New Jersey, July 2026 — The NAMAM Excellence Awards 2026 will celebrate outstanding individuals whose contributions embody moral integrity, cultural enrichment, and inspirational leadership. The ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Royal Albert’s Palace, Fords, NJ, will feature a vibrant program of arts and performances reflecting the organization’s commitment to cultural welfare and community service.
“History is not merely a record of the past; it is the story of the people who lived it. If those stories are not preserved, we lose a part of our identity,” said Madhavan B. Nair, Founder and Secretary General of NAMAM. The gala will recognize outstanding achievements in leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, community service, arts, culture, healthcare, education, and business.
A Tradition of Excellence
The awards jury, chaired by Dr. Padmaja Prem with members Anil Pillai and Dr. Latha Nair, selected the honorees through a rigorous, impartial process. Jointly presented by The North American Malayalee Association of Malayalis (NAMAM), in partnership with the MBN Foundation, the awards recognize achievements across leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, education, healthcare, arts, and humanitarian service.
2026 Awardees
∙ Padma Shri Hasmukh Shah — Media Excellence: Founder and Chairman of TV Asia, Shah has shaped South Asian diaspora media since 1993, connecting over 1,200 associations across North America. His legacy includes the Padma Shri (2017) and Ellis Island Medal (2005).
∙ Colonel Virendra Tewathia — Public Service & Humanitarian Work: A veteran leader and National President of FOKANA, Colonel Tewathia’s Shraddha Foundation supports soldiers’ families and disaster victims. His initiatives, including the FOKANA Medical Card, exemplify enduring service.
∙ Dr. Sajimon Antony — Community Leadership: Recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Global Excellence Award (2026) and Pulitzer Prizewinning author of Broken Chains, Dr. Antony stands as a literary and social visionary.
∙ Dr. Mathew K. Isaac — Literature: Acclaimed author of Touched by Redeeming Love (2018), Dr. Isaac continues to inspire readers through his profound literary contributions.
∙ Kishore Varieth — Entrepreneurship: A global entrepreneur whose ventures employ over 130 professionals and support education for underprivileged children in Bangladesh. His enterprise, valued at $60 million, blends innovation with compassion.
∙ Pandit Shri Raghu Shankaramanji — Community Service: Founder of Shri Shiva Vishnukshetram in Edison, NJ, Pandit Raghu’s spiritual outreach and humanitarian programs have enriched communities through devotion and progressive values.
∙ Dr. Nandini Menon — Education: Founder and Chief Education Officer of Cedar Hill Prep School, Dr. Menon’s leadership in sustainable education has earned her multiple national honors, including the INNOVATE100 Award (2025).
∙ Sparsh Shah — Extraordinary Talent: Living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Sparsh Shah has transcended physical limits to become a global performing artist and motivational figure, raising over $6 million for charitable causes.
Special Recognition
The inaugural Samgra Sambhavana Puraskar (Lifetime Achievement Award) will honor Dr. M.V. Pillai, a distinguished oncologist and global health leader. As President and CEO of the International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research, Dr. Pillai has advanced cancer care worldwide and received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Kerala Medical Graduates.
Special Jury Honours
NAMAM also announced Special Jury Honours for three luminaries:
∙ Guru T.S. Nandakumar — Performing Arts, Mridangam maestro and cultural ambassador.
∙ George Joseph — Journalism, founder of eMalayalee and pioneer of American Malayali media.
∙ Sunil Tristar — Visual Media, veteran broadcaster and innovator in Malayalam television.
NAMAM Legacy Edition
The awards gala will also serve as the launch platform for the NAMAM Legacy Edition, a commemorative coffee-table book being published in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the United States. The publication will document the life journeys and accomplishments of 40 distinguished professionals and community leaders of Indian origin, preserving their contributions for future generations.
According to Madhavan Nair, “The initiative reflects a broader effort to preserve the cultural legacy of the Malayalee diaspora while recognizing individuals whose work has created a meaningful and lasting impact.”
The premium hardcover volume will feature professionally written profiles and cinematic photography, highlighting achievements in public service, entrepreneurship, literature, innovation, leadership, and community development.
In addition to the printed edition, recipients will be featured through a coordinated digital campaign across NAMAM’s social media platforms and archived permanently through the organization’s online network.
Organizers noted that while immigrant communities often achieve remarkable success through hard work and perseverance, many fail to systematically document their journeys for future generations. The Legacy Edition aims to fill that gap by preserving these stories in a permanent archival format. The project is intended to create a lasting historical record of the accomplishments of the Malayalee diaspora in the United States.
About NAMAM
Founded in 2010, NAMAM is a New Jerseybased cultural welfare and volunteer organization dedicated to preserving ethical and cultural values. In partnership with the MBN Foundation, it continues to inspire generations through service and celebration of excellence.
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