[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 58 (Friday, May 12, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E810]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF MR. NIRANJAN S. SHAH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2006

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Niranjan 
S. Shah, a prominent Indian-American businessman, activist, and 
philanthropist, who was one of the few selected to receive the 
prestigious 2006 Ellis Island Medals of Honor. This award is presented 
to influential leaders of various fields and ethnic backgrounds who 
contribute greatly to American society. Established in 1986 by the 
National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO), the Ellis Island 
Medals of Honor pay tribute to the heritage of those groups that 
comprise America's unique cultural mosaic and extraordinary individual 
achievement. Past medalists include six U.S. Presidents as well as 
Nobel Prize winners and leaders of industry, education, the arts, 
sports and government.
  As a young man growing up in India, Mr. Shah was an academic standout 
obtaining his bachelor's degree in engineering from Sardar Patel 
University. After the completion of his studies in India he was given 
the opportunity to pursue a Master's degree in the United States, a big 
move for a young man from India. With the support of his family and his 
village, Mr. Shah left India for America and successfully obtained his 
Master's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of 
Mississippi. After receiving his Master's degree he supplemented his 
engineering education with the Harvard Business School Executive 
Management program. With this incredible wealth of education a lack 
opportunities still existed for a young Indian. So Mr. Shah went 
forward with his own American dream and decided to go it on his own and 
create what is now a thriving engineering firm. He is well known in his 
adopted hometown of Chicago for his engineering success. Any American 
who has flown through O'Hare International Airport, or has attended a 
convention at McCormick Place has seen first hand the work of Niranjan 
Shah and his engineering firm.
  The spirit of making a better life was not limited to just himself 
but pushed him to provide assistance to those less fortunate than 
himself. Mr. Shah's generosity was extended to small villages in India 
and he has worked tirelessly to create a better U.S. Indo relationship. 
Mr. Shah is one of the few Americans who was also recognized this 
winter by the President of India through the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman 
award, the highest Indian civilian award to be given to people of 
Indian origin, to recognize the contributions of the Indian Diaspora to 
India.
  Mr. Speaker, Niranjan is an asset to the United States and his 
efforts are deserving of this prestigious award. Mr. Shah fully 
embodies the commitment and values that the Ellis Island Medal of Honor 
represents. Mr. Shah will receive this honor joined by his loving wife 
Pratima, and his two children Smita and Ajay. It is an honor for me to 
recognize this great American today.




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