GARSHOM PRAVSI RATNA AWARD 2024
Mr Santhosh Kumaar Ketteth, a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist from Kerala, India, is the recipient of the prestigious Garshom Pravasi Ratna Award. Originating from Ketteth House in Edappally, Ernakulam, Santhosh now resides in the UAE with his wife, Mrs. Anita Santhosh. They have two children, Dr. Akash Santhosh and Gangha Santhosh.
Born into a family rooted in community values and entrepreneurial ambition, Santhosh was instilled with the principles of hard work, innovation, and service from an early age. His exposure to these values laid a strong foundation for his future achievements in both business and philanthropy. After pursuing formal education in business administration, Santhosh developed the skills necessary to thrive in complex professional environments, establishing a successful career and a respected reputation in his fields of interest.
Santhosh is the Managing Director of Polychem Middle East LLC, a UAE-based company specializing in the manufacturing and trading of fiberglass raw materials. His professional journey spans several industries, with his expertise and contributions extending into composite engineering materials, healthcare, and hospitality. As the Chairman of Mangrove Heritage Home Resorts in Kerala and a Director of the Advanced Care Medical Centre & Pharmacy Group, Santhosh has made significant impacts across multiple sectors, balancing his business pursuits with a commitment to community advancement.
Alongside his business ventures, Santhosh has shown exceptional dedication to community service through his longstanding involvement with Lions Club International and the World Malayalee Council. He has held numerous leadership roles within these organizations, including serving as Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Dubai Oasis Lions Club, and is currently the Zonal Chairperson for the Middle East region. His role within the World Malayalee Council is equally prominent; he has served as Charter President of the WMC UAQ Province and now leads as Chairman of the WMC Middle East Region.
His commitment to community welfare is further demonstrated through his philanthropic work. As the Advisory Board Chairman of the APJ Abdul Kalam International Tribal School in Attapadi, Palakkad, and as the Chairman of the Ketteth Foundation Charitable Trust in Edappally, Santhosh actively promotes education, cultural preservation, and social welfare initiatives. His dedication to these causes reflects a vision for providing resources and opportunities to underserved communities, aiming to make a meaningful difference.
Mr. Santhosh Kumar Ketteth’s contributions have been widely recognized, earning him numerous prestigious awards, including the Pravasi Bharti (Kerala) Karma Sreyas Award in 2018, the Mahatma Gandhi Karma Shreshta Award in 2022, and the Visionary Leader Award for Best Local Brand in the UAE in 2023. His outstanding service and leadership in the Lions Club were also acknowledged with the President’s Club Excellence Award in 2021-2022.
Through his multifaceted career, philanthropic initiatives, and dedication to community service, Santhosh Kumar Ketteth exemplifies true leadership. His life’s work shows that success, when combined with compassion, has the potential to bring lasting, positive change to society. He continues to inspire his community and the broader diaspora, setting a standard for impactful, responsible leadership.