NAFO Kuwait (National Forum Kuwait) celebrated its 15th Anniversary in a colorful and splendid manner on Thursday, 12th April, at the American International School (AIS), MaidanHawally.

The inaugural meeting started at 06:45 PM with the National Anthem of Kuwait and India, followed by the soothing invocation chants of NAFO ladies’ and kids into the silent and serene venue along with a visual treat decorated on the stage commemorating the season’s festival of Kerala “Vishu”.

NAFO President O.N. Nandakumar inaugurated the function by lighting the traditional lamp, along with the NAFO Office Bearers, Advisory Board Member, Program Convener and the Ladies’ Wing chief-coordinator.

O. N. Nandakumar chaired the meeting and in his Presidential address he briefed about NAFO’S recent socio-welfare activities and the program as a whole. General Secretary (Acting) Anish Nair welcomed the august audience, and Band-Orfeo team narrating the relevance of the day’s celebrations and also the major activities planned to support the under privileged sections in Kuwait and back in India beyond of region or religion, as NAFO is a non-profit, non-political socio-welfare organization. V.R. Vijayan Nair, chief of NAFO Advisory Board, greeted the distinguished guests and audience for their benevolent participation and thanked the program committee for the professional conduction of anniversary celebrations.

Later, representing the Indian Embassy Yaswant Chatpalliwar, the Second Secretary-PIC & Community Affairs in his speech, appreciated the NAFO family for its relentless services to the humanity and promoting the rich Indian cultural heritages in Kuwait. He also wished all success to its future socio-welfare activities.

On behalf of NAFO, Yaswant Chatpalliwar was honored with a memento by President Nandakumar, for his commendable services rendering to Indian diaspora.

NAFO Entrepreneurship award for the year 2018 was presented to Suresh C. Pillai, CEO of Mark Technologies and Bharghavan Nagarath, CEO of Med Arabia Centre, marking their exemplary achievements in respective field of business management. These awards were respectively presented by Omar Al-Saneh and Ali Al-Zanki, officers from Kuwait Ministry of Information, International media sector. Omar Al-Saneh in his felicitation speech appreciated NAFO for promoting Indian Culture in Kuwait by conducting astounding mega shows.

Thereafter the Distinguished guest Adel Kohari, CEO of Jassim Transport & Stevedoring Co. released “Rareeram” Souvenir, by collecting a copy from A.R. Subbaraman and handed over the first copy to Shaiju Mohandas, General Manager of Lulu Exchange Co. and to all the gold sponsors and dignitaries who were invited to the dais. Officials represented the Gold Sponsors also were honored by presenting a memento, reckoning their valuable support continually extending to NAFO in the voyage of noble socio-welfare services.

Program convener K.C. Gopakumar, in his vote of thanks expressed gratitude to HE Jeeva Sagar, other dignitaries and guests, esteemed sponsors, media forum, and NAFO family members for accepting NAFO invitations and for their gracious presence and support. He also thanked band ORFEO for their first visit to Kuwait as NAFO’s guests.

A brief audiovisual documentary, was presented to mark the mile stone achievements of NAFO including major accomplishments of inspired services rendered for the recent past years.

After conclusion of the formal official inauguration ceremony, the eleven member sensational instrumental music band “ORFEO” began mesmerizing the audience through their amazing magical performance. NAFO’s traditionally courteous and dignified crowd, wholeheartedly welcomed band-Orfeo, while the auditorium was trembling with music and dance for more than 3 hours capturing the audience of all ages and classes.

Excellent compèring by Dr. Veena Promod Menon mystically guided the audience throughout the event. Artistes were presented with gifts and photo sessions were conducted before the conclusion.