National Forum (NAFO-Kuwait) celebrated “ONAM 2014” on Friday, 12th September 2014, at the Indian Community School (Senior), Salmiya. The formal celebrations kicked off at 10:30am with the lighting of Bhadradeepam performed by the honorable senior women of NAFO. A meticulously crafted Onapookallam by talented NAFO ladies and men set the perfect start for the festivities on Onam day early morning itself.

The cultural events started off with a prayer song by Sreeranjini Ajay, followed by traditional Rangapooja by NAFO girls. NAFO General Secretary, M. S. Nair, welcomed the auspicious gathering by briefly indicating the uniqueness and remarkable social achievements of NAFO and its unprecedented role as a key player in reinforcing harmony and togetherness among the society. He also reminded about the importance and significance of Onam celebrations. President, Dr. T. S. Srikumar, in his address mentioned about the huge public implication of Onam message, especially while considering the current global social and economic glitches pertaining the modern world. Vice President of NAFO, K. C. Gopakumar, delivered a separate address to welcome the day’s Chief Guest, the Indian Ambassador His Excellency Sri. Sunil Jain and Mrs. Dr. Gargi Jain. Gopakumar briefed about NAFO’s recent successful events and thanked Sri. Sunil Jain and the Indian embassy for their continued support and encouragement towards NAFO’s socio-welfare activities. His Excellency in his felicitation address reiterated about the pleasure of celebrating festivals such as Onam. After acknowledging NAFO’s outstanding social contributions, Sri Sunil Jain read out an inspiring Onam message, which he on behalf of expatriate Indians, received from the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Sri. Narendra Modi. Sri. Modi in his message wished everybody a happy Onam and prayed for their prosperous future. The crowd cheerfully applauded as a mark of respecting and thanking the Hon. Prime Minister. Also, Sri. Sunil Jain used the opportunity to briefly mention about some useful measures taken by the Indian embassy in order to safeguard the interests of the Indian community in Kuwait, especially those of Indian domestic employees.