Celebrating Harvest, Prosperity and Abundance with Toastmasters
by TM Sunil NS
President of Bhavans Kuwait Malayalam Toastmasters Club, Kuwait
🌺 Bhavans Kuwait Malayalam Toastmasters Club Celebrates Onam 2025 with Grandeur and Grace
Kuwait, October 10, 2025 — The Bhavans Kuwait Malayalam Toastmasters Club hosted a vibrant and culturally rich Onam celebration at the elegant Chef Noushad Signature Restaurant, bringing together members, families, and guests for a day filled with tradition, talent, and togetherness. The event commenced at 10:00 AM and unfolded into a tapestry of Kerala’s heritage, Toastmasters excellence, and community spirit.
🌼 A Ceremonial Beginning
The celebration was formally inaugurated with the lighting of the traditional lamp (Bhadradeepam) by the Club Executive Committee members, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of prosperity. This sacred moment set the tone for the day’s festivities, blending the essence of Onam with the values of Toastmasters.
Club President Toastmaster Sunil N.S. presided over the event, ensuring the program reflected both cultural depth and Toastmasters’ mission of empowering individuals through communication and leadership. The event was hosted with charm and precision by Toastmaster Suvi Ajith, whose warm demeanour kept the audience engaged throughout.
🗣️ Messages That Moved Hearts
Distinguished Toastmaster Sheeba Premugh, Vice President Public Relations, delivered a heartfelt Onam message that beautifully captured the spirit of the festival—celebrating unity, gratitude, and the joy of harvest. Her words resonated with the audience, reminding everyone of the deeper meaning behind the festivities.
🎶 Music, Nostalgia, and Artistic Flair
The celebration featured soulful musical interludes by Toastmaster Abdulaziz and singer Madhu, whose performances transported the audience to nostalgic memories of Onam celebrations in Kerala. Their renditions of classic Malayalam songs added emotional depth and cultural richness to the event.
Following the musical performances, a series of artistic programs showcased the diverse talents of club members. These included poetry recitations, short skits, and impromptu storytelling, all centred around the themes of Onam and Malayalam heritage.
🧠 Competitions That Inspired and Entertained
The event also included engaging competitions that highlighted the Toastmasters spirit of friendly challenge and personal growth:
- Onam-themed Quiz Competition: Conducted by Toastmaster Sunil, this interactive session tested participants’ knowledge of Onam traditions, history, and folklore. Toastmaster Ajoy Jacob emerged as the winner, demonstrating both wit and cultural insight.
- Table Topics Speech Contest: Led by Toastmaster Shabir, this impromptu speaking challenge encouraged participants to think on their feet and express themselves creatively. Toastmaster Bijo P Babu won first place with a compelling and spontaneous speech.
- Traditional Onam Games: From tug-of-war to musical chairs and other festive games, Toastmaster Bijo P Babu also led the coordination of these activities, bringing laughter and camaraderie to the celebration.
🍽️ OnaSadya: A Feast to Remember
No Onam celebration is complete without the iconic OnaSadya, a grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. Guests were treated to an elaborate spread of Kerala delicacies including sambar, avial, olan, thoran, pachadi, and the beloved payasam. The meal was not just a culinary delight but a celebration of Kerala’s agrarian roots and communal harmony.
🏆 Honoring Excellence and Gratitude
The prize distribution ceremony was led by Vice President Education Toastmaster Jasnim Mansoor, who recognized the winners of the day’s competitions and games. The awards celebrated not just victory but participation, enthusiasm, and the spirit of community.
Toastmaster Jinu, Club Secretary, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all members, volunteers, and guests who contributed to the success of the event. His words reflected the collective effort and dedication that made the celebration truly special.
Adding prestige to the occasion, Division E Director Toastmaster Dr. Sumanth Mishra graced the event with his presence, offering words of encouragement and appreciation for the club’s vibrant activities and cultural engagement.
Onam 2025 was not just a celebration—it was a reflection of culture, connection, and communication. A day where tradition met transformation, and every voice was heard, celebrated and cherished.
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Toastmaster Sunil NS is a dynamic member and leader in Bhavans Kuwait Malayalam Toastmasters Club. By profession, he is a safety engineer as well.