Past Carolinas Chamber president wins Maddox Award

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

A past president of the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) was cited as the 2019 George L. Maddox Awardee in simple ceremonies held at the Aldersgate Life Plan Services in Charlotte, North Carolina last February 20.

Nimish Bhatt, an incumbent member of the CAACC's Board of Directors, was his usual low key self when he received the prestigious award from Joyce Massey-Smith of the North Carolina State Department of Health and Human Services.

Smith relayed her division's appreciation of Bhatt's dedication to ensuring the  health and wellness of Asian seniors by providing access to health care, nutrition and even  transportation.

“Your advocacy for those senior citizens who need services is appreciated.  Your  effort and love, your commitment and passion is much appreciated,” Smith told Bhatt.

The Maddox Award is presented each year to persons, organizations or communities that excelled in meeting the needs of older citizens in the state.

George L. Maddox was an internationally known sociologist on the Duke faculty who helped shape the study of aging and human development.

Smith disclosed Bhatt's roots as an Asian-American born in Uganda, Africa to Indian parents who are missionaries and educators.  Bhatt is from Gandhinagar, Gujurat and is a civil engineer by education and profession.

In 1999 he was in the board of directors and the vice president of the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce. Bhatt is very active in the international American community and came to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1994.

Jimmy Patel, one of the speakers in the ceremony, said Bhatt is always helping other people. When meals were served during the ceremony, Bhatt was seen serving and talking with the diners.

“It is just amazing he has qualities and virtues that a true leader must have.  A true leader thinks he is a servant of the community. He told me 'I am a servant of the community not a leader',” Patel said.

Patel described Bhatt as humble, selfless, dedicated and committed, someone who will stick to what he pledged until he completes it. He said Bhatt had been instrumental in many projects in the community. 

Through his commitment, Patel said Bhatt is helping bridge the gap between the East and West in the Carolinas. Patel also lauded Bhatt for committing himself to projects both small and big, never tiring or complaining about it. 

During the Martin Luther King Jr.'s Day last January 21, Bhatt was given the Martin Luther King Jr “ Keeper of the Dream" award by the City of Charlotte for  exemplifying strong character, determination and humility in public service.”