KCA's star studded evening at St.Mary's Kalina

The Kerala Catholic Association (KCA), Kalina unit is the first unit of KCA. Last week the Kerala Catholic Association celebrated its 51st Christmas and New Year celebrations at St. Mary's Junior College Hall, Kalina, Santacruz in a grand manner. It was a star-studded evening where a host of personalities attended the celebrations and programme. The evening began with a cultural and dance programme. The Cultural programme was performed by Pallavi Orchestra and dance by Natya Mandalam. Also at the programme the Chief guest Varsha Gaikwad, Hon'ble Minister for Woman & Child Welfare; Government of Maharashtra launched the blessed golden coin of Sister Saint Alphonsa.

The chief Guest Varsha Gaikwad while addressing the gathering kept the audience spell bound with her speech. She emphasized the progress made by Kerala and Keralites in the development of the country. She also acknowledged the high literacy of Keralites in the country and the progress made by Kerala in regard to tourism and culture.

Guest of Honour Kripashankar Singh, MLA Kalina and President MRCC also entertained the gathering with his witty speech in English and welcome words in Malayalam. Rev. Fr. Francis Elavuthingal, Chancellor, Kalyan Diocese also graced the occasion.

Other distinguished guests who graced the occasion were Maltidevi Kripashankar Singh; Rev. Fr. George Vattamattam, Vicar, St. Thomas Catholic Church, Kalina; Alice Therattil, Corporator ward No 84; P.J.Mathew, President KCA Mumbai; Johnson Theratttil, Former KCA President, Mumbai and Chairman Fund Raising Committee; P.O.Thomas, General Convenor, KCA; M.O.Johnson, President, KCA Kalina Unit; Dr Abraham Pattani, Former KCA President, Mumbai; Savio Puthur, VP, KCA Mumbai; M.M.Xavier, Sec KCA, Kalina Unit; Joy Payappilly, Treasurer, KCA Kalina and Lincy George.

In her welcome speech Alice Therattil welcomed the guests and spoke, “On behalf of KCA we are inspired and our hearts are filled with gratitude for the many blessings we received in our lives - we honour the services and sacrifices and pay our humble tributes to our founding fathers and ask god to bless them and their families.”

Besides, the evening was made very entertaining by Preethi Warrier, Idea Star Singer Season 4 contestant and runner up in the competition. This promising artist from Palakkad District and settled in Andheri, Mumbai was also a first runner up of Raagalaya on Amrita TV. She has also won prizes in various other singing competitions. The programme concluded with awards being presented to outstanding students and vote of thanks.