New York, Nov 16 : The Kerala Centre honoured seven outstanding Indian American Keralites for their contributions in various fields at its 17th Annual Award banquet.

The seven honourees were Thomas Abraham (Political Involvement), Ram M. Cheerath (Public Service), Dr. George John (Applied Sciences), Dr. Krishna Kishore (Journalism), Shaji Kumar, MD (Medicine), Sunil Kumar (Entrepreneurship), and Dr. T. V. Paul (Arts and Letters).

India's Deputy Permanent Representative at the Indian Mission to the UN, Manjeev Singh Puri, who was the chief guest at the function Saturday, said the forthcoming state visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will further strengthen US-India relations.

Puri said he was fascinated by the continued interest and involvement of the Indian community in the political process of India. He complimented Keralites for their contribution in political, economic and educational activities in Kerala.

Keynote speaker, Prof. T. V. Paul of McGill University, Montreal said India has the potential to rise to a global power status by peaceful means.

India's peaceful integration as a major power is possible through its active participation in the global economy as well as international institutions, where it can slowly acquire a leadership role, he said.

Kerala Centre President Jose Chummar highlighted Kerala Centre's achievement in supporting 12 couples at group weddings for underprivileged communities in Uzhavoor, Kerala.

The programme was conducted Dr. Thomas Abraham, a trustee and board member of the Kerala Centre who noted that in the last 16 years the Kerala Centre has recognised over 100 outstanding achievers of the Kerala community.

The Honourees:

Thomas Abraham is the first elected official for the Indo-American Community, not only in Greater Houston Area but in the entire State of Texas.

Ram Cheerath has been an immigration attorney who has been providing information on US Immigration as a weekly free service for the past 6 years in various TV shows including the Malayalam show on Asianet.

Dr. George John is an Associate Professor of Chemistry, the City College of the City University of New York (CUNY).

Dr. Krishna Kishore is a widely recognized media professional with accomplishments in both broadcast and print journalism.

Dr. Shaji Kumar is Associate Professor of Medicine, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Consultant at the Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

Sunil Kumar is CEO of Advanced Software Systems (ASSYST), Inc, a CMMi level 3 global information technology services company based in Virginia.

Dr. T. V. Paul is James McGill Professor of International Relations in the Department of Political Science and Director of Centre for International Peace and Security Studies at McGill University, Montreal. (IANS)