National Forum (NAFO-Kuwait) celebrated “ONAM 2016” on Friday, 23rd September, at the Indian Community School (Senior), Salmiya. The celebrations started off at 10:15am with the lighting of Bhadradeepam by honorable elderly members of NAFO. A meticulously crafted Onapookallam by talented NAFO families set the perfect start for the festivities on Onam day early morning itself.
The cultural events began with a prayer song by Sreela Raviprasadad and Sreeranjini Ajay. Vice President of NAFO, Shri.Sreekumar Pillai, by briefly denoting the background and significance of Onam, welcomed the auspicious gathering. NAFO President O.N. Nandakumar, General Secretary, Vijay Krishnan, Advisory Board member B.S. Pillai, Treasurer Unnikrishna Kaimal, and Ladies’ Wing co-ordinator, Anitha Murali were felicitated the occasion. In their messages they highlighted the joyful feelings, memories and traditions of Onam festival and briefed the visions and missions of NAFO socio-cultural activities.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, delegates of co-organizations, media representatives, NAFO well-wishers and esteemed sponsors. NAFO Life member Dr. R. Unnikrishnan and his spouse Dr. Anitha Prabhakaran who will be leaving Kuwait for good were honoured during the event. They were presented with a memento by the President and General Secretary. Pramod Menon, Joint Secretary formally introduced the family by reading a brief profile.
Day’s cultural programs commenced with a graceful devotional dance by Anupama Dileep Nambiar and Athira Raviprasad. Panchavadyam concert by Cherthala Sreenath and party was one of the highlights of the whole day celebrations. A magnificent traditional Thiruvathirakkali was performed by members of NAFO ladies Wing enchantingly choreographed by Preethi Rajeev. This was followed by a Bharathanatyam “Kavadichinthu” by duo sisters Gayatri Mdhu and Anjali Madhu. A semi classical performance “by Dr. Anitha Unnikrishnan and NAFO Ladies with their allusive gestures and rhythmic steps for the folklore “Aalayal Thara Venam” captivated the whole audience. The colorful Fusion Dance performance by Meera Devdutt and senior NAFO girls superfluously showcased the contemporary art of modern age enthralled not only the youth but also the spectators of all age and genre.”Avanipoothennal” a theme based dance-drama skit staged by more than 20 kids of NAFO Gurukulam, directed by Subbaraman and Anitha Murali, stolen the heart of audience yields a standing ovation of audience and guests attended. Priya Anil, Smrithi Vinayan, Sunitha Vijay, Ginu Vaikath, Sreeja Narendran, Bindu Bipin and Sheeba Shaiju were done the choreography of each segment. As in yester years NAFO Ladies’ wing played a pivotal role in staging these items after a month long hectic rehearsals, under the eminent co-ordination of Smitha Sashikumar and other LW co-ordinators.
Solo songs by Smt. Anjana Raviprasad, Siddharth Sudheer, Priyanka Pramod and Praveen added contemporary flavor for the cultural events, which ended with a superb musical performance by the team Delights Orchestra.
Elegant compering of the whole event by Jaikrishnan and Sruthi Uday flawlessly guided the gathering from the beginning to the end. Anish Nair, NAFO Joint Secretary, co-ordinated flawless coordination of events with the support of stage management committee.
Madhu G. Menon, Cultural Co-ordinator, proposed vote of thanks by specifically referring to all those who wholeheartedly supported and participated and made the event a grand success includes ICSK Management for granting the auditorium.
Event Conveners M. S. Nair and Sreekumar Pillai admired, congratulated and thanked all the program committee members for their efforts and support extended in nurturing unity and harmony among the NAFO fraternity truly realized through Onam Celebrations.
A sumptuous Onasadya which was catered by one of the most popular chef in Kuwait –was served to all attendees.