Friday, August 25 2006 17:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New York: Indian American Ramesh C. Verma has been reappointed as commissioner on the services to the aging in Michigan.

Michigan governor's office said Verma, who represents the Democrats, was reappointed after his term expired July 28.

Verma, a former Indian Army captain and ex-director of design, construction and utilities, University of Michigan Medical Centre, said he advised the commission on issues affecting South Asian Americans.

Born in Burma and brought up in India, Verma left the Indian Army after the Bangladesh War and came to the US in 1974.

He retired from the University of Michigan in 1996 and worked at the Henry Ford Health System as director of design construction for corporate facilities till 1998.

"Frankly, the first time in 2003, when Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm wanted to appoint me, I was not so enthusiastic. But she said she wanted my participation. When I went to the office, I realised that no Indian was on it. I am representing the South Asians on the commission and conveying what our needs are. They appreciate my inputs," Verma said.

"I must have got good marks for my performance and that's why I was reappointed. Usually, no one is reappointed," he added.

In 1996, the University of Michigan Medical Centre named an award after him called the Ramesh Verma Diversity Award for outstanding commitment to honouring the strengths and differences amongst the South Asian community. He was the first recipient of this award.