[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E171]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF DR. SUDHIR PARIKH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 2006

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Congressman Joe Crowley (NY) 
and myself, I rise today to congratulate a Dr. Sudhir Parikh, a 
prominent Indian-American physician, activist and philanthropist, who 
was selected earlier this year to receive the prestigious Pravasi 
Bharatiya Samman Award for 2006, the highest civilian honor bestowed by 
India on non-resident Indians.
  Every year, the Government of India nominates extremely worthy and 
valuable members of the non-resident community for this award who have 
made a difference to global well-being. It is clear that Dr. Parikh was 
chosen on his strong credentials.
  Dr. Sudhir Parikh, who migrated to the United States in the late 
1970s and is a reputed allergist in the tri-state area of New York, New 
Jersey and Connecticut, has made a significant difference in U.S.-India 
relations in the past several years. Dr. Parikh is a former president 
of the nationally recognized American Association of Physicians of 
Indian Origin, as well as a former president of the Indian American 
Forum for Political Education. He used these prominent organizations to 
promote Indian-American issues in Congress and to raise awareness 
within the Indian community. Today, he serves as president to the 
Federation of Indian Associations, continuing his critical role in 
bringing our two countries together.
  He has contributed more than $2 million individually to various 
causes from cancer research to tsunami relief and rehabilitation of 
earthquake victims in Gujarat. Besides his individual efforts, Dr. 
Parikh also joined with organizations like the American Indian 
Foundation, Share & Care, the Nargis Dutt Cancer Foundation and the Art 
of Living Foundation to raise funds.
  As members of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, 
we are pleased to have a friend like Sudhir, who has helped 
tremendously in building the membership of the Caucus and helped set up 
a new caucus in the U.S. Senate. He is a tireless advocate for the 
Indian community's interests and the global interests of India.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Parikh is an asset to the Indian American community 
and his efforts are deserving of this great award. Sudhir fully 
embodies the commitment and values that the NRI Award represents.

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