NAFO-Kuwait celebrates ‘Onam 2017’
National Forum (NAFO-Kuwait) celebrated “Onam 2017” on Friday at the Indian Community School, Khaitan. The celebrations kicked off at 10.30am with the lighting of lamp by guest of honor Kavalam Sreekumar, NAFO officials and senior ladies of NAFO. A meticulously crafted Onapookalam by NAFO families set the perfect start for the festivities on Onam day early morning itself.
The function started off with national anthems, followed by a prayer song by Sreela Raviprasad and Sreeranjini Ajay. Acting General Secretary of NAFO, Anish Nair, by briefly indicating the significance of Onam, welcomed the gathering. Sibi US, Second Secretary (Labor) from Indian Embassy was the chief guest. The event was attended by several prominent dignitaries, delegates of coorganizations, members of media fraternity and NAFO well-wishers.
The day’s cultural programs commenced with a graceful ‘Thiruvathirakali’ by NAFO Ladies’, with allusive gestures and rhythmic footwork and under the background of lyrical music, choreographed by Preethi Rajeev captured the whole audience. Unique musical event ‘Ragamanjari’ by acclaimed classical singer Kavalam Sreekumar was the highlight of the celebrations.
Chief Guest, Sibi US, in his inaugural address congratulated and thanked NAFO for organizing such events of heritage, such as Onam, aimed at nurturing unity and harmony among the community beyond region and religion. NAFO President, ON Nandakumar, in his message mentioned the importance of Onam celebration in humanizing love and brotherhood beyond caste, creed or religion. He informed the gathering about NAFO’s recent socio-welfare activities supporting the poor and needy community members in Kuwait and India. NAFO Patron, Vijay Karayil, Advisory Board member, B S Pillai, Ladies’ Wing Chief Coordinator, Jayalakshmi Promod - all of them in their felicitation messages highlighted the joyful feelings, memories and timely relevance of NAFO activities to attain a world of equality and social justice following the foot path of Acharya Bharatha Kesari Mannathu Padmanabhan.
Kavalam Sreekumar was honored with a ponnada and a NAFO memento. Chief guest Sibi was honored by presenting a memento as a gesture of respect for his commendable contributions rendered to Indian diaspora within the short span of his diplomatic services in Kuwait. The platform of this year’s Onam function also witnessed bidding of farewell of two NAFO senior members, P K Sasidharan and Radhakrishnan Thampy who were presented with mementos as an admiration of valuable contributions to NAFO.
Elegant compering by Anamika Anilkumar flawlessly guided the gathering from the beginning to the end. NAFO Vice-President and event co-convener, Sreekumar Pillai, proposed vote of thanks. A delicious Onasadya which was served to all attendees.
The afternoon session of events was continued with group dance, group songs, solo dances, solo songs and brilliant instrumental music by talented NAFO kids, and elders added contemporary flavor to the cultural events. The program committee headed by TKV Pradeepkumar (Convenor), Promod Menon and Sreekumar Pillai (Co-conveners) professionally coordinated the event with the support of NAFO Advisory Board, Executive Committee, Ladies’ Wing and General Committee. The event concluded at 03:30 pm.