Abu Dhabi: India Social Centre celebrates Onam in grandeur
By Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network
Abu Dhabi, 21 Sep 2013: India Social and Cultural Centre celebrated the Onam Festival on Friday, the 20th September attended by well known personalities and HE. M.K. Lokesh,Ambassador of India.
The celebrations began at 12 noon and went on up to 4 pm. The Ambassador of India was accorded a grand welcome and led to the dais in a procession accompanied by Mr. Joy Thomas John, Hon. President, Mr. P. Sathyababu, Hon. General Secretary, Mr. Elias Padavetty, Hon. Ent. Secretary.
Many well known dignitaries attended the celebrations namely Captain. Mohammed Yousuf Al Khour, Mr. Sarvotham Shetty, President, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Mr. Shekar Shetty, MD Arab Group of Restaurants, Mr. Jayaram Rai, Committee Member ISC, Mr. Joy Thomas John, Hon. President, welcomed the ambassador to the dais and also welcomed the gathering and wished a very Happy Onam to all members of the ISC.
The Chief Guest HE M.K. Lokesh thanked Mr. Thomas John for his warm welcome and wished all a very Happy Onam and said that he was very happy to be with Indian community to join the great festivity and share Onam meal among its members.
A large crowd attended the celebrations including a few Europeans and other Nationalities enjoyed having Onam meal in banana leaves.
Prior to the celebrations, traditional Onam songs were rendered melodiously by members of ISC and the little children danced and entertain the audience.