Romy Kuriakose
Oldham: The Indian Overseas Congress (IOC UK) – Kerala Chapter Midlands Area successfully hosted ‘Puthuyuga Sangamam 2026’, a grand family gathering at ‘Oommen Chandy Smrithi Nagar’ in Oldham, attracting a large number of members and families from across the Midlands. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Maria Oommen.
In her inaugural address, Dr. Maria Oommen highlighted the importance of such gatherings in strengthening unity, social responsibility, and community engagement among the Malayali diaspora. She noted that Puthuyuga Sangamam 2026 had become a platform that equally celebrated family values and organizational commitment.
The meeting was presided over by Shinu Clare Mathews, President of IOC (UK) – Kerala Chapter. Romy Kuriakose, General Secretary of the Kerala Chapter and Programme Coordinator, presented the organization’s activities and future plans. Pushparajan, President of the Oldham Unit, delivered the welcome address, while Jithin James, Vice President of the Oldham Unit, proposed the vote of thanks.
Felicitation were offered by Ajith Venmoni, General Secretary; Bobin Philip, Secretary; Executive Committee Member Shobin Sam; and senior IOC (UK) leaders Sabu George, George Joseph, Saju Manakkuzhi, Sunnymon Mathai, and Shaji Varakudy.
As part of the programme, members celebrated the historic victory of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Kerala Legislative Assembly elections. The Midlands Area also officially announced the formation of its Women’s Wing and Youth Wing, with Dr. Maria Oommen presenting appointment letters to the newly selected coordinators.
A commemorative cake bearing the words “Puthuyuga Keralam 2026” was ceremonially cut. Cultural performances by members and families from various units added colour to the gathering. Dance performances led by Megha Suresh and Anns Manoj, musical performances coordinated by Benny Joseph and Nikitha Mariam Koshi, and a lively DJ session entertained the audience.
Dr. Maria Oommen presented the IOC Karma Shreshta, Sanghadana Shreshta, and Seva Shreshta Awards to individuals, units, and senior leaders for their outstanding contributions.
The Karma Shreshta Award was presented to Asha Cherian, an NHS nurse from Oldham recognised for her inspiring resilience and dedicated service; Sunil K. Baby, a charity and social worker from Scotland; and Diana Pauly from Edinburgh, who conducts free mathematics doubt-clearing sessions for children.
The Sanghadana Shreshta Award was presented to the Peterborough Unit for constructing a permanent home for a homeless family in Paravur and successfully implementing the Madhuram Malayalam language project for children; the Bolton Unit for its street-cleaning initiatives in partnership with Bolton Council and its Sarvodaya Anti-Drug Campaign; the Scotland Unit for its outstanding social and charitable activities; and the Barnsley Unit for leading the Kerala Chapter’s Blood Donation Wing.
A portrait depicting the life of Oommen Chandy, created by Nehal Jagan, an eighth-grade student and daughter of Jagan Padachira, President of the IOC (UK) Leicester Unit, was unveiled during the programme.
Dr. Maria Oommen also honoured senior IOC (UK) leaders and distinguished contributors, including Pushparajan, Shaji Varakudy, Shaji Ipe Kurian, Benny Joseph, Sabu George, George Joseph, Saju Manakkuzhi, Sunnymon Mathew, Joshy Varghese, Blood Donation Wing volunteers Bibin Raj Kureekkanpara, Rajul Ramanan, Vineeth, organising committee representatives Jithin James and Renjith, Unit presidents, and the newly appointed Women’s and Youth Wing coordinators.
Office bearers, volunteers, women and youth representatives, and families from various Midlands units participated in the event. Puthuyuga Sangamam 2026 concluded as a memorable celebration of unity, service, and organizational strength among the Malayali diaspora, followed by a fellowship dinner hosted by the organisers.
