Dr. Shrikant Shinde MP lauds Malayalees at WMF Onam Celebration
“The social commitment and unity displayed by the Malayalee community are truly commendable,” said Dr. Shrikant Shinde, Member of Parliament, while speaking as guest of honor at the Onam celebration organized by the World Malayalee Federation, Maharashtra State Council.
“Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, and the unity, discipline, and social commitment of the Malayalee community, are exemplary,” Dr. Shinde remarked. He observed that Malayalees, even while living far from their homeland and native tongue, have carried their culture and traditions with them across every region they inhabit — an achievement he called deeply commendable.
He further noted that the Malayalee community’s contributions across Mumbai and Maharashtra, in fields spanning every walk of life, have lent significant strength to the state’s social and cultural progress.
Sharing the stage were World Malayalee Federation Maharashtra State Council Patron Dr. Oommen David, President Dr. Roy John Mathew, and Secretary Dominic Paul, alongside guests of honor MLA Rajesh More and former Lok Sabha member Anand Paranjpe.
The festivities opened with the ceremonial lighting of the traditional lamp and the welcoming of King Mahabali, accompanied by percussion by Anil Pothuval and troupe.
Film actor Jayaraj Warrier graced the occasion as chief guest, lauding the Federation’s work in fostering goodness and unity through collective community action.
In his signature humorous style, he wove together song and verse in a performance that left the audience by turns laughing and reflective.
A vibrant medley of cultural performances followed, led by Ganesh Iyer (Dombivli), Sheena Sankar (Kopar Khairane), Madhuri Pratap (Thane), Sujitha Balakrishnan, and Tanima (Dombivli).
Marking a milestone, the Maharashtra State Council celebrated the completion of its first year with a ceremonial cake-cutting. Patron Dr. Oommen David, who has steered the chapter since its inception, was felicitated at the event by Jayaraj Warrier and Dr. Roy John Mathew.
The celebrations drew to a rousing close with a traditional vanchipattu (boat song) led by Jayaraj Warrier.
Dr. Oommen David helmed the snake boat as core committee members, including Dr. Roy John Mathew and Dominic Paul, rowed in rhythm — the song filling the venue with a spirit of unity, friendship, and festivity, and bringing the evening to an exhilarating finale.
Dr. Oommen David and Dr. Roy John Mathew commended the collective efforts of the Federation’s members in making the celebration a resounding success.
A specially arranged selfie point featuring Pavithran Nair as Mahabali proved a major attraction, with a particularly charming moment as Dr. Shrikant Shinde bowed to touch his feet in blessing.
The program was compered by Sindhu Nair, Anjali Menon, and Manoj Iyyaneth, while Advocate Rakhi Sunil proposed the vote of thanks.