Three Activists Lauded, Awarded For Service To Community
Photo: Kewal Kanda
India-West Staff Reporter
LOS ANGELES, CA – Community leaders Kewal Kanda, Sudip Gorakshakar, and Nila Parikh were honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indian community for their efforts in significantly raising awareness about the importance of volunteer work, for their contributions to community events and their focus on conflict resolution efforts.
Kanda and Gorakshakar were felicitated at the Sanatan Dharma Temple in Norwalk on July 19 at a large turnout of community members.
Kanda, who holds an MBA degree, has been involved in community service for four decades. His work includes assisting the community with passport renewals, visa applications, OCI cards, consular camps, and Red Cross blood drives. He currently serves as chairman for UIASC, vice president/treasurer for GOPIO International, founder/president of GOPIO-LA chapter, founding member/president of the Rajput Association of America, and has held leadership positions in FIA-SC and NFIA.
Gorakshakar, an aerospace engineer, has also been active in the community for many years. He has served as president of FIA-SC and NFIA and organized a successful women’s conference in Cerritos, CA. He is currently involved with UIASC.
Nila Parikh received her award at the Anaheim Community Center on June 7. She too has been serving her community for the past 30 years volunteering with various religious, cultural, and social organizations and hospitals. She was chosen for the award for her dedication and mentorship.
The awards were arranged by Charu Shivakumar, Rani Kuusto, Aparna Hande, and Dr. Sukrit Mukherjee, and organized by the Excel Foundations USA.