QMASS, the only forum of francophone expatriates hailing from Mahe and the neighbouring regions of Kerala, affiliated to ICC, celebrated the 58th Kerala Piravi at Ashoka Hall recently. The celebration, which was inaugurated by the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy, S Sasikumar.
An array of traditional cultural items were showcased by professional artists, forum members and school students. Chendamelam artistes, Melam Doha, performed the Thayambaka and Kerala’s own martial art form, Kalaripayattu performance by Choorakodi Kalarisamgam enthralled the audience. Mohiniyattam, folk dance, oppana, thiruvathira kali and group dances were also staged.
Devaraj Kuniyil, secretary of the forum, welcomed the gathering and Manmmadhan Mambally, President (Acting) delivered the presidential speech by reading the messages from E Valsaraj , Ex Health and Education Minister of Pondicherry and Dinesh Mangalat, Regional Administrator, Mahe. In his speech he emphasized that November 1 is also declared this year as the Liberation Day of Puducherry, which was celebrated all over the State of Pondicherry. The other guest speakers were Yatheendran Master, Voice of Kerala, Mohammed Khutb, Media One Qatar chapter, and Naveed Abdullah, Gulf Star Group.
Suhail Manoly, cultural convener controlled the stage events. All the performers were honoured at the function by the executive members of the forum.
The Peninsula
