Newsletter Date Malayali Shabdam

ADELAIDE & METROPOLITAN MALAYALEE ASSOCIATION

News & Views

Dear Friends and AMMA Family Members,

Season‟s Greetings to each one of you. We are into yet another year of excitement and fun.

The quarter that just passed by have been a stimulating period, particularly for the performing arts lovers from our community. Besides a fabulous Onam celebration, the talented artists from AMMA community were actively involved in show casing our cultural flair to other communities in and around Adelaide. Their performances at the „Faces of the World Concert‟ organised by MFSA and „Every Generation Event‟ organised by the

City of Charles Sturt were highly appreciated. Moreover, our participation in India‟s Independence day celebrations organised by the Indian Australian Association of South Australia (IAASA) and the reception hosted by the Premier of South Australia for the Indian community in Adelaide on the occasion of XIX Common Wealth Games „Delhi 2010‟ were indeed a great recognition and reputation to our community and their cultural talents. Active involvement of our community in the Food and Cultural Fest organised by the Friends of Cheltenham Community Centre reiterates our enthusiasm in developing cross cultural collaborations.

Looking forward, X‟mas and New Year are fast approaching. AMMA‟s leadership team is all set to roll out a series of activities for rest of the season and the event calendar for 2011 has already been published. The sub- committees have already been formed for most of the functional areas. Like last year, we will be having Children‟s day celebration to let our future generation have its say. As part of community development activities, the long cherished AMMA Youth forum will be formally launched at the Children‟s day program. Out door events and inter house competitions are being scheduled to begin soon. We are about to begin the preparation for publishing the next edition of Pravasi, AMMA‟s biennial magazine.

On behalf of AMMA Management Committee, while I welcome all the new members to AMMA community, I also welcome Asha Thomas to AMMA Management Committee as co-opted member in the role of publications and community relations. Asha replaces Tisha George in the committee, who has moved interstate for better career prospects in her profession. I take this opportunity to place on record our sincere gratitude to Tisha for her dedication and commitment in community activities, despite her hectic work schedule. We wish her all the success in her future endeavours. I would also like to welcome all the sub-committee members on board, who have volunteered to share their time for taking AMMA community forward.

I would also like to thank all the volunteers for their continued support and involvement in our community programs; we couldn‟t do it with out you. Nevertheless, my appeal to every member of AMMA family is to participate whole heartedly in our programs to bring our community members closer together and your presence will be a motivation to committee and sub-committee members to strive harder. I believe that 8 hrs of volunteering per AMMA family per year can yield greater results in our association‟s journey towards establishing ourselves as a respected and culturally rich community in Australia.

All the members of the Management committee, sub-committee and their family join me and family for wishing each one of you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year filled with joy and happiness.

With best regards

Prem Panicker

President, AMMA

03rd November 2010

November 2010 ISSUE NO: 36 SPRING EDITION

Christmas MessageChristmas MessageChristmas Message

Whether it be a party, barbeque, mass, or picnic, opening presents, roasting a lamb/ turkey or playing cricket, people all around the world celebrate Christmas, but have you ever wondered what the true meaning of Christmas is? Have you ever wondered where Christmas came from, or how it originated? Have you ever wondered why you get presents at the break of dawn underneath the decorative Christmas tree, and have massive parties that go through the night?

Christmas has changed and been modernised by the world as we see it now, Christmas was something celebrated only by Christians but through the influence of media it has reached many parts of the world that had never heard of Christmas before. It has been changed into a Global Franchise, allowing companies and cities to make millions of dollars of what we call Christmas. The world has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas; it is not about the materialism of the world, or the many presents we get, it is the love that is in our heart. Christmas is a time for giving and thanksgiving, not receiving. It is a time to spend with our families and friends and share the love and joy from the depths of our hearts. Just as Burton Hills said,

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas Tree is the presence of a happy family wrapped up in each other.”

The Meaning of Christmas to Christians: For Christians Christmas is the time when Jesus, the Son of God was born. It is like Jesus‟ Birthday, just like all of us have a birthday. So, when it‟s someone‟s birthday we give presents to the person whose birthday it is, but do we Christians give any kind of present to Jesus? Such as a card, a gift or saying Happy Birthday in our own special way. Do we give up at least 5 minutes of our time on Christmas day to say Happy Birthday to Jesus? Or do we just run down, towards the Christmas tree and see what presents and gifts we got? Do we ever wonder, what as we Christians should do during Christmas? Why don‟t we consider to spend some time for Jesus privately or in a church and thank him for all that we have, it really isn‟t too much to ask for considering all the things we receive for Christmas. Just as Calvin Coolidge (Former American President) said,

“Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Saviour and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world."

The Meaning of Christmas to the World: The meaning of Christmas for people around the world is hope and compassion towards the family, it is a time, for everyone to sit down together with the family and share the open and prosperous love to everyone just like Margaret Thatcher (Former PM of the United Kingdom) said,

“Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends."

AMMA Christmas Celebrations 2010

on Saturday 4th December 2010, 5pm

at Slovenian Club Adelaide , 11, Lasalle Street, Dudley Park

South Australia 5008

Please RSVP by 27th November

RSVP TO : Prem K.C.Panicker- 8365 6649

James Veliyath- 7226 6111

Vi Vimaldas Kottarapat-Ph:8258 3260 or Email : amma@adelaidemalayalee.org

Programme Coupons at concessional rate will be available for un-employed members,

by contacting above committee members before 1st December 2010

Please note: These coupons will not be available on the day of the programme.

It is also a time to think about all the things we have and take for granted like food,

clothing and shelter. The true meaning of Christmas is to give, not receive. So, we

should try to give to others and not want or expect anything in return.

So… This Christmas are we going to spend time with our families and cherish the true meaning of Christmas? Or are we just going to care about the presents that we get?

Have a Prosperous and Happy Christmas and enjoy your time well.

“Mankind is a great, an immense family... This is proved by what we feel in our hearts at Christmas."

Pope John XXIII

Vivek Koiparampil

mailto:amma@adelaidemalayalee.org

Children’s DayChildren’s DayChildren’s Day

Children‟s Day is celebrated in most of the counties to honour children and celebrate childhood. It is celebrated on various days around the globe. Some countries celebrate the International Children‟s day, on June1. Some countries celebrate the Universal children‟s day, on 20th November - as decided by the UN General Assembly. The date 20th November was chosen as it marks the anniversary of the day in 1959, when the Declaration of the Rights of the Child was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. The main aim of children‟s day was to bring about beneficiary action to promote the welfare of children all over the globe. It also aims to promote communal exchange and understanding among children.

In India, children‟s day is celebrated on 14th November, the date that marks the birth anniversary of independent India‟s first Prime Minister – Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Jawaharlal was born on November 14, 1889, at Allahabad to a lawyer Motilal Nehru and Swaroop Rani. He was a brilliant, kind-hearted child. His father Motilal Nehru sent him to England for studying his M.A. from Cambridge. India was ruled by British at that time. When he returned to India, young Jawaharlal decided to help the poor and downtrodden with love. He took part in the freedom struggle of India and became a follower of Mahatma Gandhi. When India got its independence, he became the first Prime Minister of free India. He was a man of letter and a good poet. “Glimpses of World history “ and “Discovery of India “ are famous works of Jawaharlal Nehru

The reason why his birthday has been chosen for celebration of children‟s day is because of his love and passion for children. Even during times of heavy responsibilities, he found time to work for the welfare, education and development of children and young people. In his lifetime, Jawaharlal Nehru was widely admired across the world for his idealism and statesmanship. But he was approachable by children and children across India remember him as Chacha Nehru (Uncle Nehru). The more popular and famous of Nehru's pictures show him with children.

The Children‟s day is marked with a lot of activities for children. All over the country, various cultural, social, and even corporate institutions conduct competitions for children. Schools organize events and activities that their students thoroughly enjoy. There are also community activities with stress on children's involvement. Most schools have cultural programmes for the day, with the students managing it all so that they get experience to manage and organise events. Various competitions like quizzes, fancy dress competitions and elocutions are organised on this day. In fancy dress many children prefer to dress up as “Chacha Nehru”. Also for elocution his speeches are mostly selected

Children's Day is not just a day to let the future generation have its say. It is a day to remember a leader who, in his quiet but determined way, laid the foundation to convert a nascent nation into a world power.

Vishnu & Parvathy

Fancy Dress Competition- Under 12 years (Born on or after 1/7/1998)

Each participant shall be given one minute time to come on stage and present their costume.

Brief description of their outfit and accompanying music/audio is optional

Quiz : 12-20 years-Born before 1/7/1998 and on or after 1/7/1990)

Medium of instruction- Combination of both English and Malayalam

General quiz covering multiple categories including current affairs, entertainment, sports, history with specific emphasis on Kerala, India and Australia related topics.

A team should consist of two participants who have to be current registered members of AMMA.

Contact person for participation registration

Prem KC Panicker - premkcp@yahoo.co.in Ph- 8365 6649

Mahesh KS - ksmtpra@yahoo.com.au Ph-8240 3124

Jolly Mathews - jollymathew35@hotmail.com Ph-8345 2265

Saji Verghese - sajiverg@yahoo.com Ph-7226 6980

Sanoj KM - drsanoj@gmail.com Ph- 83590013

CHILDREN’S DAY EVENT DETAILSCHILDREN’S DAY EVENT DETAILSCHILDREN’S DAY EVENT DETAILS

Entries to the various events must be confirmed at the latest by 10/11/2010. Admission charge: Nil, if participation registered on or before 10/11/2010. AUD 5.00 per entry will be applicable for late and spot registrations. All participants are requested to report at venue before 3:00 pm on 14/11/2010

Tentative Schedule of events

3:30 pm : Registration

4:00 pm : Opening remarks, Introduction

4:20 pm : Written qualifying round for Quiz (Group B)

5:00 pm : Fancy dress competition (Group A)

6:00 pm : Quiz finals on stage (Group B)

7:00 pm : Prize & certificate distribution , Vote of thanks

AMMA Children’s Day Celebrations 2010

Venue- IAASA Hall, 6 Blamey Avenue,

Broadview, SA 5083

“Come along, it will be great to see what our kids are doing”there"

Cervical Cancer is Preventable! Cervical Cancer is Preventable! Cervical Cancer is Preventable!

Cancer Council SA in conjunction with AMMA had organised a health information session for all women in our community at Cheltenham Community Centre on 26th September 2010. Many interested women from our community attended this important session. Emma Fajardo from Cancer Council SA appreciated the interest shown by women from our community for their active participation in the programme.

In the interest of those who could not make it for the above information session, a brief note forwarded to us by Emma is reproduced here in below:

The good news is that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable of all cancers. The biggest risk of cervical cancer for women living in Australia is not having regular Pap smears to check for changes in the cells of the cervix.

If all women had a Pap smear test every two years, 90% of new cases of cervical cancer would not happen. But studies indicate that up to 80% of newly diagnosed women with cervical cancer had not had regular Pap smear tests and many had never had a Pap smear. Talk to your doctor about having Pap smear test.

Long term infection with certain types of HPV (human papilloma virus) is a major cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a very common, anyone who have eve r had sexual relationship can have it.

Make that appointment to see your doctor now!Make that appointment to see your doctor now!Make that appointment to see your doctor now!

To know more about Pap smear tests and cervical screening, or for more information on this topic, please contact Emma Fajardo at 8291- 4169 or

email me at efajardo@cancersa.org.au

Sunday, 14th November 2010 at 3:30 pm

mailto:efajardo@cancersa.org.au

Fabulous Onam FestivalFabulous Onam FestivalFabulous Onam Festival

AMMA family members celebrated this year‟s Onam at a new location to our community, the Croatian Club, 15 Wood Avenue, Brompton, SA 5007, on 4th September 2010. Onam is the state festival of Kerala state in the Indian Sub-continent, which is celebrated by Malayalees (who speaks Malayalam language) world over. This vibrant festival attracts many people not only from other states in Indian and but also thousands of tourists from overseas to Kerala to catch a glimpse of the grand celebrations.

This year‟s Onam celebrations commenced with group songs sung by AMMA‟s musical troupe „Saregama‟ that created a fabulous environment of Onam in the heart of community members. This was followed by a traditional procession to receive “Mahabali” the mythical emperor of ancient Kerala as well as variety of cultural programmes staged by community members, which included traditional dances, classical dances and cinematic dances. The multicoloured “Onapookalm” (flower bed) prepared by young girls at the entrance of the venue was outstanding. Mr Hieu Van Le, Lieutenant Governor of South Australia and Chairman of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission was the Chief Guest. The grand feast “Onasadhya” served at the end was yet another impressive part of the celebrations.

Prem Panicker, the President, AMMA welcomed the invited guests and the community members. James Veliyath, the Secretary, AMMA delivered the vote of thanks.

It was indeed yet another splendid Onam and unifying festival celebrated in style by AMMA family members and their friends.

We also acknowledge the feedback received from the community members and it is always our endeavour to move forward from good to great.

Food & Cultural FestFood & Cultural FestFood & Cultural Fest

“Friends of Cheltenham Community Centre”, a multicultural community consisting of members from the local Kaurna (Aboriginal), Zimbabwe, Ogaden (Somali), Eritrean, and AMMA Community members organised Food and Cultural Fest at Cheltenham community centre on Saturday 30th October 2010.

The highlight of the event was that each of the participating communities had put up their food stall for distributing variety of traditional food prepared by volunteers. The cultural show included performances from Paitya Dance Group, Zimbabwean, Somali, Eritrean and Indian communities including AMMA. Besides, food stall and cultural performances, Mosaic Flag Workshop, Jewellery Workshop, Henna Tattooing, Jumping Castle, Maltese Songs / Ballads etc added true multicultural flavour to the event. It was indeed a festival of Fun.

The Mayor of City of Charles Sturt, His Worship Harold Anderson was the chief Guest of the event. The Food and Cultural Fest provided an opportunity to rejuvenate the understanding of the true meaning of cultural diversity. The event was a success with over 400 people in attendance.

VolunteeringVolunteeringVolunteering

Have you ever thought about volunteering? Then thought that it is too hard or I don‟t have the time for it. Most people don‟t realise that how much you stand to gain from these experiences. There are many people who take the time to volunteer in plenty of different ways. It might be an hour a year or can it be an ongoing thing no matter how one helps out, they will discover the benefits of helping people. Volunteering can allow people to not only improve on their social skills, but to make friends as well.

Volunteering has been proven as especially beneficial to teenagers, new migrants and people who are looking to develop a good network. As volunteering has been known to boost confidence, it gives you an opportunity to meet new friends and meet new people while you raise and support „important‟ community issues.

The benefits of volunteering does not stop there you may even get experience new challenges, experience different cultures, develop personally and professionally, develop professional networks, put into practice what you have learnt in your studies theory and skills, experience a variety of roles, explore different career and job opportunities, receive additional training, act as an ambassador, contribute in a positive and selfless way. You might even able to tap in to a talent that you never knew you had. You will also be surprised how much fun you have.

Even from my personal experiences of being involved in AMMA and other organisations I have learnt so much about myself, it has given me a lot confidence and I have made great friends along the way. I have gained such wonderful experiences it is something I would recommend to everyone.

There are many reasons why people choose to volunteer; one is to help others in the community. Others volunteer to learn about an activity or organization that interests them. Some people even volunteer to beat boredom. Whatever the reason they start there is one reason why they continue it is because they realise how much they stand to gain. So next time if you get a chance to volunteer give it a go or you will never what you missed.

Tisha George

Pravasi

Sports/Games

Social Learning

Vazhikatty

Melna Shaji

Cinoj R Pillai

Robyn Chacko

Mahesh K.S,

Jolly Mathews

Saji Verghese

Jose George Joseph

Kirosh Rajan

Suraj Vishnu

Dilip Jose.

Tony John

Subcommittees

Following subcommittee were constituted

recently for effective planning and implementa-

tion of the various community events.

19 March

28 May

23 July

10 September

19 November

03 December

Family Funday & Athletic

Meet

Adelaide Kalamela 2011

AGM 2011

Onam 2011

Children's Day

X'mas & Kerala Day

AMMA AMMA AMMA Event Event Event Calendar Calendar Calendar 201120112011

Many Roads, One DestinationMany Roads, One DestinationMany Roads, One Destination

In these times of religious strife it would do us well to remember what the wise have often said All religions lead to one God. The following two stories emphasize this philosophy.

The first one was related by a priest whose sermon I had the good fortune to attend. The story he related was as follows:

There was a cobbler in Cochin who used to ply his trade in front of a college and locked up his tools in a flimsy wooden box under a tree. He was good man who never charged more than what was due and would forgo his fee if a student fell short of money. It so happened one day, as he came in the morning to collect his tools from the wooden box, he found that someone had broken it open and made off with his tools. He stood there for a moment and then said,” May they prosper who took my tools. Maybe their need was greater than mine and I can only pray that they are content.”

This set me wondering that for all my claims to be a Christian how would I react if somebody cheated or stole from me. Here was a cobbler, a person who would be dismissed as a „low caste‟ by us - the so called „highborns‟, teaching us the true meaning Christianity.

My second story comes from the life Primo Levy, the great Italian writer, writing about his experience as a prisoner in the Nazi labour camp of Auschwitz.

He writes about Lorenzo, an Italian civilian worker....” he brought me a piece of bread and the remainder of his ration....; he gave me a vest of his, full of patches; he wrote a postcard on my behalf to Italy and brought me the reply. For all this he neither asked nor accepted any reward, because he was good and simple and did not think that one did good for a reward....”

As Indians we may instinctively feel that Lorenzo‟s approach towards life seems familiar. It should be so, for it is nothing but the personification of the Hindu philosophy of Nishphala Karma.

Thus we have two persons, one whose livelihood had been devastated and the other at a great risk to his personal safety, showing that all religions instill at the basic level values of decency and good behaviour. One can choose any path they wish to follow; they all lead to the ultimate truth.

Anup Kurian

(KERALA STYLE)

59 WOODVILLE ROAD

WOODVILLE, SA 5011

PH: (08) 8345 5871

Mob: 0432468520

Open 7 days Mon-Fri 7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Sat & Sun 11:00 am to 9:00 pm

Our Specials :

We also cater for all parties .

Special Thanks.....Special Thanks.....Special Thanks.....

AMMA Management Committee expresses our appreciation and sincere thanks to each of the performers, particularly the new comers in this year‟s Onam Celebrations for show casing your wealth of talents.

We extend our gratitude and appreciation to the dedicated volunteers as well as to our generous donors your involvement and support in continual improvement makes our events different from others always.

AMMA Management Committee

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!!!

Volunteers are required for the Christmas program. If you can spare some time to help us to organize the function

please contact :

Vimaldas Kottarapat-Ph:8258 3260

James Veliyath-Ph:7226 6111

President

Vice President & Vazhikatty

Secretary Treasurer

Arts

Sports

Website & Social Learning

Publications &Community Relations

Prem K.C.Panicker-Ph:8365 6649

Vimaldas Kottarapat-Ph:8258 3260

James Veliyath-Ph:7226 6111

Afzal Kadar-Ph:0488 038 768

Melvin John-Ph:0433 681 494

Lathish Namath-Ph:8325 3762

Dr Sanoj K.M.-Ph:8267 5191

Asha Thomas-Ph:0422736481

AMMA AMMA AMMA --- Management CommitteeManagement CommitteeManagement Committee

Printed and Published by Adelaide & Metropolitan Malayalee Association Inc (AMMA), PO Box 199 HINDMARSH SA 5007 Email : amma@adelaidemalayalee.org ,Web: www.adelaidemalayalee.org

EDITORIALEDITORIALEDITORIAL

Dear Readers,

With spring and sunshine in the air, the winter chill will soon be a distant past. Let us also imbibe from the spirit of the season and let our lives be one of renewal and hope too.

Christmas is around the corner; I hope we will have the same display of enthusiasm from our volunteers which made our last Christmas program a success. The newsletter is also a forum for your talent to be displayed. Contributions are encouraged from our friends.

On behalf of the team at Malayalee Shabdam I wish you all a Merry X‟mas and Happy New Year.

Regards Asha Thomas

Appeal to all AMMA Family MembersAppeal to all AMMA Family MembersAppeal to all AMMA Family Members

Please note your “AMMA Family Code” on the envelope.

Renew your AMMA Membership subscription, if it‟s not done already.

We are pleased to inform all AMMA Family Members that we have now reviewed and updated the current data base of AMMA Family Members, based on the recent membership renewal records and with reference to your updated family details submitted vide the revised membership forms.

A unique family code known as “AMMA Family Code” has now been allocated to all the members, whose name is appearing in the updated list. Please find your family code on the envelope of this news letter and note down the same for your future reference. Please remember to quote this unique number allocated to you and your family members, while renewing your subscription or if asked at AMMA community programs.

However, if any of the AMMA community members who have not received your family code along with this issue of news letter, we encourage them to approach any one of the AMMA Management committee members by filling in the revised membership form (available on AMMA website) to enable us to update your membership status in the records and allocate a Family code to you and your family.

We also take this opportunity to remind all AMMA Family Members (those who have not yet renewed your membership for the current year) that annual subscription for the financial year 2010-2011 is due for renewal on 1st July 2010.

The revised annual subscription fees with effect from 1st of July 2010 is given below:

Single : $10.00

Family : $20.00

Currently, the joining fee for new members - $10.00.

Members, who already have renewed their membership for the year 2010-2011, based on the pre-revised charges are requested to pay the balance amount at the earliest to maintain your membership valid and up-to-date. If you have already paid the balance fee, please ignore this note.

Membership subscription renewal is easy now!

You can renew your subscription fee by electronically transferring the prescribed fee to the following account

A/c Name: Adelaide Metropolitan Malayalee

BSB: 805-022

A/c No.03354069

Important note: While electronically transferring the prescribed fees, please note to mention your “AMMA Family Code” in the account description for our reference, so that we know where the money has come from.

AMMA Management Committee

mailto:amma@adelaidemalayalee.orghttp://www.adelaidemalayalee.org