8 young NRIs win US Congressional award

Neal Bakshi, Vinay Trivedi, Nandini Srinivasan, Sujay Tyle, Ami Mehta, Aakash Bavishi, Sonam Shah and Nevin Raj, all young Indian Americans won the prestigious Congressional Award program for the American youth in 2009. The Congressional Award program gives youngsters between 14-23 years the opportunity to do something positive for themselves and their community, garnering their talents and most importantly, gaining valuable experience from it.

Neal Bakshi of Pennington, New Jersey, completed his Boy Scout Eagle badge by building an informational kiosk, clearing 3,000 square feet of trail and planting fruit trees along the Hopewell trail in his town. He is a two-time winner of the Presidential Volunteer Gold Award.

Vinay Trivedi devoted nearly 600 hours to SeniorLink, an organization he established. Funded by a seed grant from Youth Venture, SeniorLink seeks to familiarize residents at senior centers with the computer and the Internet. A national AP scholar and a national merit scholar finalist, the Princeton Day High School graduate was accepted at many top universities and has decided to attend Harvard University.

Nandini Srinivasan, who will be a 12th grader at Beavercreek High School, Ohio, assisted at We Care Arts, a facility for adults with physical and mental disabilities; taught young visitors to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery; and helped the community through the City of Beavercreek’s Youth Council.

Sujay Tyle’s projects included setting up, with his brother Sheel, a nonprofit foundation called ReSight Inc. It is aimed at helping underprivileged people in the world. “We provide funding to hospitals in these areas for eye-related surgeries for individuals who cannot afford them,” Sujay said.

Ami Mehta volunteered at Wild Bird Rehabilitation, a clinic dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned and injured songbirds, where she has worked for nearly seven years.

Aakash Bavishi, of Hoffman Estates High School, Illinois, volunteered at his local hospital, St Alexius Medical Center for four hours a week for public service.

Sonam Shah participated in activities including sports, community service, instrumental music and a 12-day Alaska expedition. For public service, she volunteered at the Jersey Shore Medical Center and assisted physical therapists at Crest Physical Therapy. She also worked at soup kitchens and rotary dinners for the less fortunate and read to the blind.

Nevin Raj, a Star-Ledger Scholar for Hunterdon County, graduated from Huterdon Central Regional High School, New Jersey. He runs a computer business and has established a charity, Tools for Schools that provides school supplies to poor children and is supported by the United Way.

[ BY VRN ]