THE Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam has lined up a children's painting competition at its Diamond Jubilee Hall on Friday. The contest is open to all children and forms part of the Samajam's cultural and educational activities. It will be held in four categories; group 1 - for children aged four to six; group 2 - for children aged seven to nine; group 3 - for children aged 10 to 13 and group 4 for children aged 14 to 18. Participants in groups 1 and 2 will enjoy picture-colouring and painting any subject of their choice. Meanwhile, the subjects for groups 3 and 4 will be given 30 minutes before the competition begins. The event will take place from 3pm and contestants must report by 2.30pm. Registration is BD1 per child and an exhibition of the artworks will follow the contest. Mediums including colour pencils, crayons and watercolours may be used, said organisers. Contact BKS literary wing secretary Biju Satheesh on 36045442 or entertainment secretary Manoj Mathew on 39617735 for more information. |
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
THE Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam has lined up a children's painting competition at its Diamond Jubilee Hall on Friday. The contest is open to all chil
Friday, November 28, 2008
സമാജം നാടകോത്സവം: 'വേഷം' മികച്ച നാടകം, ശിവകുമാര് നടന്, ഫറ സിറാജ് നടി
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Social worker is honoured by Samajam
The Interior Ministry employee and his wife Valsala, a housewife, are returning to their home in Mavelikara, Kerala, after 33 years in Bahrain.
Mr Nair served the Samajam twice as its general secretary and once as vice-president and was also part of several other associations.
The presentation will be part of a grand show organised by the Samajam to celebrate the formation of Kerala (Keralappiravi) and the festival of lights Diwali.
It will be held from 8pm at the Samajam's Diamond Jubilee Hall.
Indian businessman M M Ramachandran, who owns the Atlas Jewellery Group, will also be honoured.
Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty will be chief guest.
The reception will be followed by a live orchestra led by the young singer Sannidhanandan, who shot to fame last year after reaching the semi-finals of the music reality show Idea Star Singer, organised by Asianet television.
The event is free and open to all. For more information, contact the Samajam general secretary Madhu Madhavan on 36662215.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Samajam to hold quiz workshop
THE Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam, Segaiya, quiz club is conducting a workshop on general knowledge, intelligence tests and quizzing. The event, held in association with the children's wing, aims to give members and their children an opportunity to update themselves on the latest trends in quizzing, understand the patterns of general knowledge as well as intelligence tests and quiz competitions conducted by various institutions, said organisers. There are five sessions with one being held every month. The first session is scheduled for Friday from 10am to 12.30pm at the Samajam premises. The sessions will be conducted by quiz masters Sarath Menon and S N Prince. Entry is free for children and their parents. For more details, contact BKS entertainment secretary Manoj Mathew on 39617735 or Quiz Club convener B Harikrishnan on 36592592. |
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Samajam to host iftar celebration
THE Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) will host an iftar celebration at its Diamond Jubilee Hall, Segaiya, tomorrow.
Entry is free to members and guests only.
The event, sponsored by KIMS Bahrain Medical Centre, will begin at the firing of the cannon tomorrow evening and more than 600 people are expected to attend.
Meanwhile, registration for the Samajam's Vidyarambham initiation ceremony is now underway.
The traditional initiation ceremony is observed by Keralites, regardless of creed.
During the ceremony, a guru, or teacher, seats children on his lap and traces out the Malayalam letters into a plate of rice.
Renowned musician Dakshinamoorthi will be the guru at this year's ceremony, at the BKS at 5am, on October 9.
Registration is limited to 100 children on first-come-first-served basis and fees are BD5 per child.
Contact the BKS School of Malayalam convenor N K Veeramani on 36421369 for more information.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
സമാജം ഓണാഘോഷങ്ങള്ക്ക് തുടക്കമായി
Friday, September 5, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
New Samajam HQ opened
THE new Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam's (BKS) BD700,000 headquarters in Segaya was opened last night in a grand ceremony.
Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and Bahrain Social Development Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi were the chief guests.
Also present were Kerala Water Resources Minister N K Premachandran, Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty, Lulu Hypermarkets owner and EMKE Group managing director M A Yusuffali, Saudi-based Nasser Al Hajri Corporation managing director Ravi Pillai, UAE Exchange and Dubai-based New Medical Centre managing director and chief executive officer B R Shetty as well as renowned Indian actress-dancer Lakshmi Gopalaswami.
Representatives of various clubs and associations in Bahrain as well as businessmen from the UAE also attended.
The new BKS headquarters has a multi-purpose hall, three mini-conference halls, library and reading room, rooms for children's and ladies' wing activities, sports and games facilities, administrative offices and car parking facilities.
The opening ceremony began with an Indo-Western fusion dance conceived and directed by Bahrain-based actor and director Jaya Menon.
More than 40 artists participated in the mega stage show.
Celebrations will continue at 7.30pm today with a dance and musical recital by Ms Gopalaswami and playback singer Nishad.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
New Samajam HQ set to open
OVERSEAS Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and Kerala Water Resources Minister N K Premachandran arrived in Bahrain yesterday to attend the opening of the new Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) headquarters. The inauguration of the club's new BD700,000 headquarters in Segaiya is today at 7.30pm and is open to all to attend. Bahrain's Social Development Minister Fatima Al Balooshi and Mr Ravi will be the chief guests. Guests of honour will be Mr Premachandran, Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty, Lulu Hypermarkets owner and EMKE Group managing director M A Yusuffali, Saudi-based Nasser Al Hajri Corporation managing director Ravi Pillai, UAE Exchange and Dubai-based New Medical Centre managing director and chief executive officer B R Shetty as well as renowned Indian actress-dancer Lakshmi Gopalaswami. Other guests expected to attend are Al Fara'a Group UAE managing director J R Gangaramani, Southern Fried Chicken UAE managing director K Muraleedharan, Euro Emirates Group managing director Vijayan Thomas, Meta Schematics Bahrain managing director Michael Nevis and Delta Constructions Bahrain managing director U H Neelakanda. Representatives of various clubs and associations in Bahrain will also be present at the event. The new BKS headquarters has a multi-purpose hall, three mini-conference halls, library and reading room, rooms for children's and ladies' wing activities, sports and games facilities, administrative offices and car parking facilities. The opening ceremony will begin with an Indo-Western fusion dance conceived and directed by Bahrain-based actor and director Jaya Menon. More than 40 artists will participate in the mega stage show that is being choreographed by Jothi Raj and Ashokan Kunnamkulam. Special effects and lighting arrangements will be handled by Valson Koyilady. Celebrations will continue at 7.30pm tomorrow with a dance and musical recital by Ms Gopalaswami and playback singer Nishad. The BKS has chalked out a 60-day cultural extravaganza as part of its opening ceremony. It will begin on Thursday and will include Indian traditional folklore, contemporary dances, Indian classical dances and music. The Samajam's Manama building has been its home for the more than 20 years. It was occupied in 1986 when the club's membership strength was 300. Now the club has 1,400 registered members. Taking into account the members' families, the number of beneficiaries comes to more than 5,000. The BKS has been in the forefront of traditional, cultural and social activities during its 60 years of existence in Bahrain, said Samajam general secretary Madhu Madhavan. For more information contact Mr Madhavan on 36662215. |
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Samajam set for cultural fiesta
THE Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) will mark the opening of its new premises in Segaiya with a two-day cultural extravaganza, starting at 7.30pm on Saturday. The opening ceremony will begin with an Indo-Western classical dance fusion conceived and directed by Bahrain-based actor and director Jaya Menon. More than 40 artists will participate in the mega stage show that is being choreographed by Jothi Raj and Ashokan Kunnamkulam. Special effects and lighting arrangements will be handled by Valson Koyilady. Chief guests at the event will be Overseas Indian and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and Social Development Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi. Kerala's Water Resources Minister N K Premachandran and Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty will also attend. Meanwhile, celebrations will continue at 7.30pm on August 31 with a dance and musical recital by Indian Bharatnatyam classical dancer and actress Lakshmi Gopalaswami and playback singer Nishad. Ms Gopalaswami received the Kerala state government award for best supporting artist last year for the film Thaniye and her debut Malayalam film Arayannangalude Veedu earned her the Kerala state award for the best supporting actress. She has been performing since the age of 12 and has performed live for television channels across the world. Meanwhile, Nishad has sung in 12 movies including Mambazhakalam, Boyfriend, Swapnam, Kondu, Tulabharam, Kanninum Kannadikkum and Sarkar Dada. He has performed in India and around the world with leading singers including Yesudas, KS Chitra, Sujatha, SPB, Sadhana and Sargham. The BKS has chalked out a 60-day cultural extravaganza as part of its opening ceremony. It will begin on September 4 and will include Indian traditional folklore, contemporary dances, Indian classical dances and music. The BKS will also mark the Onam harvest festival with a 10-day celebration ending with an Onasadhya feast. Registration for the Pookkalamalthsaram floral arrangement contest that will take place on September 5 at the new BKS is also continuing. Entry to all events is free. Contact, 39617735 for more information. |
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Historic day for Samajam
A CHAPTER in history closes tonight as the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) holds its last celebration in the Manama building that has been its home for more than 20 years.
The club's new BD700,000 headquarters in Segaiya is to be opened on August 30.
Tonight's event will feature various cultural programmes, a live orchestra, followed by dinner and is set to begin at 8pm.
The BKS has been in the forefront of traditional, cultural and social activities during its 60 years existence in Bahrain, said Samajam general secretary Madhu Madhavan.
"The Samajam's present premises are overflowing with fond memories for all our members especially the seniors," he said.
"We are inviting all the members and their families to attend the nostalgic function.
"We occupied the present building in 1986 and at that time the club's membership strength was around 300.
"But now we have 1,400 members and with their families that comes to around 5,000."
Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi will be the chief guest at the opening of the new headquarters, at 7.30pm, August 30.
Ministers from Bahrain and Kerala and leading Indian businessmen from the Gulf will attend the high-profile inaugural ceremony.
From Kerala, Education Minister M A Baby and Water Resources Minister N K Premachandran are scheduled to attend.
The new BKS headquarters has been described by Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty as a great edifice of the Indian community.
The new building has a multi-purpose hall, three mini-conference halls, library and reading room, rooms for children's and ladies' wing activities, sports and games facilities, administrative offices and car parking facilities.
For more information contact Mr Madhavan on 36662215.
സമാജം ആസ്ഥാനമന്ദിരം ഉദ്ഘാടനം 30ന്
ബഹ്റൈന് കേരളീയ സമാജം അംഗങ്ങള് തങ്ങളുടെ ചിരകാല സ്വപ്നം പൂവണിഞ്ഞതിന്റെ നിര്വൃതിയിലാണ്. ഏഴു ലക്ഷം ദിനാര് (എട്ടു കോടിരൂപ) ചെലവില് സെഗയ്യയയില് നിര്മ്മാണം പൂര്ത്തിയായ മന്ദിരം ഈ മാസം 30ന് (30.08.2008) കേന്ദ്ര പ്രവാസികാര്യ മന്ത്രി വയലാര് രവി ഉദ്ഘാടനം ചെയ്യുമ്പോള് ഗള്ഫ് മലയാളികള്ക്കുതന്നെ അഭിമാനമായി മാറും ഈ മന്ദിരം. ഇത്ര ബൃഹത്തായ ഒരു മന്ദിരം ഗള്ഫില്ത്തന്നെ മറ്റൊരു മലയാളി സംഘടനയ്ക്കുമില്ലെന്നാണ് തങ്ങളുടെ അറിവെന്ന് ഇതുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട് വിളിച്ചുചേര്ത്ത വാര്ത്താസമ്മേളനത്തില് കെട്ടിടനിര്മ്മാണക്കമ്മിറ്റി ചെയര്മാന് പി.വി. രാധാകൃഷ്ണപിള്ള പറഞ്ഞു. മുപ്പതാംതീയതി വൈകിട്ട് 7.30ന് സമാജം ഓഡിറ്റോറിയത്തില് നടക്കുന്ന ചടങ്ങില് വയലാര് രവിയെക്കൂടാതെ ബഹ്റൈന് സാമൂഹ്യവികസന വകുപ്പുമന്ത്രി ഡോ. ഫാത്തിമാ അല് ബലൂഷി, കേരളത്തിലെ മന്ത്രിമാരായ എം.എ. ബേബി, എന്.കെ. പ്രേമചന്ദ്രന് തുടങ്ങി ഒട്ടേറെ പ്രമുഖര് പങ്കെടുക്കും.2005 ജൂണ് 27നാണ് ഈ കെട്ടിടത്തിന് തറക്കല്ലിട്ടത്. 6,500 ചതുരശ്രമീറ്ററിലുള്ള സ്ഥലത്ത് 2,500 ചതുരശ്രമീറ്റര് സ്ഥലത്താണ് കെട്ടിടം നിര്മ്മിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നത്. 200 കാറുകള് പാര്ക്കു ചെയ്യാനുള്ള സൗകര്യമുണ്ട്. ഹാളിനകത്ത് 1800 പേര്ക്ക് ഇരിക്കാനാകും. ആറ് മിനി കോണ്ഫറന്സ് ഹാളുകളുണ്ട്. ഇതില് നാലെണ്ണവും സമാജത്തിന് വിലമതിക്കാനാകാത്ത സംഭാവനകള് നല്കിയ പ്രമുഖ വ്യവസായികളായ ഡോ.രവി പിള്ള, എം.എ. യൂസഫലി, ബി.ആര്. ഷെട്ടി, ദേവ്ജി എന്നിവരുടെ പേരുകളിലായിരിക്കും അറിയപ്പെടുക. മാസത്തിലൊരിക്കല് സ്വദേശീയരുടെ ഏതെങ്കിലും ഒരു പരിപാടിക്ക് ഹാള് സൗജന്യമായി നല്കും. എന്നാല് ഇത് സ്ഥലം മുനിസിപ്പല് കൗണ്സിലറുടെ കത്തുള്ളവര്ക്കു മാത്രമായിരിക്കും. 60 ദിവസത്തെ ആഘോഷപരിപാടികളില് സാഹിത്യകാരന് സഖറിയ, ഏഴാച്ചേരി രാമചന്ദ്രന്, ഡോ. കെ.എസ്. രവികുമാര് തുടങ്ങിയ പ്രമുഖര് പങ്കെടുക്കും. മലയാളികളും അല്ലാത്തവരുമായ നിരവധി വ്യവസായികള് സമാജം കെട്ടിട നിര്മ്മാണഫണ്ടിലേക്ക് സംഭാവന നല്കിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. പ്രമുഖ വ്യവസായിയും സൗദി അറേബ്യ ആസ്ഥാനമായുള്ള അല് ഹജ്രി ഗ്രൂപ്പ് മാനേജിങ് ഡയറക്ടറുമായ ഡോ. രവി പിള്ള 40,000 ദിനാറും ലുലു ഗ്രൂപ്പ് മാനേജിങ് ഡയറക്ടര് എം.എ. യൂസഫലി 35,000 ദിനാറും യു.എ.ഇ. വ്യവസായി ബി.ആര്. ഷെട്ടി 25,000 ദിനാറും സംഭാവന ചെയ്തു. യു.എ.ഇ., ഒമാന്, കുവൈത്ത്, ഖത്തര് തുടങ്ങിയ രാജ്യങ്ങളിലുള്ള നിരവധി വ്യവസായികളും സമാജം ഫണ്ടിലേക്ക് സംഭാവന ചെയ്തിട്ടുണ്ട്. 1947ല് പ്രവര്ത്തനമാരംഭിച്ച സമാജത്തില് ഇപ്പോള് 1400 അംഗങ്ങളുണ്ട്. 4000 ത്തോളം പുസ്തകങ്ങളുള്ള ഇവിടത്തെ ലൈബ്രറി വളരെ പ്രശസ്തമാണ്. വാര്ത്താസമ്മേളനത്തില് സമാജം ഭാരവാഹികളായ മധു മാധവന്, വര്ഗീസ് കാരക്കല്, പി.വി.മോഹന്കുമാര്, സി.സോമരാജന് തുടങ്ങിയവരും പങ്കെടുത്തു.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
New Samajam HQ on the way
THE new BD700,000 headquarters of the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) in Segaiya is to be opened later this month. Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi will be the chief guest at the ceremony, scheduled to start at 7.30pm on August 30. Ministers from Bahrain and Kerala and leading Indian businessmen from the Gulf will attend the high-profile inaugural ceremony. From Kerala, Education Minister M A Baby and Water Resources Minister N K Premachandran are scheduled to attend. Samajam officials yesterday paid tribute to the donors from various Gulf countries and Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty, who supported the fund-raising campaign over the past two years. Mr Shetty earlier described the new BKS headquarters as a great edifice of the Indian community. "The Indian community can now conduct all major functions in the new hall, and avoid the trouble of going to the Isa Town area for such events," he added. "The presence of an Indian Cabinet Minister at the opening ceremony sends a signal to the Indian community that the government cares for their welfare." The initial construction budget was BD300,000, but it had to be reviewed following the changes in designs and increase in the cost of construction," said samajam president G K Nair. "According to the current market value, the building construction cost will come to more than BD1 million. "Established in 1947 , the BKS represents all Keralites in Bahrain whose number is expected to reach more than 200,000." The prestigious complex, named BKS Diamond Jubilee Hall, will enhance the profile and the pride of the Indian community, said building committee chairman P V Radhakrishna Pillai. The new building has the facility of a multi-purpose hall, three mini-conference halls, library and reading room, rooms for childrens' and ladies' wing activities, sports and games facilities, administrative offices, and ample car parking facilities, he told a Press conference at the new headquarters yesterday. The mini-conference halls will be named after three major donors - Dr Ravi Pillai, M A Yusuffali and Dr B R Shetty. Another mini-hall will ba named Devji Jewellers. The BKS has been in the forefront to lead all the traditional, cultural and social activities during its 60 years long existence on the island, said Samajam general secretary Madhu Madhavan. "As part of the inaugural ceremony we have planned a 60-day-long cultural extravaganza staring from September 4," he revealed. "The programmes will include Indian traditional folklore, contemporary dances, Indian classical dances and music . "We are inviting many legendary artistes from various parts of India to make this inaugural ceremony most memorable." |
Friday, April 4, 2008
കവി കടമ്മനിട്ടയുടെ നിര്യാണത്തില് അനുശോചനം
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
New dates set for Samajam shows
NEW dates have been set for two events at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam, postponed last week because of the death of member Gopinatha Kurup.
A flute recital by veteran Nadabhrahmam Music Club member P T Thomas was, originally due to be held last Friday will now be held at 8pm this Friday, at the samajam auditorium, Manama.
Mr Thomas will be playing Indian Carnatic classical music as well as popular songs from Malayalam, Hindi and Tamil films on the flute.
He will be accompanied by Shams Cochin on harmonium, G Rajagopal on violin, Sajith Sankar on mridamgam, M Sethu on tabla, K Sajeevan on ghatam, and T S Balakrishnan on morsing.
Entrance is free and for more information contact music club convener Jose Francis on 39697600.
A Malayalam social drama, originally due to be staged last Thursday, will now be held on February 28.
Chaverppada, which will be performed by Samajam members, won the prestigious Kendra Sangeetha Nataka (Central Music and Drama) Academy Award from the Indian government and was selected for the National Theatre Festival in Bhopal, India.
It is directed by Radhakrishnan Kodungaloor, who has many notable works to his credit, staged at various venues in Bahrain. Entrance is free and the drama will begin at 8pm. For more information, contact the Samajam entertainment secretary Manoj Mathew on 39617735.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Samajam flute concert
The Nadabhrahmam Music Club at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam is holding a flute concert by veteran Samajam member PT Thomas on Friday. Ganamurali will begin at 7.30pm at the Samajam auditorium in Manama. Mr Thomas will be playing Indian Carnatic classical music as well as popular songs from Malayalam, Hindi and Tamil films on the flute. He will be accompanied by Shams Cochin on harmonium, G Rajagopal on violin, Sajith Sankar on mridamgam, M Sethu on tabla, K Sajeevan on ghatam, and TS Balakrishnan on morsing. Entrance is free. For more information, contact Samajam entertainment secretary Manoj Mathew on 39617735 or music club convener Jose Francis on 39697600. |
Monday, January 14, 2008
Samajam HQ pledged BD60,000
A GROUP of Indian businessmen in the Gulf have offered more than BD60,000 to the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) to complete its BD300,000 headquarters in Segaiya.The pledge came when the businessmen met BKS officials in New Delhi at a reception hosted by Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi, during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas global conference of overseas Indians.
The initiative came from EMKE Group managing director M A Yusuffali, when Samajam president G K Nair and building committee chairman P V Radhakrishna Pillai brought to his attention that they are still short of more than BD60,000 to complete the project.
Mr Yusuffali called other businessmen who were also attending the reception and asked them to support the project - and in five minutes he got an offer of BD60,000.
They made the offer in the presence of Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty, who was also attending the reception at the Ashoka Hotel lawns.
Besides Mr Yusuffali, the offer of support was given by Bahrain-based businessman and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman winner Dr Ravi Pillai, UAE-based businessmen Dr B R Shetty, Tony Jashanmal, J R Gangaramani and K Muralee Dharan, and Doha-based businessman C K Menon.
Dr Pillai has earlier contributed BD30,000, Mr Yusuffali and Dr Shetty BD25,000 each and Mr Menon BD10,000.
"They agreed to make additional contributions and we are grateful to all donors, especially Mr Yusuffali who took the initiative in raising enough funds to overcome the financial crisis which has delayed the project," said Mr Nair.
"We can now go ahead and finish the project with full confidence."
Mr Pillai said all BKS members were grateful to Mr Yusuffali for his kind gesture which gave them a pleasant surprise.
"We now hope to have an official inauguration of the new building by the last week of March," he told a Press conference at the Kalavara Restaurant in Salmaniya yesterday.
"We also met Kerala chief minister V S Achuthanan-dan at the Kerala House in New Delhi and invited him to Bahrain to inaugurate the BKS headquarters. He accepted our invitation."
Mr Yusuffali said it is befitting for the Samajam, established in 1947, to have its own headquarters.
"The community hall at the new complex will prove a great boon to the entire Indian community," said Mr Nair.
"The Samajam's original plan was to complete the project at a cost of BD200,000.
"However, at the directive of our ambassador, who advised us to make it a befitting monument reflecting the large Indian presence in the Kingdom, we changed our designs. It will now cost more than BD300,000."
The civil work is completed and contractors are now working on interior decorations and modern acoustics."
The money for the project has been raised through contributions from Samajam members and donations from well-wishers .
The new headquarters is a dream project for the Samajam, said general secretary Madhu Madhavan.
"It has been in the forefront in extending assistance to the needy," he added.
Besides a multi-purpose hall, the new headquarters will have an administration office and other facilitie