Louli Kurikose was the MC' for the program

Chairman & CFO Thomas P. Antony introduced and welcomed the Hon. Deputy Ambassador and other guests. Chairman also read the congratulatory message from His Excellency the Ambassador of India Dr. Lalith Mansingh. Chairman spelled out that the mission of MAM is to enrich the Maryland Malayalee Community with art and cultural development, especially among the youth. He stresses the fact that the need for an organization like MAM was long felt in Maryland. He further said that MAM is more than Onam & x'MAS celebration.

True to the objective the Chairman pointed out the MAM conducted a nation-wide literary competition in connection with the inauguration. Winners were:

Winners were presented with Awards (including cash) by the Deputy Ambassador. Businessmen Antony Chemmannor of Bombay Grill Group of Restaurants and Kuriakose Nedumpallil of Julie Enterprises (Meineke Car Specialist) sponsored the Awards.

President Joseph Pothen spoke of the need to develop unity and cultural enrichment in the community. He further spoke of the need to pass on our cultural heritage.

The Ambassador lighted the traditional Indian lamp inaugurating the Malayalee Association of Maryland. He praised the Association's goals and wished success. He pointed out the need to pass on our cultural traditions to the next generation and support our mother country India at the same time being loyal to the adopted country. USA.

The HON. Ambassador also unveiled the beautiful BANNER of MAM National & FOKANA leader Sunny Wycliffe talked of the need to promote our cultural treasure. He praised the noble mission of MAM.

Political leader and Maryland State official Dilip Paliyath stressed the need for getting involved in the political and social life of the country we live in.

Writer Nina Panikal praised the MAM for encouraging the literary skills in the community.

Ms. Meka Jacob did opening devotional song. Julie and Louli Kuriakos performed CLASSICAL Indian dances. Writer John Attumalil recited a poem. Perli Babu's rambling (speed talk) and Jerin Varghes's instrumental music thrilled the crowd. Prasad Nair and Antony K. Abraham entertained the crowd with old Indian songs. Anitha Pothen led the US National Anthem. Antony K Abraham and Rajan Mathai led Indian National Anthem.

Christie Fernandez was in charge of the sound system. Christie, Joan P. Antony and Kuriakose Nedumpallil handled the camera & video.

Shervin Fernadez-son of Christie Fernandez- received a Special Award for the creation of such a wonderful, colorful and meaningful LOGO for MAM.

Vice-President Henry Thomas offered the vote of thanks. He especially thanked His Excellency the Deputy Ambassador Dr. Alok Prasad for his participation despite his busy schedule and Mr. Antony Chemmannor-owner of Bombay Grill Group of Restaurants-for making the facility available. He also thanked National and FOKANA leader Mr. Sunny Wycliffe for his enthusiastic support in helping to arrange the program, especially the Ambassador's participation.

A gala banquet-prepared by Bombay Grill Group of Restaurants-followed the program.

Vice Presidents Henry Thomas and Blesson Lukose and Joint Treasurer Rajan Mathai did an excellent Job at the registration.

Christi Fernandez, Peter Pereira, Prasad Nair, Santhosh Kavanakudy and Prasad Abraham-all part of the FOUNDING LEADERSHIP- helped with the set-up and hall arrangements.