February 13, 2002. Special Report
Keralolsavam 2002--Day 1.
Keralolsavam 2002 evokes
festival mood among Gulf Keralites
K.M.Meena, the
most popular Ambassador?
Muscat --Accompanied by 'chendamelam', three elephants,
'muthukkuda' and all other ingredients of a traditional Kerala
festival, 'Keralolsavam 2002' was inaugurated here by the Indian
Ambassador K.M.Meena, in the presence of Chief Guest Sukumar
Azhikkodu, popular Chenda artists Mattannor Shankaran, Chairman
of the Indian Social Club Dr.Sathish Nambiar, Indian Social Club
Kerala Wing Convener P.M.Jabbir, Co Convener C.Preman and other
dignitaries. Congratulating the Kerala Wing for bringing what
he termed "the common man's Kerala" close to the Gulf
region by organising the unique Kerala festival, the Ambassador
urged the organisation to convert the festival an annual event.
The Ambassador had all praise for the ISC Kerala Wing,
which has been able to organise such a major event just one year
after starting its operations and attract not less than six thousand
visitors for the inaugural session itself. In his welcome address,
Jabbir termed the Indian Ambassador as " the most popular
Ambassador" ever to serve the Indian community here . He
said the organisation has been actively pursuing various programmes
focusing on humanitarian issues affecting the common man. Reiterating
the policy of continued support for humanitarian causes, he said
the festival would raise some fund for financing such activities.
Sukumar Azhikkodu
The Chief Guest, Dr.Sukumar Azhikkodukkodukkodukkodu,
who was on his second visit to the country, said in his speech
that the festive mood in the city is an indication that the esteemed
values of love and brotherhood, are still prevailing in the Keralite
community outside the state. Reminding the Keralite community
about the fast eroding social values in Kerala life, the famous
writer and literary critic said that the current atmosphere there
is not conducive for holding festivals like 'Keralolsavam' as
the state has been going through a difficult phase. In a short
and precise speech Azhikkodu praised the Malayali community living
away from their home for spreading the message of love and compassion.
His speech was studded with lighter moments and jokes surrounding
the gigantic elephants, artificially created by leading artist
for the purpose. 'Even if the Malayalis go to a country like
Oman without elephants, they are able to create even elephants,"
he said. The three elephants were made by artist Gopinath, a
teacher of Indian School Darsait.
Three elephants adorned with glittering ornaments,
muthukkuda, chendamelam and thayampakam added to the festival
like atmosphere in the Qurum Natural park. In order to withstand
the chilly weather and breeze from the adjacent Arabian sea,
the aging Azhikkodu borrowed a coat, which he termed as an "artificial
and heavy" cover. However, he was "suffocating"
from the artificial cover that prevented him from speaking freely.
It was unique experience for Azhikkodu to make a speech with
an overcoat! Dr.Sathish Nambiar, Chairman, ISC who had all praise
for the organisers said the event is a memorable "home away
from home" experience for the Keralite community.
Dr.P.Mohammed Ali, a prominent Malayali businessman
was honoured by the Chief Guest by adoring him with a "Ponnada"
( traditional kasavu Mundu of Kerala). Dr.Mohammed Ali said in
a short speech that ever since he left Kerala long back in 1967,
he could not see any festivals back home. He also expressed his
gratitude to the Keralite community for honouring him on such
an auspicious occasion with "Ponnada" - a symbol of
recognition. Apparently due to emotion, Dr. Mohammad Ali was
silent for a few moments searching for proper Malayalam words
to express his happiness and gratitude to the five thousand odd
Malayali community who assembled in the venue, notwithstanding
the severe cold and chilly wind. The Chief Guest also distributed
prizes for the winners of literary section competitions held
as part of 'Keralolsavam'.
Dr.P.Mohammed Ali honoured for honours.
Making an introduction of Dr.Mohammed Ali, Managing
Director of the Galfar group of companies, the ISC K Convener
said that he was given the Civil Order Grade Three by the Government
of Oman and an Honorary Doctorate from the Caledonian College,
U.K -- two great achievements for a Malayali in Oman. He added
that honouring such a personality is equivalent to honouring
the entire Malayali community in Oman.
Qurum natural park resembled a traditional Kerala temple
compound full of festival related activities. The center of attraction
was the elephant trio - only on close scrutiny one will realise
that they are fake ones made of thermocol and wood. The stage
also depicted a traditional Kerala Nalukettu, a house built with
architectural decorations and paintings. The stage designed by
a talented engineer of Al Majid Contracting, Ajayan has added
flavour to the cultural events. Many visitors were seen enjoying
the rhythmic music generated by the Panchavadhyam troupe headed
by Mattannor Shankaran Nampoothiri. The traditional 'Kavadiyattam'
was also performed by the Kerala Wing members. Other cultural
programmes like Thiruvathira, Mappilappattu, Kolukali and Chakyarkoothu
were also part of Keralolsavam.
A short skit -Guruji--presented by the Wing members
looked at times very odd because of its self-glorification theme.
The skit theme presented various activities and achievements
of ISC Kerala Wing and sometimes amounted to self-glorification
and awkward. However, the performance of Harimenon, a multifaceted
artist, and a few others aroused spontaneous clapping from the
audience. Those who directed the skit appears to have forgotten
the basic fact that social club activities are better evaluated
by independent non-member community members.
A number of European, Arab and Asian expatriates visited
the venue and partly enjoyed the presentations. What was unique
in Qurum natural park was the presence of Malayalis from all
walks of life. Unlike some of the elite social organisations
meant for the affluent sections of Indian community, there were
no entry restrictions.
People from different locations including interior
places of the Sultanate were present. Even the Royal Omani Police
officials posted in the festival venue to look after law and
order situation were found enjoying the 'Panchvadhyam', 'kavadiyattam'
'thiruvathirakali' 'kolkali' and other cultural events. (by the
Editor, keralamonitor.com)
