NEW YORK (TIP): KOJAIN recognized the six individuals at the San Mateo Marriott San Francisco Airport Hotel in San Mateo, Calif, July 13 -15 during the 9^thKOJAIN Sammelan 2018.

During the Sammelan, KOJAIN honors persons of Kutchi Oswal heritage in North America who have achieved excellence and unique contributions in fields of 1) Art and Crafts, 2) Science, 3) Education, 4) Cultural Activities and 5) Community Services.  This year’s awardees included:

(1)  Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Navin S. Dedhia, San Jose, California  “For
Vision, Leadership, and Lifetime Commitment to Support and Promote KOJAIN”

(2)  Leadership Award presented to Hemant M. Shah, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, “For
Acting as an Ambassador of Indian Culture and Trade in Canada”

(3)  Special Recognition Award presented to Late Meenaben Shah, Hockession,
Delaware,”For a Leader and Tireless Community  Service Worker and Generous
Donor To KOJAIN and Other Jain Organizations”

(4)  Service Award pesented To Nikita Dedhia Shah, St. Louis, Missouri, “For Promoting
Education Opportunities in Germany for Indians”

(5)  Recognition Award presented to Tanvi Chheda, Stanford, California, “For Excellence
In Scholastic Achievement”

(6)  Recognition Award presented To Jesika Haria, San Francisco, California, “For
Excellence In  Scholastic Achievement”

Mr. Peter Bheddah, Chair of the KOJAIN Recognition Committee invited Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Ela Dedhia and KOJAIN President, Geeta Gala for Awards distribution.

Awards Committee members were called upon to introduce the Award Recipient.
Award Recipient was given two minutes time for the Awards Acceptance Speech. Each
Awardee was given a beautiful plaque.

KOJAIN is a Non-Profit 501 (c) (3) organization established in 1996 and incorporated in the State of Maryland. Its mission includes operating and promoting cultural, charitable, educational, and humanitarian activities in North America and elsewhere Its strength lies in serving 6000+ individuals residing in North America. One of the objectives of the organization is to maintain, educate, enhance, advance and preserve the heritage of Kachchh through art, language and culture.  Kachchh is a region located in the Northwestern part of Gujarat State in India. [Note: Kutch or Kachchh are synonymous words)