"It takes so little to help, yet it means so much to these children.With every visit to see the orphans, I come back increasingly convinced we are making a difference."
Dr. M.A. Thomas, founder of HopeGivers International; receives humanitarian award from the President of India.
M.A.Thomas Receives India’s Highest Honor
The Padma Shri Award is presented in India each year to a mere handful of individuals who have made the greatest contribution in the Arts, the Sciences, and the Humanities.
New Delhi, India – February 1, 2005
At an impressive ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi, India, Dr. M.A. Thomas of HopeGivers International was presented the Padma Shri Award by the President of India, Shri K.R. Narayanan. The Padma Shri Award is presented in India each year to a mere handful of individuals who have made the greatest contribution in the Arts, Sciences, and Humanities.
Dr. Thomas was the sole recipient of the Padma Shri for the Humanities. He was chosen for “his 40 years of compassionate and sacrificial service to the lepers, widows, and orphans of India.”
Few men have given more hope to the hopeless and aid to the helpless of his nation. It was a remarkable moment for a man who never sought nor expected to be recognized for his life’s work.
Upon returning to Kota, his adopted hometown in the state of Rajasthan, Dr. Thomas’ achievement was celebrated joyously by well-wishers as well as by political and business leaders. His brief half-mile trip from the train station took over two hours because of the celebration.
About i58 Projects:
i58 Projects, Inc. is a faith based non-profit organization that helps feed, clothe, educate, and strengthen the children of the world. The i58-India Project helps children of India, the world's largest country. By funneling money directly to the pastors, schoolmasters, and orphans that need help, i58 is able to avoid significant administrative costs. i58 Projects maintains no salaried employees and 100% of all proceeds (minus credit card processing fees) flows directly to HopeGivers International.
i58 Projects supports Dr. M.A. Thomas and his work in India.
