Indian Member of Parliament and Congress leader K. Sudhakaran, left, addresses the packed audience, right frame, that had turned out for the Kerala Fest — part of the Indian Festival 2013 — at the Indian International school Auditorium on Friday night. — Courtesy photo Hassan Cheruppa Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — More than 4,000 members of the Keralite community in Jeddah, mainly families, turned out for the Kerala Fest, organized as part of a the two-weeklong India Festival 2013 at the International Indian School Auditorium Friday evening. Addressing the packed audience, an Indian member of Parliament and the Indian consul general praised the unique unity shown by the enterprising Keralite community in the Kingdom. More than 350 artists, mostly students, enthralled the audience with their stunning performance showcasing the cultural diversity and a variety of folk art forms from the southern Indian state. Jeddah Keralites Forum (JKF), an umbrella body of Keralites' organizations based in Jeddah, organized the cultural extravaganza. Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai opened the fest in which the guest of honor was Congress leader K. Sudhakaran, who is also a member of the Lok Sabha representing Kannur constituency. In their speeches, Kidwai and Sudhakaran praised the envious unity of Keralites in maintaining their cultural identity as well as in helping the weaker sections among the Indian community as a whole. “The unity you have and the bonds you share in helping others and making collective endeavors for the common causes are remarkable. There are no words to express my thanks to your selfless service especially in serving the Haj pilgrims,” Kidwai said while noting that Keralites represent 90 percent of volunteers who come forward to serve the pilgrims during Haj. He said that the enterprise, far-sightedness and hard work of Keralites have helped them to surpass people of many other states. On his part, Sudhakaran commended the community for assembling under a single banner of India and showcasing its unity in diversity in all respects. “At a time when there is an increasing trend among members of the society to confine to a world of selfishness and greed that they carve out for themselves, the warmness of friendship and love that I have witnessed here seems to be quite impossible in our homeland. I salute you for giving me a unique moment to be with you in sharing this love and happiness,” he said. Drawing attention to the growing number of shelter homes for the elderly in Kerala, Sudhakaran said that isolation and loneliness of parents is one of the major challenges facing the society back home. The function was presided over by JKF Chairman P.T Muhamad. Felicitation speeches were delivered by Tarek Mishkhas, editor in chief of Urdu News and Malayalam News, Alungal Muhammad, chairman and managing director of Al-Abeer Medical Group, Naseem Ahmed, manager of Malabar Gold, and JKF steering committee members including K.M. Sharif Kunju, Papatta Kunhumuhammad, V.K.A Rauf, P.M.A Jaleel, Baby Kuriachan, and Mohan Balan. JKF general convener P.P Rahim welcomed the gathering while steering committee member Kunhavutty A. Khader gave a vote of thanks. Program Committee Convener K.T.A. Muneer briefed all on the cultural programs. Priya Rajesh was the anchor. The program started with a live orchestra by prominent Keralite singers in the city such as Rekha Joy, Mirza Sharif, Mashhud Tangal, Linci Babi, Jamal Pasha, Rahna Saleem and Jagathi Pillai. ‘Mathruvandanam', a musical program, directed by Anil Narayana and staged by around 40 artists, stole the show, evoking intense nostalgic feelings among the gathering. Bhumigeetam, presented by a team of artists led by Mathew Varghese, was another highlight. The cultural fiesta, featuring several traditional performances including folk dances, Tiruvathirakali, Mappila Pattu, Daff Muttu, Kolkkali, and Kerala fusion dance, mesmerized the audience.
