My Dear Knanaya Brothers and Sisters,

Hope you are having a blessed lent season filled with determination and willingness to sacrifice for what we believe in. Please allow me to share a few thoughts with you.

It is almost a year since, with your support and blessing, I was elected as the president of KCCNA. As you know by now, it was a tough one year due to various challenges that KCCNA and our community had to face. As Knanaya New Yorkers, we all know that we are at our best when faced with challenges. I am very proud that we as a community and KCCNA never gave up on our fundamental principles even though at times we felt like we were pushed between a Rock and a Wall. My personal experience during the 12 months really convinced me that our community has special care and blessings from our LORD, without which we would not have survived 1700 years in a melting pot like India maintaining our unique identity and traditions. In many instances, people outside our community may not fully understand the value we place in our traditions and customs. Our ability to unite, even when as individuals we may have our disagreements on a particular topic, is something that amazes others.

Our community organizations in North America started with IKCC back in 1976 and during its history of over 35 years, IKCC has kept the community together in the Tristate area. IKCC has always acted as a catalyst and provided leadership on any issues that the community faced and addressed it boldly and head on. Though my current professional and career requirements does not allow me to be here in NY area all the time, my commitment for the cause of the community, and the principles for which IKCC always stood for, has never changed nor will it change.

When KCCNA started 25 years ago with the initiatives of visionaries like our own Mr. Thomas Mulackal, no one might have imagined that KCCNA would play such an important role in safeguarding the interest of our community. When we hosted the first convention back in 1986, we probably never imagined, the conventions will grow to a size where we are hosting conventions in major convention centers in North America. I am truly blessed and fortunate to belong to the Tristate area Knanaya community, that along with our sister organization in Chicago had a significant role in defining the future of our community.

I really appreciate each and every one of your support, participation and prayers for the upcoming Silver Jubilee convention in Orlando. I really appreciate the families who came forward to register early for the convention but we all feel that there should be more participation from New York. I certainly understand that there are schedule conflicts, concerns about security and worries about caring for young children at convention etc. Still, I along with the KCCNA Executive Committee members and the hosting Tampa Association are very hopeful and request you to make an effort and join the rest of us and participate at the convention especially during these critical times. Some of the highlights of the convention planning are:

·         We are committed to providing a very secure and safe environment and make your time at the convention very enjoyable. In the next few days you will hear about the detailed steps we are taking particularly concerning a secure environment for our young participants.

·         We are providing fun filled child care opportunities for our kids aged 0-16 years, with age appropriate activities which will enable families with small children to really enjoy conventions

·         In order to support our theme of "FAMILY", we are planning activities focused on bringing families a lot more closer than before.

·         The focus and commitment for the youth is there in every aspect of convention planning with more programs focused for the youth and young adults.

·         We are able to secure 5 star food service through the convention center itself.

·         Finally, in this convention we will introduce the exciting and traditional Malayalee "Vallam Kali" that is not only a sport but part of our Malayalee culture. We are confident that all of us specially our youngsters will find it very attractive.

I can commit to you that this will be a different convention with a focus on "CONVENTION EXPERIENCE". We are convinced that the future of KCCNA conventions are not dependent on the "number" of attendees, rather on the "Quality" of experience that each participant leave with. As we near the registration closing date of April 10th, I invite you to register and participate in the convention. Please visit our website, convention.kccna.com, see and feel for yourself, the facility, planning as well as details on program/activities. Call any of the officials or the New York National Council members with any questions or assistance that you need.  I am confidant that you will help IKCC leadership, bring and show our strength as well as commitment to KCCNA and KCCNA convention.

Sincerely,

Shiens Akasala