Community Spotlight
Dr. Shantha recognized as the ‘most distinguished physician and scientist' by AAPI
Describing himself as "one of the longest residing Indian in Atlanta," Dr. T.R. Shantha adds that there were only seven Indians here when he arrived in 1960 to attend Emory University, where he completed his doctoral and postdoctoral studies in record time. Triply board certified and highly acclaimed, he has been unanimously selected by AAPI (American Association of Physicians from India) this year as the Most Distinguished Physician and Scientist. The author of 125 original research articles and 6 books, Dr. Shantha is apparently the only scientist on record to publish 31 research papers in a 3-year stretch at Emory University School of Medicine. A discoverer of many new histological, anatomical and histochemical features in the body, his research has been quoted in various medical textbooks. He owns 3 patents and has others (including 3 on SIDS) in developmental stages. Dr. Shantha has discovered a simple drug (Terbutalene) for priapism that's used in emergency rooms and by urologists everywhere. Based on one of his patents, devices have been developed to treat uterine bleeding in the elderly. Among numerous other honors, he has received the American Medical Association's Physician Recognition Award more than once. Dr. Shantha volunteers every month at Hands of Hope, a charity clinic that provides free medical care to hundreds of sick people who have no insurance. He has funded the building of a high school for girls in Karnataka, his home state in India. For his research, philanthropy and medical work, a "Dr. Shantha Day" was declared by DeKalb County.
3i People wins 2004 minority supplier of the year award
3i People, Inc., an Atlanta-based information technology consulting firm, accepted the 2004 Supplier of the Year Class II Award at a grand black-tie dinner awards ceremony hosted by the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC) on Tuesday evening, September 27, 2005, at the Omni Hotel CNN Center. One of only four awards granted to Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), the Class II award is the highest honor given to an MBE firm (with annual revenues between 1 and 10 million dollars) that has demonstrated strong potential for growth and further development of their business in Georgia. 3i People has demonstrated the ability to achieve this growth through total customer satisfaction. Since its incorporation in 2002, it has produced revenue increases of above 50 percent per annum. The company offers software development expertise and services, with experience in many business sectors (banking, automotive, telecommunications, insurance, child support, health care) and across a broad range of technologies in e-commerce, applications development, database administration, UNIX administration, PeopleSoft, SAP, and Oracle implementations. Praising his people, Raj Swami, the president and CEO, remarked, "This award is a culmination of their efforts and the countless hours of hard work that our employees and consultants have committed to our company and our customers."
Rohan Kapur bags gold medals in Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA)
As a budding young athlete, Rohan Kapur has already won a slew of medals in the various games held by SOGA (Special Olympics Georgia) this year. At last month's Fall Games in Albany, he won gold medals for both the 5k and 3k walks. At Emory University's Summer Games, he bagged a silver medal in the 200m run and stood 4th in the 400m run. And at the Indoor Winter Games in Atlanta, he made a clean sweep in the Power Lifting category! Apart from a gold in Squat, a silver in Bench Press and a bronze in Dead Lift, Rohan earned a silver medal for his overall position in the group. He also participated in the Power Lifting Competition for the South East Region.
Smartsoft International ranked an Inc.-500 company twice in a row
For two years in row, Inc. magazine, a leading publication for small and medium-sized businesses, has included Atlanta-based Smartsoft International in its annual listing of the 500 fastest-growing companies in the country. Smartsoft, which has had a 5-year average annual sales growth of 386 percent, was ranked number 475 in 2004 and number 344 in 2003. Founded in 1997 by Shanthi Murugadass and Murugadass Krishnan, Smartsoft partners with clients to manage their business and information needs. It now has about 150 employees and maintains satellite offices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. With SAP custom integration, e-commerce, business intelligence, on-site and off-site development, and 24/7 customer support, Smartsoft promotes improved productivity by delivering cost effective solutions that address real world business issues.
Hotel franchisee C. K. Patel shares member of the year honors
Along with Steve Ellerhorst, executive director of the Independent Hardee's Franchisee Association (IHFA), C.K. Patel is a recipient of the 2005 Member of the Year honors given by the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD). Both Patel and Ellerhorst are deeply involved as leaders within their respective constituent associations. Patel takes time from his business activities in banking and the operation of economy hotels to serve on the board of directors and the executive committee of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). "The AAFD's mission and positive approach to define and promote fair franchising was inspiring, and I saw the AAFD as the best hope to reform the franchise community worldwide," noted Patel. In recognizing Patel and Ellerhorst, AAFD Chairman Bob Purvin said, "I can't remember a time when so many AAFD members stepped forth in support of the AAFD mission, but C.K. and Steve have really set the pace, both individually and working together." The AAFD is a national no-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States.
Arun Mohan invited to attend International Achievement Summit
As a joint MD/MBA candidate at Emory University, Arun Mohan envisions a career as a physician-advocate, concerned with fair access to quality healthcare. The first-ever student director of the American Medical Association Foundation, he was recently recognized in Khabar as one of only two Georgians (Rajesh Gupta being the other one) to be selected for the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship this year. And now Mohan has been invited to attend an all-expenses-paid International Achievement Summit in Los Angeles next year. Hosted by the Academy of Achievement, it will bring together 50 men and women of exceptional accomplishments to share their wisdom and experience with 250 of the world's most outstanding young scholars and graduate students. Filmmakers George Lucas and Steven Spielberg have been listed as the host co-chairmen of the summit.
SHARING SUCCESS STORIES
Readers are encouraged to e-mail or fax a concise write-up of their recent accomplishments (including any awards or honors received) to Khabar. Supporting documents and photographs are also welcome. All relevant entries, which may be subject to editing, will be considered for inclusion in this column. Please email to murali@khabar.com
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