It was a proud and enchanting day for Kayamkulam NRIs Kuwait, when they staged their 12th Anniversary Celebrations – Kayal Sandhya 2018”, on the evening of Friday, 16th February 2018 at the Indian Community School, Khaitan Branch, Kuwait.

The best part of the program was the presence of H.E. T.P. Sreenivasan, Former Ambassador of India to the United Nations, as Chief Guest and a star studded music and comedy show by the talented Artistes from Kerala. The cultural meeting started with the playing of National anthem of Kuwait and India, followed by a prayer beautifully sung by Malavika Sreekumar.

T.P. Sreenivsan inaugurated the function by the traditional lamp lighting in the meeting charred by President B.S. Pillai, along with the presence Patron Sh. P. Harris, Adviser Safeer P. Harris, Vice-President Hari Unnithan, General Secretary Abdul Vahab, Treasurer C. Krishna kumar and Vice-President and Program Convener Tom Jacob. General Secretary Abdul Vahab welcomed the audience, covering all aspects of Kayamkulam NRIs.

President in his address pointed out the successful social, welfare and cultural services of the association and saluted Their Highnesses the Rulers of Kuwait on the happy occasion and appreciated the Indian Embassy for its tremendous support from time to time.

TP Sreenivasan, in his impressive and informative inaugural address, he specifically recalled two names specifically – Sankara Pillai, the first Malayalee in the Foreign Service, who got killed while serving for the country in Canada and Cartoonist Shankar, who was considered as one among the elite friend circle of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. In fact, it was the inspiration from his father and the influence of Sankara Pillai that encouraged him to become an Ambassador. Having 37 years of diplomatic experience in crucial appointments around the globe, he was India’s voice in the United Nations.

While felicitating the occasion, Patron Sh. P. Harris, highlighted the experience shared by T.P Sreenivasan and affirmed that it would definitely an inspiration to the young generation to select and supplement them to develop their career.

He further briefed about the social activities that Kayamkulam NRIs has been accelerating and wished them all success.

Adviser Safeer P. Harris, Vice-President Hari Unnithan, Treasurer Krishna Kumar were also felicitated the occasion.

The audience then witnessed the honoring of T P Sreenivasan with Ponnada and Memento by President B.S. Pillai and Patron Sh. P. Harris was honored with Ponnada and Memento by Vice-President and Program Convener Tom Jacob.

There after the two awardees of “Excellence Award 2018” were declared – Suresh C. Pillai, CEO, Mark Technologies, Kuwait and John Mathai, Chairman, Dhanya Group of Companies, Sharjah, UAE, both from Kayamkulam.

Followed by a Video presentation, S.S. Sunil, Secretary read the profile of Suresh C. Pillai, after which T.P. Sreenivasan adorned him with Ponnada and the Prestigious Award.

In his reply speech, Suresh thanked Kayamkulam NRIs for selecting him as one of the awardees. While praising the social activities of the association, Suresh offered to build a house for a deserving economically backward family, recommended by the Association.

John Mathai, Chairman, Dhanya Group of Companies, Sharjah, UAE, couldn’t arrive to receive the Award personally, due to some unexpected circumstances. However, as arranged, after showing his video presentation, Gopalakrishnan, Secretary read his profile and Biju Parayil, Executive Committee Member received the “Excellence Award 2018”. Vipin Mangattu, Executive Committee Member read a message from John Mathai due to his absence.

Later, Souvenir Convener KG Sreekumar handed a copy of an informative and colorful Souvenir to Patron Sh. P. Harris and he released the same by giving a copy to Vaisakh of SBC, one of the Sponsors of the event.

Vice-President and Program Convener Tom Jacob proposed vote of thanks to the guests, Sponsors, well- wishers and to all those who were being part of the event. While Anamika Anilkumar brilliantly compered the meeting. Anamika also received a memento from President B.S. Pillai in appreciation of her excellent compering. The stage was, thereafter, left for cultural programs by the highly talented artistes from Kerala.

A blend of music and comedy led by TV Comedy fame Paulson along with his team Reshmi, Bhasi, Midhun, Jaidev, Avvai Santhosh, popularly known as “Lucky Stars” on Asianet TV Comedy staged a dazzling performance with several comedy skits, magic and mimics that regaled one and in the fully packed auditorium. Adding to that, the satirical performance of Cine and TV Artiste Naseer Samcranthii, captivated the hearts of audience and took them to ecstatic heights

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The other highlight of the program was the musical opera by leading playback singers Sonia and Nikhilraj that enthralled the art lovers of all age groups.

Registered with the Indian Embassy, Kayamkulam NRIs has been in the Gulf for the last 12 years, successfully rendering social, welfare and cultural services.