“History is not merely a record of the past; it is the story of the people who lived it. If those stories are not preserved, we lose a part of our identity,” said Madhavan B. Nair, Founder and Secretary General of NAMAM.
The North American Malayalee Association of Malayalis (NAMAM), in partnership with the MBN Foundation, will present the NAMAM Excellence Awards 2026 on Sunday, August 2, recognizing outstanding achievements in leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, community service, arts, culture, healthcare, education, and business.
The awards ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. at Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, New Jersey, and will feature an evening of cultural performances celebrating the accomplishments of distinguished members of the global Malayalee community.
Founded in 2009, NAMAM has established itself as a cultural and charitable organization committed to promoting service, leadership, and community engagement. Organizers said the Excellence Awards are designed not only to recognize individual achievement but also to reinforce the ethical and cultural values that inspire future generations.
The awards program will also serve as the launch platform for the NAMAM Legacy Edition, a commemorative coffee-table book being published in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the United States. The publication will document the life journeys and accomplishments of 40 distinguished professionals and community leaders of Indian origin, preserving their contributions for future generations.
Among those featured in the inaugural edition is Ajay Ghosh, Chief Editor and Publisher of Global Net News and Health and Wellness News. Mr. Ghosh, who was honored with the NAMAM Excellence Award in Journalism in 2018 during the organization’s annual gala in New Jersey, is being profiled alongside other accomplished members of the Indian diaspora.
According to organizers, the premium hardcover volume will feature professionally written profiles and cinematic photography, highlighting achievements in public service, entrepreneurship, literature, innovation, leadership, and community development. The project is intended to create a lasting historical record of the accomplishments of the Malayalee diaspora in the United States.
“History is not merely a record of the past; it is the story of the people who lived it. If those stories are not preserved, we lose a part of our identity,” said Madhavan B. Nair, Founder and Secretary General of NAMAM.
Organizers noted that while immigrant communities often achieve remarkable success through hard work and perseverance, many fail to systematically document their journeys for future generations. The Legacy Edition aims to fill that gap by preserving these stories in a permanent archival format.
The book will be unveiled during the August 2 gala before an audience of community leaders, entrepreneurs, media professionals, artists, and invited dignitaries. In addition to the printed edition, recipients will be featured through a coordinated digital campaign across NAMAM’s social media platforms and archived permanently through the organization’s online network.
Participation in the Legacy Edition has been limited to 40 honorees. Candidates may be nominated directly or through community recommendations. Following an editorial review, selected nominees will participate in one-on-one professional interviews before their profiles are prepared for publication.
Organizers said the initiative reflects a broader effort to preserve the cultural legacy of the Malayalee diaspora while recognizing individuals whose work has created meaningful and lasting impact.
