Varnam'24, the annual cultural extravaganza, took place on 1st September 2024 at VK Sports Club, Kaggadaspura, and was a resounding success. The event brought together the community in a celebration of culture, tradition, and talent, with a variety of activities that kept the audience engaged and entertained throughout the day.
Event Highlights
Pookalam by the GenZ Group (5:30 AM - 7:00 AM)
The day began with a stunning Pookalam created by the GenZ group. Waking up early in the morning, they spent hours meticulously preparing the flowers and designing the intricate rangoli. As attendees entered the auditorium, they were greeted by this beautiful and vibrant Pookalam, which set a festive and welcoming tone for the day.
Malakettal Competition (7:30 AM - 8:30 AM)
The energy of the day was further heightened by the Malakettal competition, where participants showcased their skill in our traditional craft. The enthusiastic participants tied a beautiful Katti Mala, which was judged to determine the winners who would receive prizes for their efforts.
Breakfast (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)
A delicious breakfast was served, offering a variety of traditional dishes that were enjoyed by all attendees. The dining area provided a perfect opportunity for everyone to mingle and catch up with friends and family
Lighting of the Lamp, Invocation Song, and President's Address (9:30 AM - 9:45 AM)
The official inauguration of Varnam'24 began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the
committee members.
Followed by an invocation song seeking blessings from the Almighty. A minute of silence was
observed to show solidarity for the victims of the Wayanad tragedy and to honor the memory of those who passed away in the last year. This solemn moment was followed by the BWS
President Mr. Muralidaran CV ‘s address, welcoming everyone to the event and setting a
respectful and hopeful tone for the day. The MC team took charge of the flow of events, ensuring that the program proceeded smoothly without any interruptions.
Senior Felicitation, Women Empowerment Award, and Educational Awards (9:45 AM - 10:30 AM)
One of the most heartwarming segments of Varnam'24 was the felicitation of the senior
members of the community. Their contributions and lifelong dedication to the community were acknowledged with deep respect and gratitude. Additionally, the Women Empowerment Award was presented to women who had showcased exceptional skills in extracurricular activities. Following this, the Educational Awards were presented to the young achievers, recognizing their academic excellence and encouraging them to continue striving for greatness.
Cultural Programs (10:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
The cultural programs commenced with a captivating skit on national integration, where the beloved King Mahabali made an appearance, uniting the diverse groups depicted in the skit. The arrival of Mahabali was beautifully orchestrated with a powerful Chendamelam performance by Mr. Rajesh Marar and his team, accompanied by the graceful presence of damsels holding Thalapoli, welcoming the king. Mahabali was played by our very own BWS family member, Mr. Jayachandran PV.
This was followed by a unique father-daughter dance performance, which was both touching and remarkable. The cultural journey continued with a variety of performances representing different styles as Mahabali symbolically traveled from northern India to southern India.
Before reaching Kerala in the cultural journey, the audience was treated to two vibrant performances. The first was a lively jazz dance that showcased the modern flair of Western music, followed by a powerful performance set to the song "Varaha Roopam." Both acts were well-received and added a unique flavor to the cultural mix.
Upon reaching Kerala, Mahabali was greeted by a stunning Thiruvathirakali performance led by Ms.Dhanya Warrier and her team, all elegantly dressed in traditional tissue mundum veshti. Their synchronized movements and graceful execution made it a visual treat for the audience.
The program then transitioned into a semiclassical fusion performance, further showcasing the rich cultural diversity. The stars of the show were the tiny tots under the age of 8, who captured the hearts of the audience with their joyful and energetic performance. The thematic journey concluded with a performance to the song "Illuminati," where Mahabali expressed his happiness and conveyed his hope that the audience was equally delighted.
The cultural program continued with another group of young, talented dancers between ages 9 and 10 who brought their unique energy to the stage. The performance of Team Pookies began with an electrifying rendition of an A. R. Rahman hit number, setting the stage on fire with their dynamic choreography and enthusiasm. The morning session of performances culminated with the "Happy Feet" group, who delivered an inspiring performance under the belief that "Anybody Can Dance." Their performance was the perfect note to pause the show for lunch.
Felicitation of the Chief Guests (12:30 PM - 1:00 PM)
Gopakumar PT, our Secretary introduced Dr. K P Gopalakrishna, founder and chairman of NPS schools, who honored us with his presence as the chief guest. He was felicitated by our Vice President, Ms. Rakhi Warrier, and delivered an inspiring address to the audience. Dr. Gopalakrishna's words were a testament to his vision and commitment to education, leaving a lasting impact on all present. We were also delighted to have the secretary of Yogakshema Mr. Alampally Narayanan join us in this joyous occasion, further adding to the sense of community and celebration.
Traditional Sadya (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM)
A sumptuous traditional Sadya was served, featuring an extensive menu that catered to a
wide range of tastes. The meal was highlighted by two delicious Payasams, offering a sweet
ending to the feast. The community came together to enjoy the traditional cuisine.
Music Launch, Sponsors Felicitation, and Secretary's Address (2:30 PM)
After the customary Sadya, we had the honor and privilege of releasing Mr. Jaideep Warrier's music video. He and his band captivated the audience with their song.Following this, the sponsors of Varnam'24 were honored for their generous support, which played a crucial role in the success of the event. Their contributions were acknowledged with gratitude, and they were presented with tokens of appreciation by the executive committee member Mr.Baiju CV.The Secretary, Mr. Gopakumar PT, then gave a speech in which he commended everyone for their hard work and dedication in making Varnam'24 a success.
The committee members used this occasion to thank Ms. Soumya Warrier, the convenor of the Wasa Plaza Competitions, and Ms. Preethi Balachandran, the convenor of Varnam, for their leadership and organizational abilities
Fashion Show (3:00 PM - 3:30 PM):
The fashion show was a major highlight of the day, with participants showcasing stunning Indian attire, ranging from traditional to fusion wear. The judges, Ms. Babitha Jaishankar and Ms. Athira KV, were surprised and equally thrilled by the creativity displayed by the participants. They applauded the efforts put into designing and assembling the attire, making it a memorable segment of the event.
Post-Lunch Cultural Programs (3:30 PM - 4:45 PM)
The post-lunch cultural programs kicked off with an external MC, Mr. Rohin Kumar, adding cheer and excitement among the audience. The BWS family’s music band, Sarang, delivered three different performances across various genres, showcasing the versatility and talent of the team.
The "Beat Breakers" followed with a high-energy performance that got the audience on their feet, dancing to hit numbers. The team "Vintage vs Thampankoothu" offered a diverse performance, blending yesteryear’s classics with contemporary beats. The finale performance by the GenZ group featured talented and skilled artists who put on a display of awe-inspiring moves and poses, leaving the audience mesmerized.
Tea Break (4:45 PM - 5:00 PM)
As the day drew to a close, the team led by Mr. Ravindran MV served lip-smacking snacks along with tea and coffee, offering a moment of relaxation and refreshment for everyone.
Volunteer and MC Appreciation (5:00 PM)
The event concluded with the committee members expressing their gratitude by rewarding all the volunteers and the MC.For their diligent effort in compiling the data, organizing the tracks, and making sure there were no delays, the tech crew was also honored. Finally, the raffle ticket winners were announced, adding a touch of excitement to the end of a perfect day.
Varnam'24 was a celebration of community spirit, culture, and talent. The event was a huge success, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the organizing committee, the enthusiastic participation of the community members, and the support of the sponsors. The day was filled with joy, laughter, and a deep sense of togetherness, leaving everyone with fond memories to cherish.The success of this year's program sets a high standard for the future, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.
Preethi Balachandran
Convener - Varnam'24.