SMA celebrated ‘Pononam’ and a Multicultural Evening on 28^th Aug 2010 at Eastwood community Centre from 1000am to 2130pm and a big thanks to the Co-operative community Fund for their funding without which this would have been impossible.

The lovely autumn morning began with the preparations for “ATHHA POOKALAM”, Pookalam is an intricate and colourful arrangement of flowers laid on the floor. Tradition of decorating Pookalam is extremely popular in Kerala and a traditional culture during ‘Onam’ season. The ladies of SMA created a splendid display of flower arrangement which was colourful and eye catching a simply the best way of starting off a celebrative day.  Soon the day was progressed with various indoor traditional sport events including Ladies and Children’s musical chair competitions, but Tug of war (vadam vali) is a sport that is an inevitable part of Onam festivities and well our men and women were not behind and the competitions were really breathtaking and eye-catching with winners from both genders declared by judges.

‘Onasadhya’ is the most delicious part of the grand festival called Onam. It is considered to be the most elaborate and grand meal prepared by any civilisation or cultures in the world.    We thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the feast and so did our guests.

Soon the late afternoon was followed by various stage competitions for kids which comprised on Fancy Dress, Poetry Reciting, Singing and Speech.  We are really thankful for the judges who did a splendid job in deciding the winners as it was too close a call on all these events.  The Children of SMA have grown to understand the traditional values and arts of our culture and put up a great competition which was splendid to watch.

The clouds were taking over the sky and the sun was slowly setting and the evening began with the Annual General Body meeting, presided by Mr. George Joseph and the Chief guest Mr. Barry Miller.  The President addressed the audience with an energetic and informative farewell speech which was followed by the chief guest addressing his praise and dedication for this charity organisations effort in putting up such a wonderful community show.  The meeting progressed with Mr. Pradeep Kuruvilla, Secretary of SMA, presenting the annual budget to the audience.  Soon, the hosts of the show introduced the new elected team of SMA, who were congratulated by the Chief Guests and applauded by the audience.  More information on the new team can be obtained from our website under trustee board sections.

The evening started off with a lighting show of ‘Veendum Oru Oona Kalam’, a colourful theme with the welcoming of King ‘Mahabeli and the display of various art forms of kerala.  The crowds were mesmerised with the eye-catching costumes, stage arrangements and music which was a treat to watch. Soon the multicultural evening progressed by a traditional classical dance concert called “Bharatanatyam” which was truly professional and very well presented.  The impressive nature of this event was it was our own children who after years of practice put up such an intricate and splendid performance.  Various other cinematic dance forms, traditional dances like ‘Thiruvadhira’ and ‘Oppana’ were all part of the package. Melody Orchestra added the final feather to the crown, by the splendid singing which followed by a delicious dinner for our members and guests.

Last but the not the least, there are a lot of SMA members who have directly or indirectly contributed towards this show.  These contributions are in the form of directing the events, choreography, Stage Lighting, Stage Decoration, Makeup of Children, Sound System Control, Videography, Hall cleaning and various other arrangements and so many other areas of expertise. All there efforts have been so wonderful that without their assistance and guidance, it would be next to impossible to host such activities.

For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack, and that is what the SMA members have shown.  The success and respect earned by this show also shows the hard work of all our members. We sincerely and truly wish them all the best and would like them to continue to contribute to the communities needs as they always do.  Let us row forward to success in creating a bigger and better community.