[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  REMEMBERING NIKHIL BADLANI FOR HIS TALENTS, PASSIONS, KINDNESS, AND 
       LASTING MEMORY IN NEW JERSEY'S 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

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                          HON. MIKIE SHERRILL

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2021

  Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Nikhil Badlani, a 
talented and compassionate 11-year old boy from West Orange, NJ whose 
enthusiasm and laughter brought joy to all who met him.
  Nikhil was an excellent student. He received straight A's and had an 
advanced understanding of science and math. From the time he was three 
years old, Nikhil knew all there was to know about dinosaurs and he 
brought his passion and curiosity for understanding the world into the 
classroom.
  Beyond his studies, Nikhil was a talented musician and at the age of 
11 he was already excelling at both the piano and trumpet. His talent 
was undeniable and he was accepted to play trumpet with the Youth 
Orchestras of Essex County. Nikhil also loved the theater and he was a 
captivating actor.
  It is impossible to fathom that on June 11, 2011 Nikhil was 
tragically killed when a distracted driver failed to stop at a stop 
sign. Nikhil is fondly remembered by his friends and family for his 
talent, energy, and kindness. Nikhil's life inspired his family to 
create the Nikhil Badlani Foundation in his honor, which provides 
lessons for musicians, scholarships for graduating seniors and brings 
traffic safety awareness and advocacy to our community.
  In the years since his passing, community members have come together 
to celebrate his life and promote traffic safety in his honor. As this 
year marks ten years since that tragic day, South Orange Township will 
commemorate this milestone with a moment of silence at the crash site 
before unveiling its new name, ``Nikhil's Way.'' Nikhil will never be 
forgotten.

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