9th GARSHOM AWARDS- AWARDEE PROFILES

Dr. GEORGE M KAKKANATT
Houston, USA

Dr. George M. Kakkanatt is a leader whose presence is very prominently felt in the political, social and community service arena in the United States of America where he currently resides. His role as a community leader actively involved in various organizations with activities that even go beyond the outlines of the Keralite community qualifies him for being bestowed the Garshom Pravasi Ratna Award. Dr. George, a psychotherapist is also the Managing Director and Editor in Chief of Azhchavattom Malayalam News Weekly, which publishes a weekly journal pertaining to news from India and USA, about Indians in USA. He is one of the founding members of the World Malayalee Council. He is actively involved with various associations and organizations. He has won several awards and accolades. He is originally from Thiruvalla, Kerala currently residing in Sugar Land, Texas, USA.

VALSALA RAJARAM
Malaysia

Mrs. Valsala Rajaram is a widely traveled woman and has to her credit assorted leadership assignments with several charitable organizations. She has been honoured with awards and accolades for her selfless work bringing solace to the needy and suffering. She holds offices in several associations. A woman who does yoga, hits the gym and loves trekking, her family hails from Neyyattinkara while she is a Malaysian citizen. She is the wife of former ambassador of Malaysia who has served in several countries.

ANTOCHEN THOMAS
Hyderabad, India

Mr. Antochen Thomas is an entrepreneur who has had a successful streak with varied business ventures at such a young age. He is the Chairman and Managing Director of ORLE Holdings Pte Limited (Singapore) and Director of ProXS Infocomm Limited, Chennai. ProXS Infocomm Limited largest digital infrastructure company with offices in India and Abroad. He is also the Member of the Board of Directors in several other businesses. This enterprising young man holds Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and MBA from Japan. He is involved with philanthropical activities. He hails from Changanasserry, Kerala and is a resident of Hyderabad.

Garshom Pravasi Returnee Award 

Dr. JOHNSON C LUKOSE
Kochi, India

After having returned from USA where he spent 11 years, Dr. Johnson Lukose entered the education sector starting Dawn International School at Kochi. The school serves the need for enhanced quality in education meeting global standards attracting students from among the NRI community and foreign nationals. Dr. Johnson also manages Phoenix Public School at Kodungallur. He holds a doctorate in Human Service Management from Shivaji University, Kolhapur. His vision for the future include Dawn International CBSE School in Kochi, Dawn International Institute of Management where London University’s courses will be offered, a school in the middle east, hotels and resorts and housing development.

Garshom Special Jury Award
  

SATHEESAN GOPALAN
Malaysia

Mr. Satheesan Gopalan rose from a humble beginning as a life insurance agent to become a Group Sales Manager. His outstanding managerial quality has won him numerous accolades. He is also one of Malaysia’s most outstanding Insurance Consultant. His industry achievements are laudable. He has been accorded several awards internationally as well. He is active in community work and is associated with Malayalee associations in Malaysia. His family moved to Malaysia from Trivandrum in 1953.

Garshom Best Malayalee Association Award
 

CONFEDERATION OF TAMIL NADU MALAYALEE ASSOCIATION- CTMA
Chennai, India

Confederation of Tamil Nadu Malayalee Associations (CTMA) brings together all Malayalee associations based in Tamil Nadu. CTMA is a conglomerate consisting over 100 associations. CTMA is involved in social activism, social support mediations and interventions on behalf of Malayalees in Tamil Nadu, educational support services and counseling services to the needy and the poor. CTMA has brought to the attention of authorities several issues that concern Malayalees and the general public and sought intervention of the governments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and have been successful in finding solutions, thus providing relief to the suffering public and the community.

GARSHOM AWARDS