Miami: The KCCNA Convention Kickoff and New Year Celebration, organized by the Knanaya Catholic Association of South Florida, was held in a grand and memorable manner at the Knanaya Community Center, Miami. The event marked the official kickoff of the 16th KCCNA Convention and witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Knanaya community.
The meeting began with a prayer song led by Jismon Padiyanickal. The program was compered by Secretary Manju Veliyantharayil. KCASF President Eby Thekkanattu presided over the meeting. In his presidential address, President Eby expressed pride in the Miami Knanaya community for being selected to host the 16th KCCNA Convention.
KCCNA President James Illikkal inaugurated the convention by lighting the ceremonial lamp. In his inaugural address, he emphasized the importance of collective support and cooperation from all community members to make the KCCNA Convention a historic event.
The Convention Kickoff was formally launched by KCCNA President James Illikkal after receiving Mega Sponsorships from former KCCNA President George Nellamattom & Jiji Nellamattom, and Siby & Sheena Chanassery. Speaking on the occasion, George Nellamattom expressed his happiness at being part of the Convention Kickoff program organized by the Miami Knanaya Association and extended his best wishes for the success of the convention.
KCCNA Convention Vice Chairperson Siby Chanassery provided a detailed presentation on the upcoming KCCNA Convention scheduled to be held from August 6 to August 10. He also informed that a large number of families from the Miami unit have already registered for the convention. KCCNA RVP Arun Pouvathil delivered the welcome address, and Kids Club Coordinator Nixon Pralel offered the vote of thanks.
Convention Conveners Sanjay Naduparambil, Rogi Kaniyamparambil, Manoj Thanath, along with KCASF Vice President Rajan Padavathil, were present on the dais. Office bearers Roshni Kaniyamparambil, Simi Thanath, Simla Koovaplackal, and Deepu Kandarappallil led the arrangements and activities of the meeting.
A variety of cultural programs were presented under the leadership of Kids Club, KCYL, and Women’s Forum, adding vibrancy to the event. Abel Koovaplackal and Milan Thanath served as the Masters of Ceremony for the cultural segment.
In recognition of his dedicated and sincere service to KCCNA and other organizations, KCCNA President James Illikkal was honored with a Ponnada by KCASF President Eby Thekkanattu. As a mark of honor, Chinnappan Thekkumkattill, who is returning to India temporarily after a long stay in the United States, and Abraham Sir & Elsamma Pathippallil were also felicitated with Ponnadas by Eby Thekkanattu.
Cash awards were presented to Alex Koovaplackal and Jaron Vandanur for achieving high scores in the SAT examination. In the Christmas Tree Competition organized by the Women’s Forum, cash awards were distributed to the winners: Mebin & Anjitha Thadathil, Eby & Lini Kaniyampara, Arun & Ramya Pouvathil, Eby & Josini Veliyan, and Deepu & Nikhitha Kandarappallil.
The program was coordinated by Jaimon Veliyantharayil, Kunjumon Koovaplackal, Jason Thekkumkattill, Shinu Pallipparambil, Sindhu Thekkanattu, and Abraham Puthiyadathusheril. The Convention Kickoff concluded with a fellowship dinner graciously hosted by Shinsey Mani.
Report: Mebin Thadathil
