Less than a month after their election to various posts, the office-bearers of the Auckland Malayali Samajam have put together a series of festivities and events that would keep their members and guests busy for the best part of the year.
The first of these, called ‘Project Malayalam,’ entails Malayalam Language classes for children aged five and above at the Onehunga Community House, 83 Selwyn Street in Onehunga, on second Saturdays of the month.
The first class, held on June 11 reportedly evinced widespread interest.
Karthikalayam Parameswaran Nair Shibu (known by his last name), who was elected to the post of President at the Annual General Meeting of the Samajam on May 13 at the Fickling Convention Centre in Three Kings, said he was proud of his team.
“It is a matter of joy that all members of the Committee were elected to their posts unanimously, enabling us to work together for the benefit of our members and the community. Our team has put together an action-planned year,” he said.
Among the other office-bearers are Siju Jacob (Vice-President), Cijimon Kesavan (Secretary), Gracy Paul (Joint Secretary), Cherian Mathew (Treasurer), Akarsh Revindran, Shibu Joseph, Jils George and Shaji Varghese (Committee Members).
Cijimon said ‘Samajam Youvajanolsavam 2011,’ a cultural festival for the youth, will be held on July 16 at Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall.
“The six-hour programme will begin at 2 pm and comprise a series of competitions in music, classical, folk and film dances, drama, mimicry, mono act, recitation in Malayalam, fancy dress, instrumental music, drawing, painting and story-writing. The Festival aims to bring out the varied talent in our young men and women,” he said.
According to Shibu, the Onam Festival this year would be bigger and better.
“The Festival, which will include traditional songs, dances and other items of interest, will be held on August 19 at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre located at 145 New North Road, Eden Terrace in Central Auckland,” he said.
Among the highlights of the Programme, which will be held from 6 pm to 10 pm, will be the release of ‘Darpanam,’ the annual publication of the Samajam.
“We plan to conduct ‘Star Nights’ and sporting events at least once a month during the current ‘Samajam Year,’ involving our members and families,” Shibu said.
