3rd GARSHOM AWARDS: AWARDEE PROFILES
Garshom Pravasi Ratna Award
ANDREW PAPPACHAN
USA
Mr. Andrew Pappachan, who migrated to New Jersey, USA from Kollatt, Kottayam district in 1973 is a Manager in Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation. A founder member of the World Malayalee Council, he is currently the Global Chairman of the organisation. It is under his leadership that programmes have been implemented to reach financial aid from non resident Keralites to the economically weaker sections of Kerala. His efforts to bring Malayalees spread all over the world under a common umbrella is praiseworthy.
Garshom Yuva Pravasi Award
ABDULLA MANJERI
Dammam
Mr. Abdulla Manjeri, a prominent young face of all social service activities among the NRKs especially the Gulf Malyalees is a member of the Kureekal family of Malappuram district. He came to Saudi Arabia in 1993 and is the General Manager of Al-Mausa Chemical Industries in Damam. Mr. Abdulla, who is actively involved with many global Malayalee associations is the youngest person to be selected the Managing Committee Chairman of Damam International Indian School. His contributions towards conserving the Kerala culture and heritage and passing them on to the new generation is noteworthy. He is also the founder of Aaj-Tech Chemical Company of Bahrain.
Garshom Pravasi Returnee Award
PAUL JOSE
Kochi, India
Mr. Paul Jose, selected for the Garshom Pravasi Returnee Award returned to Kerala after spending 20 years in the gulf countries. He is the Managing Director of Vanilco which is the largest processor of Vanilla in India. It was the valuable experience gained from working abroad that stood by him while bringing together over 1500 Vanilla farmers who were facing a crisis due to the fall in prices and forming Vanilco. He is also the Managing Director of Money2000 Financial Services started in 1996 at Kochi.
