YANBU — Yanbu Vicharavedi, a cultural organization of Indian expatriates based in Yanbu, organized a wide variety of cultural programs and competitions to mark India’s 71st Republic Day celebrations.

More than 150 students from different schools, as well as members of the Indian community attended the event held at Al-Manar International School auditorium.

“The event was a great success in terms of participation and organization,” said Advocate Joseph Arimpoor, president of the organization.

In his presidential address, Joseph urged the parents to encourage their children to take advantage of the cultural activities of Vicharavedi, being held on a monthly basis with the objective of improving their reading habit and proficiency in Malayalam language.

Eng. Noushad V Moosa, secretary of Vicharavedi, presented a report detailing major activities of the organization.

As part of the Republic Day celebrations, a drawing competition with a theme of “Indian Culture” was conducted.

The first three winners of the competition were the following: Kids category: Mary James, Jihad Siddik, and Bhavya. Sub junior: Ayisha Ishal, Fraya Abraham and Sara Meena. Junior: Fathima Rinha, Hidesh and Harshid. Senior: Aswin Shibu,Thrishna and Mohammed Said. Dr. Yusuf Rishal, Bindu Santhosh and Saleem Koyakutty presented trophies to the winners of the competition.

As many as 75 students participated in a mesmerizing stage show titled “Soul of India” that highlighted remarkable historic events in India since 1900.

Another show titled “Mazha” (rain) captivated the audience, as it highlighted the spirit of unity, togetherness and empathy shown by the people of Kerala in overcoming the havoc caused by the devastating floods of 2018.

Around 20 students participated in the show, conceived by Namshitha and directed by Shameer. Afreen Niyas, a student, made a book review while Namshitha Shameer recited her poem that glorifies the Indian civilization.

In the session dedicated to the Republic Day, Remin Treesa Sebastia, a student, read the preamble of the Indian Constitution. Nasirudheen Omannil and Eng. P.M. Sabu of Vicharavedi spoke on the occasion.

Melodious songs by a group of students enthralled the audience. The cultural events were coordinated by a team led by Sindhu Joseph.

Prominent figures such as Anup Nair, Saleem Vengara and Niyaz Yousuf Labba commended the organizers for making the event a resounding success.

Jabir Vaniyambalam, Faisal, Sabu Veliyam, Bharath Raj, Mohammed Yashik, and Husnu Koyakutty were among the organizers of the event. — SG