Jagdish Khubchandani gets New Mexico State’s Social Justice Award
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Arun Kumar- 0
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Indian American public health professor believes that health should be a right and not a privilege
By Arun Kumar
Indian American public health professor Jagdish Khubchandani has received the 2025 J. Paul Taylor Social Justice Award from New Mexico State University’s Department of Government.
Government department head Neil Harvey presented the award to Khubchandani, professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences in the College of Health, Education and Social Transformation on April 29. The award is presented each year to an NMSU faculty member, staff or student who has volunteered to help create a more just society.
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“I have always believed that health should be a right and not a privilege. Until we achieve that universal goal of health for all, our work in the area of social justice helps uplift those that suffer the most from poor health and lack of opportunities to lead a fulfilling life,” Khubchandani said. “I dedicate this award to NMSU staff members who are our frontliners and supporters in all the work I do to help realize the goal of fair societies and healthier lives.”
Khubchandani teaches in the areas of epidemiology, environmental health and evaluation. Ever since his training as a medical student in India, he has engaged with people across communities and countries regardless of their background. For his work in community service, he was also awarded the Indiana Governor’s Service Learning Award in 2012.
“Dr. Khubchandani’s work on gun violence and a variety of public health challenges has gained national and international recognition and he has made significant contributions to our understanding of diverse responses to vaccine rollout and mask-wearing during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Harvey. “Dr. Khubchandani promotes social justice in public health while seeking to build understanding among different groups and avoid adding to social divisions. He is a very deserving recipient of the Department of Government’s Social Justice Award.”