Andrew Pappachen receives 2025 Good Samaritan Award for decades of service

Andrew Pappachen was honored with the 2025 Good Samaritan Award by the Global Malayalee Christian Forum on January 17, 2026, recognizing decades of service to the Malayalee community. He was also felicitated by classmates and professors from CMS College, Kottayam.

Andrew Pappachen was honored with the 2025 Good Samaritan Award by the Global Malayalee Christian Forum at the Kochi Ramada Inn on January 17, 2026. The recognition acknowledged his decades of service to the Indian and Malayalee diaspora. In a separate event, he was felicitated by classmates and professors from CMS College, Kottayam. Pappachen has longstanding roles in environmental engineering, public service, teaching, writing, and community leadership. Key details: - The award ceremony took place at the Kochi Ramada Inn on January 17, 2026, and recognizes his more than 30 years of service. - CMS College classmates and professors presented him with a ceremonial shawl; presenters included Prof. S. Sivadas, Rev. Dr. K.M. George, Dr. George Cherian, Dr. Joseph Cherian, Dr. Mary Kuruvilla, Prof. Parvathy, Thomas Job, and Prof. John. - He earned a master's degree in chemistry from Kerala University, migrated to the United States in 1973, and later completed a master's in Environmental Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology and additional programs including public administration at Rutgers University. - Pappachen served in government roles in Newark, New Jersey from 1974 to 2018, holding positions such as Chief Engineer and Director of Public Works, and was Environmental Commissioner in Montville Township from 2012 to 2019; he currently works as an environmental consultant and is a New Jersey certified water operator. - He has served as an adjunct professor since 2000 teaching water pollution, wastewater treatment, and environmental regulations, and has authored books in English and Malayalam. - He founded and led community organizations including the World Malayalee Council and World Malayalee Voice and has been involved with several cultural and civic associations. Summary: The award and college felicitation highlight Pappachen's long record of service in public works, environmental management, teaching, writing, and cultural leadership across India and the United States. His roles and publications reflect sustained community engagement over decades. Undetermined at this time.