At a weekend event organised by the California Sikh Council at Los Angles, the Lt-Governor handed over the Sikh Heritage and Achievement Award to Phoolka.
The Lt-Governor also presented him with a state commendation certificate for human rights advocacy.
At the function, Senator Barbara Boxer awarded a certificate of appreciation to Phoolka for outstanding services, a press statement said in New Delhi.
Phoolka has been the main counsel for the victims before the Mishra and Nanavati commissions that investigated the anti-Sikh bloodshed in and around Delhi following the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
