[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 2] [EXTEN] [Pages 1926-1927] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN RECOGNITION OF DR. SUDHIR PARIKH ______ HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR. of new jersey in the house of representatives Wednesday, February 15, 2006 Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Congressman Joe Crowley (NY) and myself, I rise today to congratulate a Dr. Sudhir Parikh, a prominent Indian-American physician, activist and philanthropist, who was selected earlier this year to receive the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for 2006, the highest civilian honor bestowed by India on non-resident Indians. Every year, the Government of India nominates extremely worthy and valuable members of the non-resident community for this award who have made a difference to global well- [[Page 1927]] being. It is clear that Dr. Parikh was chosen on his strong credentials. Dr. Sudhir Parikh, who migrated to the United States in the late 1970s and is a reputed allergist in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, has made a significant difference in U.S.-India relations in the past several years. Dr. Parikh is a former president of the nationally recognized American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, as well as a former president of the Indian American Forum for Political Education. He used these prominent organizations to promote Indian-American issues in Congress and to raise awareness within the Indian community. Today, he serves as president to the Federation of Indian Associations, continuing his critical role in bringing our two countries together. He has contributed more than $2 million individually to various causes from cancer research to tsunami relief and rehabilitation of earthquake victims in Gujarat. Besides his individual efforts, Dr. Parikh also joined with organizations like the American Indian Foundation, Share & Care, the Nargis Dutt Cancer Foundation and the Art of Living Foundation to raise funds. As members of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, we are pleased to have a friend like Sudhir, who has helped tremendously in building the membership of the Caucus and helped set up a new caucus in the U.S. Senate. He is a tireless advocate for the Indian community's interests and the global interests of India. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Parikh is an asset to the Indian American community and his efforts are deserving of this great award. Sudhir fully embodies the commitment and values that the NRI Award represents. ____________________