Onam conveys a powerful message of equality, unity and social harmony, said Chathannoor MLA and BJP Legislature Party Leader B. B. Gopakumar. He said that the spirit of equality and unity reflected in the festival is also being promoted across the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Gopakumar was speaking after inaugurating the annual and Onam celebrations organised by Pratishtha Foundation in Vasai.
Recalling the support extended by BJP workers from Vasai during his election campaign in Chathannoor, Gopakumar expressed his gratitude to Vasai MLA Rajan Naik and more than 30 party workers who had actively participated in the campaign. He said he was particularly happy to visit Vasai and meet the people who had contributed to his electoral victory.
He recalled that Rajan Naik, along with BJP workers from Vasai, had gone door-to-door in Chathannoor for 15 days during the election campaign. Gopakumar said their dedicated efforts would always remain an important part of his victory and added that such gatherings of Malayalis could play a significant role in promoting national interests and disseminating the messages and vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This was Gopakumar’s first visit to Mumbai after being elected as an MLA. He reached Vasai after attending the Guru Jayanti celebrations organised by the SNDP Yogam in Thane.
MLA Sneha Dubey Pandit, MLA Rajan Naik, prominent industrialist Rajmohan Pillai, Dr. Oommen David and several other prominent personalities attended the function.
As part of the celebrations, Pratishtha Foundation Hope Awards were presented to individuals who have demonstrated excellence and talent in various fields. Ten students from Vasai taluk who secured high marks in the SSC examination were also felicitated. Onakkodi was presented to ASHA workers of the taluk as a gesture of appreciation for their valuable service.
Among those who received awards and addressed the gathering were Rajmohan Pillai, Chairman, Beta Group; Major Ravi; Dr. M. S. Sunil; Vrinda; Prabhakar Suryavanshi; J. P. Thakazhi; Krishna Priya; Dr. V. K. Abdul Samad; Adv. Betty Sudheer; Anupama M. Achari; Gopinathan Pillai; Anitha Nair; K. V. John; Parthan T. C. Kariyad; Sunil A. K.; Vijaya Rajamallika; Neetu Manoj; Pranav Nair; Mukesh M. Nair; Raju R.; Aravind A.; Preethi Ami; Prashant S.; Rahul Ramesh; T. N. Rajan; Girijan Ayyappan Nair; and Sunil Nair. BJP activists Nikhi Chawla and others also participated in the programme.
The celebrations featured a variety of cultural programmes showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. The event concluded with a traditional and sumptuous Onam feast.