Johny Dayal by insinuating back door Malaylee, Christian connections as only reason why Joy Cherian and Thomas Abraham were awarded PBD awards, only shows his limited view of the entire PBD selection process. I wish he would cite some back up to support his contention. Is the entire PBD selection system so meaning less? I don't think so. When I look at the qualifications of all who ware awarded, there is no question that no one was included who does not make India proud by their contributions to society. Surely their are others who may be equally worthy but that does not take awy anything from those who were awarded. Mr. Dayal needs to offer sincere apologies to all PBD award recipients and our Prime Minister and President, who were actively involved, for attacking the fairness of PBD award process and thus diminishing examples set by the award recipients. He should also send personal apologies to Dr. Abraham and Dr. Cherian for singling them out. --Narain Bhaatia
RE:Hello
by Johny Dayal on Jan 10, 2008 01:31 AM
Dr Thomas Abraham - Contributed towards the NRI-PIO movement in the United States. Dr Joy Cherian - Founder of the Indian American Forum for Political Education. These two evangelical malayalee Republican supporters of Bush got it only due to their back door connection with the church & Minister V. Ravi another malayalee. There are so many more deserving candidates out there who were totally ignored. They were in the forefront to oppose Bharat Ratna Modis visit to USA.
RE:RE:Hello
by on Jan 24, 2008 03:52 AM
Dear Mr Johny Dayal, Although there are many deserving candidates for this coveted award, I believe Thomas Abraham and Joy Cherian are both highly deserving of this award. I have known Joy Cherian since I co-founded the NJ chapter of the Indian American Forum in 1987. He was the first highest ranking Indian in the 1980's, a Presidential appointee, who opened the doors to the Indian community (not just Christians but all Indian American leaders)to the Whitehouse and to the Congress. Dr. Cherian helped Indian leaders getting invited to the congressional hearings on immigration issues. He helped Indian community become politically active in USA. A lot of credit goes to him. Actually I was surprised that Cherian was not awarded in the first PBD - he is one of the most deserving Indians. Your characterization of Thomas and Joy as 'evangelical' only shows your prejudice. You do not know them. I do, and I will tell you they are first good Indians, and secondly good Christians who treat all Indians (irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity...) equally well. Do you realize there would not have been any Pravasi Bhartiya Divas event (and coming together of Indians from all over the world to Delhi)if not for the efforts, leadership and foresight of Thomas Abraham? Does'nt that make him deserving of the award? I strongly believe that People should be judged/rewarded based on their contribution to the community- not based on their religion or ethnicity. Ved P. Chaudhary, Ph.D. co-f
RE:Hello
by jigar on Jan 09, 2008 10:02 PM
Two posts belonging to you definitely represent your love in engaging something RE-productive. Hope you are doing well or shall I say, get well soon.
