National Forum (NAFO-Kuwait) celebrated “ONAM 2019” on Friday, 18th October, at the Salmiya Indian Model School (SIMS). The celebrations took off at 09:45am with the lighting of Bhadradeepam performed by honorable Chief Guest H.E. K. Jeeva Sagar, Ambassador of India-Kuwait and NAFO officials. A meticulously crafted Onapookalam by talented NAFO families and Kerala’s own symphony “Maddalakeli” set the perfect start for the festivities on Onam day early morning itself. The chief guest H.E. Ambassador of India-Kuwait Mr. K.Jeeva Sagar was received with a warm welcome by NAFO officials and a group of young girls who were colorfully dressed in Thiruvathira costume with the blessings and accompaniment of Mahabali to the Auditorium.
The function started off with national anthems of Kuwait and India, followed by a prayer song in Sanskrit by Manisha Menon. R. Vijayakrishnan-President of NAFO briefly introduced the Chief Guest through his presidential address. He also reverently welcomed the chief guest and the auspicious gathering.
While inaugurating the day long function, H.E. K. Jeeva Sagar, admired, congratulated and thanked NAFO for organizing such events of heritage, such as Onam, aimed at nurturing unity and harmony among the community beyond of region and religion. He reiterated the relevance of inviting co-organizations of various states of India and also citizens of Kuwait to achieve the true objectives of celebrating Onam. H.E. Appreciated and expressed satisfaction on NAFO’s socio-welfare activities and requested considering the underprivileged community members in Kuwait who are suffering in the Embassy Shelters, also to be the beneficiaries of NAFO,s welfare measurers. NAFO Retrospective-an audio-visual presentation was showcased briefing the vision, mission and recent activities of the organization, well praised by the chief guest and audience with a big round of applause. NAFO presented a beautiful souvenir to the Mr. Jeeva Sagar as a token of appreciation and respect towards his contributions to the betterment of Indian diaspora.
Day’s cultural programs commenced with a graceful Rangapooja by Athira Rajendran and Amelendu Anilkumar, followed by spell-bounding Thiruvathirakali by a group of young NAFO girls’, with allusive gestures and rhythmic footwork and under the background of lyrical music, choreographed by Sindhu Rajiv captured the whole audience.
Renowned “Sopana Sangeetham” singer Eloor Biju, who flown into Kuwait from India took the entire audience to at a different level of enchantment through his ninety minutes long celestial renderings which was the main attraction of the daylong event. Organizing secretary Sri. Vinayan Mangalassery introduced Sri. Eloor Biju to the audience. General Secretary Murali S. Nair, Treasurer Vijaya Kumar Menon respectively rendered thanking note and presented the memento to Eloor Biju.
The platform of this year’s Onam function also witnessed the bid of farewell to NAFO Life Member P.S. Krishanakuamr and his spouse Shobha Krishnakumar presented with memento as an admiration of valuable contributions to NAFO. Secretary General-Affairs Sri. Anish Nair introduced Sri. P.S. Krishanakuamr to the audience and Vice President C.P. Rajiv Menon presented the memento.
Advisory Board member, V.R. Vijayan Nair, Ladies’ Wing Chief Coordinator-Srikala Dileep delivered their felicitation messages re-collecting the selfless services solidified by Krishnakumar and also 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.
Variety cultural entertainments by NAFO talent, such as: thematic classical dance show-“SWASTHI”, conceived and choreographed by Preethi Rajeev, Kids Fusion Dance by more than twenty little talents co-ordinated by Sunitha Vijay, Group Songs, Onapattu and group medley participated by twenty five Ladies and Gents, coordinated by Anitha Murali, Madhu Menon, Srikala Dileep and Sreela Raviprasad were very much entertaining to art lovers. A wonderful SKIT “MYTHREAM” staged by NAFO Gurukulam disciples and their mothers dressed in traditional costume of 12 different Indian states and also with the playback of songs in each language captured the hearts of audience. This piece of art depicting the solidarity and national integrity was conceived by Srikala Dileep and brilliantly co-ordinated by Rajasree Uday and Reshmi Ajay. The core cultural events also included with number of solo dance performances, solo songs added flours to the day’s cultural events which concluded with a Group Nadan Pattu.
Elegant compering of the whole event by Miss Vaishnavy Menon and Miss Madumitha Menon flawlessly guided the gathering from the beginning to the end. Event co-convener-Jayaraj Nair Edathil proposed vote of thanks by specifically referring to all those who wholeheartedly supported and participated and made the event a grand success. He also thanked the esteemed Sponsors of the event, delegates of co-organizations and media friends attended the function. A delicious Onasadya which was catered by one of the most popular chef in Kuwait –was served to all attendees.
The program committee headed by Convener-Jayaraj Nair Edathil and Co-Conveners, Balasundaran Nair, A.R. Subbarman, Premraj Nambiar along the out-standing support of NAFO Ladies’ Wing, General Committee professionally co-ordinated the event with the support of NAFO Advisory Board and Executive Committee.
The event concluded at 03:30 pm.