The
evening program was compeered by the Kerala Center Youth Group which
was officially established at the anniversary celebrations. The ceremony
started with the lighting of the lamp by New York State Assemblyman Ed
Ra along with the new youth group officers. Center’s Secretary Raju
Thomas welcomed everyone to the program.
In
his address, Center’s Chairman of Board of Directors Gopalan Nair paid
rich tributes to several individuals who have contributed their time,
energy, talents and resources to the growth of the Center. "From a
modest beginning 21 years ago, the Center has come to play a vital role
in the life of the community," Nair said. Nair also introduced all its
affiliated organizations. Jose Chummar, Center’s past president spoke on
the contributions the center has been making to the local community.
Center’s Founder President E.M. Stephen then introduced the new Youth
Group which has been set up at the Center.
Dr. Thomas Abraham, one of the Founding members of the Center, then introduced Nassau County Legislator John J. Ciotti who in turn introduced Hempstead Councilman Edward A. Abrasinao. The keynote speaker for the evening Captain Stanley George of New York City Police was introduced by Sergeant Thomas Antony of New York City Police Department.. Captain George provided an account of the Indian American contribution to the American society, at the same time called upon the community to participate in the civic and political affairs of the society. Captain George is the highest ranking Indian American in the New York City Police Department.
Felicitations were provided by Sargavedi President Manohar Thomas, NIAASC President Rajeshwar Prasad, INOC Kerala Chapter Preisdent Varghese Kalathil and Jose Kadapuram of Kairali.
Hempstead
Town Councilmen Anthony J. Santino and James Darcy greeted audience and
presented a proclamation from the Hempstead Town to the new Youth
Group.
There
are Indian languages, Music and Dance classes for children at the
Kerala Center. Various seminars are conducted ranging from health,
political to investment in addition to many civic and cultural
activities taking place on a regular basis at the Kerala Center. The
Center has also been providing platform for various political leaders to
bring political awareness to the Indian American community. Not leaving
out the important religious factor, the Center has become a forum for
various religious activities and celebration for the members of the
center who represent Hindu, Muslim and different denominations of
Christianity. The center has outgrown its initial objectives for which
it was founded, and has become a facility that serves the various needs
of the larger Indian American community.
A birthday cake was cut led by Captain Stanley George along with the Center’s Executive Committee and Board Members. The youth group then performed a Bolliwood number followed by entertainment by Roni Yaari and the Inner Spirit Dance Company. The program ended with sumptuous dinner.