Former Kerala Chief Minister inaugurates OICC award night

Oommen Chandy, former Chief Minister of Kerala and Kushboo Sundar, AICC spokesperson delivered inspiring speeches at the ‘Puraksara Sandhya 2017’ (award night) organized by Overseas Indian Cultural Congress (OICC-Kuwait) November 23, 2017 at Ramada Hotel, Riggae, Kuwait.

In the cultural meeting chaired by President Varghese Puthukulangara, Chandy inaugurated the awards night by lighting the traditional lamp. Puthukulangara, in his presidential note explained about the services of OICC-Kuwait, for the welfare of the Indian expatriate community as a whole. In his inaugural address Chandy briefed about the recent political developments in Kerala and the difficulties that the common men face following demonetization and introduction of GST by the central government.

Khushboo Sundar, an actor-turned politician, currently being the AICC spokesperson, in her address, criticized the India government for imposing new regulations that were not in favor of the people. Indian Embassy Second Secretary U.S. Sibi, Mariyamma Oommen, wife of Oommen Chandy and KPCC Member Filson Mathew felicitated the occasion.

Adeeb Ahmad, CEO, Lulu Exchange was honored with the first “Business Excellence Award” of OICC-Kuwait. Chandy handed the award, while Khushboo handed the Letter of Achievement and K G Abraham, Managing Director, NBTC adorned him with a ponnada. Global Secretary M A Hilal read the letter of Achievement. In his thanking speech, Adeeb Ahmed praised the humanitarian services of OICC-Kuwait and wished all success and support to their activities.

OICC-Kuwait bid farewell to the retiring M A. Hilal, Global Committee Secretary, by honoring him with a memento. Global Committee Member Rajan Daniel and OICC Alappuzha District President Christopher Daniel were also honored with ponnada, on the happy occasion of their 70th birth anniversary.

The declaration of distributing 500 wheelchairs for the needy in Kerala was one of the major highlights of the program. For this “Karunya Sparsam “initiatives, OICC officials of 14 districts handed over their contribution to Oommen Chandy directly on the stage.

Further, six valued supporters and well-wishers of OICC Kuwait were honored with mementos by Chandy. They were Suresh C Pillai, Siby Malakal, Bard Al-Samoa Medical Centre, Global International General Trading and Contracting Co, Hamza Payyannur and NSH. The floor was then handed to the conveners Binu Chempalayam and Suresh Mathur for the prize distribution to the winners of Talent Hunt competition (Rangotslv) held in last May, through Khushboo. Cultural programs staged by students were also an added attraction to the mega event. General Secretary B S Pillai welcomed the audience while Varghese Maramon proposed a vote of thanks. Philip Varghese and Nisha Manoj did excellent compeering.