Indianapolis, June 24, 2017: Prominent artist and community service leader Kanwal Prakash Singh got yet another appreciation award to adorn his showcase. Indian-born Sikh American KP Singh was among 22 persons who were decorated with the 2017 Golden Hoosier Award at the award ceremony at the Indiana State House. KP Singh was the lone recient of the recognition from Indianapolis.
Introduced in 2008, Office of Lt Governor Suzanne Crouch in partnership with Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Hoosiers have been recognized for service to their communities with the prestigious Golden Hoosier Award which is the highest honor bestowed upon senior citizens by the State of Indiana.
The heroes from all corners of Indiana who were felicitated were Mary Adams (Hobart), Jinsie Bingham (Greencastle), Roseann Cogdill (Lawrenceville, IL),Jenet Compton (Flatrock), Susan Cox (Muncie), Bob Dwenger (Rushville), Mary Lackore (Middlebury), Barbara Maxwell (Jeffersonville), Gladys Muhammad (South Bend), Donna Schroeder (Glenwood), KP Singh (Indianapolis), Dorothy Sisson (Brownsburg), Donna Snider (Middlebury), Ramona Wilkinson (Rushville), William Willis (West Baden Springs) and Dorothy (Mishawaka).
KP's recitation read "Kanwal Prakash Singh has spent nearly 50 years dedicated to improving his city. He is currently a member of IMPD Police Civilian Merit Board and Asia America Alliance as well as a founder member of the Centerfor Interfaith Cooperation, the International Center and Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis. Kanwal has focuse on education, communication and fostering a greater understanding of others within his community. He has developed cultural training programs for law enforcement, advocated for cultural and historical archtitecture preservation and provided resources for recent immigrants. Because of Kanwal's works, his community has seen increased support for and acceptance of Asian culture. The impact of his work will be seen for years to come.
Members of the dedicated team -- Ramps to Freedom from Columbus-- were honored with the Hoosiers Helping Hoosiers Award. This group was created by Thrive Alliance. In 2012 this group of volunteers started building access ramps for homebound individuals with physical limitations, who needed safe access into and out of their homes. Volunteers bring their own tools and lunch and are usually at the ramp site as early as 7 a.m.
Yonda Snyder, Director, Division of Aging Indiana Family and Social Services Administration welcome and introduced Dr Jennifer Walthall, MD MPH.