On September 20, the Kerala Cultural and Social Centre (KCSC) celebrated its 32nd anniversary together with an elaborate Onam programme at the Udupi Ammanni Raman Shetty Memorial Hall. The event, organised by the Udupi branch of the centre, continues a tradition of cultural activities that has run for three decades.
Dr. Parvathi Ithal, a member of the KCSC executive committee, announced the schedule during a press briefing at the Udupi Press Building on Thursday. She highlighted the presence of several dignitaries, including Health Minister U.T. Khader, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, District Collector Swaroop T.K., and District Police Superintendent Hariram Shankar.
Other notable guests comprised Mahesh Health Sciences Pro Vice‑Chancellor Dr. Mathus Jacob, NORK development officer Jayaprakash M.K., Kerala Society Mangalore president T.K. Rajan, Onam Committee chair Shino T.R., KCSC secretary Binesh V.C., treasurer Shaji V. Karun and former president Suguna Kumar M.J.E.F., who will serve as chief guest.
KCSC president Rajan Phillips will preside over the ceremony. The organisation will confer its 2026 KCSC Panchratna awards on Dr. Vinod V. Thomas for education, Dr. Rajesh Nair for health, M.L. Joseph for agriculture, Liakath Ali for arts and culture, and youth dancer Sanvi Rajesh for dance.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top‑scoring PUC and SSLC students from KCSC member families, encouraging academic excellence. The centre also extends financial aid to the disabled, assistance to Malayalis who lose their way in the region, and various other support services.
Through the Malayala Mission, volunteers teach Malayalam to interested locals, while a health‑insurance scheme under the NORKA programme will be facilitated for families of centre members settled in Paravur. A new “Super Seventy” wing aims to promote active living for seniors over seventy, and a “Youth Wing” has been launched to involve younger volunteers in community service.
Malayalam film actor Rajesh Hebbar will appear as a celebrity guest, and an orchestra led by a Rajesh‑directed troupe will feature renowned singers. Performances will span welcome dances, flower offerings, traditional folk forms, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, fusion, Mahabharata‑themed acts and cinematic dance numbers. A flower‑rangoli (Attapookalam) competition for college girls is also scheduled.
From 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., a free medical camp in partnership with Mitra Hospital will serve the community. The afternoon will conclude with a lavish Onam feast showcasing rare Kerala delicacies. Present at the press conference were President Rajan Phillips, Onam Committee chair Shino T.R., Secretary Binesh V.C. and operative‑committee president Mohammed Sharif.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi