Speaking at the Onam celebration organized by Malayali Samajam, Kohima (MSK) at the 16 Assam Rifles auditorium, Azo expressed hope that at time when people were suffering from various types of violence and man made calamities Keralites would continue to discharge their responsibilities in building a good society and strong nation through their contribution.
On Onam festival, Azo said it was one festival that united all people regardless of race and religion and urged the people to renew the culture and tradition.
The remarkable thing about this celebration is that it is celebrated by all not only Hindus, but all communities who are living in Kerala.
Onam is the most important and perhaps the only festival, which had no religious colour and celebrated by Keralites all over the World.
\u201cFestival of this type will help promote the feelings of oneness and all sections should work together with a spirit of tolerance and friendship\u201d, Azo said
Earlier, K M Geevarghese, president Malayali Samajam, Kohima in his address lauded the good nature of the Naga brethrens and the great culture and hospitality.
He also revealed that Kerala is the first state in India which has a \u201cNagaland Pensioners Association\u201d whose members assemble time to time to revive their sweet memories of Nagaland, and where Naga youth studying or working in Kerela are invited to attend the gathering.
Similarly, the Nagaland Pensioners Association in Kerala are also invited to attend programmes organized by the various Naga organizations based in Kerala.
\u201cThis goes to show the continued interaction and co-operation among the people of both the state, residing in Kerala\u201d, he added.
Further, he enlightened the brief history and activities of the MSK.
Earlier, Shaji K, Chairman, Onam Committee while speaking on the significance of Onam festival said Onam was a festival of harvest and the festival of rain flowers of Kerala which falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam celebrating the annual visit from pathalam (nether world) of the very noble King Mahabali.
On the occasion, the MSK also awarded the best teachers award to N.U Jose, Head Master, St. Joseph School, Tuensang and best student award to Jebin James, Mezh\u00fcr Higher Secondary School, Kohima. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"