earned a bachelors degree in physics and chemistry, 
a law degree and an education degree. He also received a Vishard, an 
advanced degree in Hindi and Sanskrit from Beneras Hindu University. In 
1958, he married a wonderful woman, Hasumati, and had one son. In 1962, 
he left India to work as a principal at a high school in Africa for 4 
years and then worked in England as a teacher for 6 years. In 1970, he 
came to the United States with his family working as a substitute 
teacher, salesman, and insurance agent. Through hard work and 
dedication, he became a full time teacher. For the past 16 years, he 
has taught physics and chemistry at East Orange High School, has been 
chairman of the science department, and has been recognized as an 
outstanding teacher.
  As an active member of his community, Mr. Shukla has sought to 
contribute to the vitality of Hudson County and its residents. He is a 
member of the North Bergen Planning Board, the Hudson County 
Commissioner of Human Relations and a member of the Hudson County 
Vicarage Advisory Committee. He is a founder and life member of the 
Hindu Cultural Society, India Cultural Society, Hindu Mandir and Bharat 
Cultural Society. In addition, he serves as the chairman of the board 
of trustees for the Bharat Cultural Society and the Brahmin Samaj.
  Prabhakar Shukla is well respected by his friends, students, and 
neighbors. He has distinguished himself with his contributions to the 
citizens of New Jersey. His success is proof that America is a land of 
opportunity for all those willing to seize it. I ask that my colleagues 
join me in honoring this outstanding individual.

                          ____________________