INTRODUCTION

With great pleasure we acknowledge the formal inauguration of the Ernakulam Chapter of Vadakkethalackal Mahakudumbam by Shri K. O. Ninan, our Mahakudumbayogam President, on 10th July 2010, fulfilling our long time endeavours to establish such a chapter in Ernakulam, where we have the second largest concentration of our family members in kerala, after Trivandrum, other than our own native towns.

The inaugural meeting was held at the residence of Prof. S. Ninan, Vadakkethalackal, No.194, Moolepadam Road, Vazhakkala, Kakkanad, Ernakulam, which was attended by the chapter members as well as a number of members representing other shakhas.

First there was a self introduction session by all participating members followed by a prayer session and a business session. Rev. Fr. T. N. Philipose of Ooriapadickal Shakha graced the occasion by leading the prayers together with President K. O. Ninan. Traditional Christian devotional songs, Bible reading and special prayers were rendered before the lighting of Bhadradeepam and the formal Announcement of inaugurating the chapter by the president.

The inaugural speech by president was very enlightening and inspiring. He gave valuable guidelines as to how the chapter could work effectively and establish the bliss of brotherhood, love and cooperation among the members and to be a model for the Society.

During the business session an executive committee was formed comprising of a President, a Secretary, a joint secretary and two committee members, to begin with and to take care of the functioning of the Chapter. This Committee may assign/nominate more members to this forum as and when required.

An introduction to Vadakkethalackal Mahakudumbayogam website by Josey Oommen Maret, formal vote of thanks by Aji Maret, special thanks-giving by the host Prof. S. Ninan and closing prayers and blessings by Rev. Fr. T N Philipose were the other items of the function before the members dispersed for lunch.

Members spent quite some time over the lunch expressing and exchanging their own sweet family memories and news, and sharing the joy of being together, reminding us of the Biblical verse: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity”. The function was over by 2-30 PM.