[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 173 (Thursday, November 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO BHAVANI K.D. KAKANI FOR RECEIVING THE 2007 ARTHRITIS 
                            FOUNDATION AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR.

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 8, 2007

  Mr. CRAMER. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today 
to congratulate my friend, Mrs. Bhavani Kakani of Huntsville, Alabama, 
for receiving the 2007 Arthritis Foundation Humanitarian Award. This 
award is given annually to a person in the Huntsville community who has 
displayed exemplary community leadership.
  Mrs. Kakani is a distinguished community advocate and civic volunteer 
who has given countless hours to numerous community and state-wide 
organizations and boards. In these roles, she has led efforts to raise 
funds and awareness for health programs across our State, including 
ending child abuse and neglect, and inspiring self-worth and confidence 
in young women. In addition, I have worked directly with Mrs. Kakani 
through her many years of service on the National Children's Advocacy 
Center's board of directors.
  Mrs. Kakani is the cofounder and president of the AshaKiran, a non-
profit organization dedicated to educating, empathizing, and empowering 
foreign born immigrants. Since its founding, AshaKiran has provided 
multilingual, multicultural, and crisis referral services to numerous 
individuals in North Alabama.
  Madam Speaker, in addition to her remarkable advocacy across the 
community, she has worked with the Intergraph Corporation, as a 
registered cytologist technician, and office manager for her husband's 
medical practice. Mrs. Kakani and her husband, Dr. Rao Kakani, have 
also raised three children.
  Madam Speaker, Bhavani Kakani's leadership and her strong dedication 
to the community should serve as a model for others to follow. On 
behalf of the people of North Alabama, I congratulate Mrs. Kakani for 
being named the 2007 Arthritis Foundation Humanitarian Award Winner.

                          ____________________