Andrew Pappachen Receives 2025 Good Samaritan Award for Decades of Service

Celebrated Indian American Leader Recognized by Global Malayalee Christian Forum and CMS College Alumni

Andrew Pappachen, a distinguished Indian American community leader, was honored with the 2025 Good Samaritan Award by the Global Malayalee Christian Forum in a solemn ceremony at the Kochi Ramada Inn on January 17, 2026. This prestigious award celebrates his unwavering commitment to the Indian diaspora, acknowledging over 30 years of dedicated service and leadership.

In a separate event marked by warmth and nostalgia, Pappachen was felicitated by his classmates and professors from CMS College in Kottayam. The gathering, held on a recent Saturday, highlighted his significant contributions to the global Malayalee community and brought together friends, mentors, and supporters from his formative years.

Renowned writer Prof. S. Sivadas, classmate Rev. Dr. K.M. George, and professors including Dr. George Cherian, Dr. Joseph Cherian, Dr. Mary Kuruvilla, Prof. Parvathy, Thomas Job, and Prof. John presented Andrew with a ceremonial shawl, signifying their respect and admiration.

Expressing his gratitude, Pappachen described the recognition as the greatest honor of his life, emphasizing the humility and pride he felt in receiving such accolades from both his professional community and alma mater.

Andrew Pappachen’s journey began in Kerala, India, where he earned a master’s degree in chemistry from Kerala University. After migrating to the United States in 1973, he continued his academic pursuits, obtaining a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey. Furthering his expertise, he completed a doctoral program and earned specialized Mini Masters Degrees in Water Pollution and Air Pollution, as well as a degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University.

With a career spanning 47 years in government service, Pappachen worked for the City of Newark, New Jersey, from 1974 to 2018. He held key positions such as Chief Engineer, Director of Operations for Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation, and Director of Public Works. Between 2012 and 2019, he served as Environmental Commissioner in Montville Township, where he continues to reside. Currently, he works as an Environmental Consultant and is a New Jersey State certified water distribution system and water treatment operator. Since 2000, he has also served as an Adjunct Professor, teaching courses on water pollution, water and wastewater treatment, and environmental regulations.

Pappachen is an accomplished author, with several books published in both English and Malayalam. His English titles include Love With The Ghost, A Journey Alone, Rays of Light From The Darkness of A Prison Cell, Zero to Infinity, and Story of Achu, each offering unique perspectives and narratives. His Malayalam works, published by Prabath Book House in Trivandrum, comprise Thalamurakalethedi, Theerdhadanathintte Kadha, Eruttil Ninnu Velichathilaekku, and Sophi.

Beyond literature and academia, Andrew Pappachen has played a pivotal role in numerous organizations. He is the founder, former Global President, and chairman of the World Malayalee Council, and has held leadership posts at the Kerala Center New York, Asian American Heritage Council, Asia Society, and Festival of People in New Jersey. His community service has been recognized by various associations, including the Asian American Political Coalition, Federation of Indian Associations, Kerala Center New York, Staten Island Malayalee Association, Kerala Cultural Association, and YMCA.

Driven by a vision to unite Malayalees worldwide, Pappachen founded the World Malayalee Voice and has worked tirelessly to foster communication and preserve Malayalee identity across generations. He is the son of Korah and Lucy Andrews from Kollad, Kerala. His wife, Somini, hails from Vadavathoor, Kottayam. Their daughter, Simmy, is an executive in healthcare management, while their son, Kevin, manages fraud investigations at a New Jersey bank. Kevin’s wife, Grace, and their daughter, Anna, complete the family.

Andrew Pappachen’s life and career stand as a testament to dedicated service, visionary leadership, and the enduring power of community.