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Kerala Association of Ohio
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Copyright © Kerala Association of Ohio
The late Vijaya Emani, a leader in Northeast Ohio's Asian
Indian commuity, has been posthumously awarded the
Presidential Citizens Medal from President Obama.
The Strongsville resident, who died after she was hit by a truck
on the Ohio Turnpike in January 2009, was regarded as a
passionate leader who worked tirelessly for cultural diversity,
social justice and the protection of battered women.
She was the longest serving member of the Federation of India
Community Associations and was the major force in
establishing an India cultural garden in Rockefeller Park where
a statue of Mohandas Gandhi was erected in 2006.
Emani called on the Indian community to confront domestic
violence, taking the rare step of talking about her own
experience as a battered woman and counseling other victims
not to remain silent.
"By speaking out about the issue publicly, she broke a long
held taboo in the Indian American community," the White
House said in a statement.
Emani, who took college classes while raising her two
daughters, was one of 13 recipients of the presidential medal,
which is awarded in recognition of those who help and inspire
others and have significant impacts on their communities.
The 13 were selected by the White House from 6,000
nominations.
Indian commuity, has been posthumously awarded the
Presidential Citizens Medal from President Obama.
The Strongsville resident, who died after she was hit by a truck
on the Ohio Turnpike in January 2009, was regarded as a
passionate leader who worked tirelessly for cultural diversity,
social justice and the protection of battered women.
She was the longest serving member of the Federation of India
Community Associations and was the major force in
establishing an India cultural garden in Rockefeller Park where
a statue of Mohandas Gandhi was erected in 2006.
Emani called on the Indian community to confront domestic
violence, taking the rare step of talking about her own
experience as a battered woman and counseling other victims
not to remain silent.
"By speaking out about the issue publicly, she broke a long
held taboo in the Indian American community," the White
House said in a statement.
Emani, who took college classes while raising her two
daughters, was one of 13 recipients of the presidential medal,
which is awarded in recognition of those who help and inspire
others and have significant impacts on their communities.
The 13 were selected by the White House from 6,000
nominations.
