GALLERY WILL BE UPDATED SOON !!
Onam undoubtedly the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala came knocking at us, and I would not be wrong in saying that we Mysore Yuvas received it with open heart. Prepared for the feast, with just one thought in mind- “Time for some fun, Time to indulge ourselves in a Cultural Affinity” and we made sure that day just belonged to us.
Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of this dynamic festival called Onam. We tried our level best to bring that dynamic event called Onam to be in the air of Mysore city and we can proudly say it did happen. Felt like being in Kerala away from Kerala.
For Malayalees like us who are settled outside Kerala and who cannot make it to Kerala during Onam time, the above said fun and frolic are just in books and televisions, but our spirits never die. We still have community, friends and loved ones in whose amidst we have no scope to miss Kerala. We got along with it and made the best Onam celebrations possible at Mysore.
Onam embarks the mind of all Malayalees with fond memories and refreshing stories of the past. Even today, Onam is celebrated worldwide with the same ethnic and traditional values as before. So once again the moment was around to be a part of the excitement and share the platform of this great traditional and cultural festival of fullness, equality, joy and happiness. We Yuvas of Mysore Marthoma Church organized the Onam Fest 2010, focusing on the theme of Cultural Affinity on 19th September 2010 at St. Thomas Church, Mysore.The Onam celebrations kick started after the Sunday Worship and Holy Qurbana. Arrangements for the cultural programmes were made in the Nursery Block of the St. Thomas School. The hall was decorated with Pookalam, lamp and other traditional things. The programme started prayerfully with lighting of the lamp by Rev. Saji Thomas Achen and the senior members of the church. Varghese Chris and Sibin were the Masters of Ceremony. Mr. M.C. Alexander gave the Onam message.
The cultural programmes commenced with a ‘Thiruvaathira’ dance by the girls of All India Institute of Speech and Hearing followed by a wonderful tableau presented by the children of the Sunday school, depicting a few important characters of Kerala on the occasion of Onam. This was followed by a comedy skit by Manu and Jobins who made sure everyone in the hall laughed their heart out and thereby increasing the lifespan of everyone because they it is said laughter is the best medicine. It indeed tickled every tummy. It did not end there; there was more in stock for people to laugh their heart out as Vibi took over the stage for his mimicry skills.
There were melodious group songs by the Sevika Sangam and the Yuvajana Sakhyam groups. The youths also presented a skit, which was well enjoyed by everyone present at the hall. Mrs. Anila gave her feedback regarding the Onam programme; she had just praises for Mysore Yuvas for conducting such a nice programme in such short period of time. The cultural programmes ended with a group song by the Yuvas of Mysore Marthoma Church.
After this, the delicious Onam Sadhya with more than 25 dishes was served and everyone present enjoyed the same. As the games for the juniors and sub- juniors went on side by side. There was ‘eating the bun’ and ‘picking the chocolates’ games for this group. This was followed by other games for seniors and juniors. The games included lemon and spoon race, sack race, hitting the pot, filling the bottle, guessing weight of cake and finally tug of war. Prizes for each of the events were announced. The youth then moved on for lunch.
We as a family of Mysore Marthoma Parish wish to extend our gratitude for your valuable presence and full participation in our Onam Fest 2010 at St. Thomas Marthoma Church held on 19th September2010. We also appreciate your presence and prayers in making this programme a great success. Our special thanks and gratitude to Mr. Dhanesh, Mr.Lijo and Mr.Vignesh for their professional help and support in making the pookalam a Marvell.
Hoping you all did enjoy the programmes, games and the relishing food. We pray to the Almighty that we continue to perform more events and programmes likewise and build up good fellowship with each one of you. We also hope and pray that your prayers and support continues to be there with us in the coming years. Inconveniences, if any, caused is greatly regretted. We look forward for your feedback's that will help us grow in our events.
With the help, prayer and a big support from our beloved Achen and family, Parish members, elders and all the participants, the event turned out to be a grand success and truly a memorable one. Like they say, all good things come to an end. We ended the days of fun and frolic, but definitely not on a happy note. With lot of memories and hopes that another Onam is just 11 months away. We, the Mysore Yuvas had one of our best days of in life that will never fade so easily.
Nilavilakinte Parishudhiyum, Tumbapoovinte Nairmalyavumai,
Samathanumthinatium….santhoshavumthinatium….. aishwariyavumthinatium……
ormakal puthukuvan veendum oru onam kudi… Athinu niracharuthuekkuvan
Niranja Snehathode Ende ONAM Ashamsagal.
Samathanumthinatium….santhoshavumthinatium….. aishwariyavumthinatium……
ormakal puthukuvan veendum oru onam kudi… Athinu niracharuthuekkuvan
Niranja Snehathode Ende ONAM Ashamsagal.
Dear Yuvas,
Yuvas, Just a word of appreciation and regards to all you there - for a great and God gifted programme and function. Team work, that’s what worked out. Thanks to all who put in their might and support for days to make it success. Thanks to all who followed instructions well and made no fuss and special thanks to all who chipped in last moments even in spite of their busy schedule. Thanks to Achen and family and other families for their support and prayers. Let’s continue to keep up the spirit. We can get good players but it’s only if when all get to play together, when it becomes SUCCESS.
Mysore Yuvas Rocks !!
Yuvas, Just a word of appreciation and regards to all you there - for a great and God gifted programme and function. Team work, that’s what worked out. Thanks to all who put in their might and support for days to make it success. Thanks to all who followed instructions well and made no fuss and special thanks to all who chipped in last moments even in spite of their busy schedule. Thanks to Achen and family and other families for their support and prayers. Let’s continue to keep up the spirit. We can get good players but it’s only if when all get to play together, when it becomes SUCCESS.
Mysore Yuvas Rocks !!
Invite - Onam Fest 2010 - CULTURAL AFFINITY
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Mysore Marthoma Yuvajana Sakhyam
Get Started - Camp Report (16.07.10 – 18.07.10)
By: Somy Elizabeth Sam
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10.
By: Somy Elizabeth Sam
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10.
By the grace and help of our Lord Almighty, the Mysore Marthoma Yuvajana Sakhyam, for the first time organized a three day camp led by the Jesus Team (JT) Ministries, with the theme ‘Get Started’. We had with us Mr. Augustine, the leader of the JT Ministries and his other team members, Ms. Joan, Ms. Sara, Mr. Joshua, Mr. Riju, Mr. Kevin, Mr. Anand and Mr. Geogy leading us with the camp sessions.
With lot of efforts put in by the youth members, split into different committees, yet working towards one goal, the camp commenced prayerfully on the 16th July evening.
The sign in, ie., the registration began at 5 pm on the 16th, welcoming the participants with a welcome drink. A total number of 48 youth registered for the camp.
The inaugural session of the camp started at around 6.45 pm on Friday with Ms. Preethi Thomas as the Master of Ceremonies. Mr. Varghese Chris Thomas gave a warm start to the camp with a few songs to gear up the youth. This was followed by a welcome speech by Mr. Vibi Abraham (Secretary, Mysore Marthoma Yuvajana Sakhyam).
The inaugural session of the camp started at around 6.45 pm on Friday with Ms. Preethi Thomas as the Master of Ceremonies. Mr. Varghese Chris Thomas gave a warm start to the camp with a few songs to gear up the youth. This was followed by a welcome speech by Mr. Vibi Abraham (Secretary, Mysore Marthoma Yuvajana Sakhyam).
The Marthoma Sabha has always been moving with the motto ‘Lighted to Lighten’. As part of spreading this light to others, the lamp was lit by Rev. Saji Thomas (President, Mysore Marthoma Yuvajana Sakhyam), Mr. Cherian Mathew (Vice President, Mysore Marthoma Yuvajana Sakhyam), Mr. Vibi Abraham (Secretary, Mysore Marthoma Yuvajana Sakhyam), Mr. Augustine (Leader, JT Ministries) and Fen uncle, to officially inaugurate the camp.
Rev. Saji Thomas Achen gave the presidential address with a small yet very important message, regarding the three essential needs for the youth to achieve their goal.
He stressed on, first, the need for a Saviour. We need a Saviour for three reasons:
He stressed on, first, the need for a Saviour. We need a Saviour for three reasons:
1) We all are sinners.
2) Life is full of complications.
3) There is life beyond death.
The second need for the youth is knowledge of one’s potential and the dangers that needs caution. The third need for the youth is a witnessing life by being consistent in spirituality, loyal to the church and through service.Achen stressed on these points as aims of this camp and we believe the outcome has been successful. Mr. Augustine (Leader, JT Ministries) then addressed the gathering, followed by vote of thanks by Ms. Shiji (Ladies Secretary, Mysore Marthoma Yuvajana Sakhyam).
After this, the JT Ministries took over the camp sessions. The camp kicked off with unique ice breaking introductory games to know each other. The youth were split into four main groups throughout the camp for discussions and other group activities.
After an opening song and a delicious dinner, the camp was brought in full swing with the singing sessions, skit by the members of the JT Ministries and a talk by Ms. Sara.
2) Life is full of complications.
3) There is life beyond death.
The second need for the youth is knowledge of one’s potential and the dangers that needs caution. The third need for the youth is a witnessing life by being consistent in spirituality, loyal to the church and through service.Achen stressed on these points as aims of this camp and we believe the outcome has been successful. Mr. Augustine (Leader, JT Ministries) then addressed the gathering, followed by vote of thanks by Ms. Shiji (Ladies Secretary, Mysore Marthoma Yuvajana Sakhyam).
After this, the JT Ministries took over the camp sessions. The camp kicked off with unique ice breaking introductory games to know each other. The youth were split into four main groups throughout the camp for discussions and other group activities.
After an opening song and a delicious dinner, the camp was brought in full swing with the singing sessions, skit by the members of the JT Ministries and a talk by Ms. Sara.
The youth then gathered in groups to discuss on the topic on:
1. How to get started in life?2. What are the trials faced by the youth in college/ workplace?
3. What will help to overcome these trials?
The first day ended with an exciting treasure hunt organized by the JT Ministries.
Day 2- 17.07.10
Day 2 of the camp, started off with a few thoughts from the Bible by Ms. Preethi, followed by a Bible passage study from Matthew 3:4-6 by Ms. Joan. We pondered upon how God uses people for His glory though they are not perfect. If our work is in accordance with God’s plan, we are bound to have an impact on a large number of people.
This was followed by breakfast, singing session and group discussion and sharing.
The second talk for the camp was given by Mr. Geogy emphasizing on the different stages that one may be, in a Christian life and how we can improve on getting over these stages. The four groups re- discussed on these points before breaking for lunch.
The most unique part of this camp was the innovative activities put up by the JT Ministries. Starting from human entangles to shapes, the JT Ministries left no stones unturned to teach us about the challenges of life and the means to face them. The team then led the youth through practical talks and fun games. They also put up a humorous, yet an excellent and meaningful skit, teaching as they performed.
Before dinner, the youth were Biblically churned and activated, guessing incidents and parables from the Bible through ‘Dumb Charades’.
Before dinner, the youth were Biblically churned and activated, guessing incidents and parables from the Bible through ‘Dumb Charades’.
The last talk of the day was given by Rev. Saji Thomas Achen. He gave a talk on the Holy Communion and its significance, preparing the youth for the Sunday service.
The stage was then open for the youth to show-case their talents as a group, bringing forward all their potentials. The 2nd day of camp ended with a camp fire and singing.
The stage was then open for the youth to show-case their talents as a group, bringing forward all their potentials. The 2nd day of camp ended with a camp fire and singing.
Day 3- 18.07.10
The third and final day of the camp commenced with a devotional session and singing, which was led by Mr. Joshua. The youth shared their testimony and what they learned from the camp. The Praise and Worship led by Mr. Chris and others was followed by the Holy Qurbana.
The valedictory function started with a song and prayer. The JT Ministries then led the youth with a few songs learned from the camp. Three youth members of the Mysore Marthoma Yuvajana Sakhyam and Rev. Saji Thomas Achen gave an account of the work that went into putting up the camp and a feedback of the camp. Mr. Renin Raj presented the photos of the three days of the camp and proposed the vote of thanks.
As the camp ended, surely the youth had ‘got started’ in the race to fulfill the spiritual mission assigned to them. The end of the camp just marks the step to a new beginning of more such activities to gear up others also.
Philippians 1:6 says, ‘He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’ May this camp lead us on further to work for God’s kingdom and may God help us all to successfully complete the mission given to us.
Sincere thanks to the JT Ministries, all the youth, the elders and others who helped this camp to be a great success.
