Bengaluru: The Bengaluru South West Kerala Samajam organised ‘Ponnonam-26’ at DSA Bhavan in Kengeri Satellite Town, bringing members of the Malayali community together to celebrate Kerala’s cultural heritage and strengthen ties between Karnataka and Kerala.
S E Sudheendra, chairman of the Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board and KPCC vice-president, and Dr Vaishnavi Sudheendra, KAS, Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister, attended the event as chief guests.
Inaugurating the celebrations, Sudheendra extended festive greetings to the Kerala community and wished people peace, prosperity and happiness. He also conveyed his greetings on Kannada Rajyotsava and highlighted the importance of cooperation between neighbouring states.
As part of the programme, he presented academic excellence awards to Gea Mathew, who secured the highest marks in SSLC, and Adhya V T, who topped the PUC examinations.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Vaishnavi Sudheendra said a high-level Kerala delegation led by Ramesh Chennithala had visited Karnataka to study its Chief Minister’s grievance redressal mechanism and the recently introduced HM Acts. She described the initiative as an example of inter-state learning.
Urging members of the Kerala community to consider Karnataka their home, she encouraged them to contribute to society. She also highlighted the state government’s support for traditional arts, referring to cash awards of ₹5 lakh, ₹3 lakh and ₹2 lakh presented to Kalaripayattu medallists at the 2024 Asian Games.
She said cultural events celebrating language, literature, art and traditions played an important role in strengthening harmony among communities.
Kerala Samajam South West vice-president Pradeep, secretary Satish Thotasseri, treasurer Sivadasan, poet and playwright Karivellur Murali, social worker Yogesh B and office-bearer Rakesh were among those present. Murali attended as guest of honour.
