MUSCAT: Marking a decade of vibrant cultural engagement, the Sohar Malayalee Sangam (SMS) is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a grand two-day youth and student festival on November 7–8 at Sohar Plaza. Young talents from across Oman are eagerly preparing to showcase their skills at this much-anticipated event.
Announcing the celebration, Manoj Kumar, President of SMS, said that His Excellency G. V. Srinivas, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event, organized in association with the Indian Social Club, Sohar, will bring together over 500 participants from across the country, including Sohar, Muscat, Salalah, and Sur, among others.
At a press briefing, the organizers stated that off-stage competitions will be held on October 24 at Lulu Mall, Sohar, while on-stage events will take place on November 7 and 8 at Sohar Plaza. The festival aims to foster creativity, teamwork, and cultural unity among the youth and students in Oman.
“The competitions will be conducted in four categories — Sub Junior, Junior, Senior, and Open to All — featuring 44 events across literary, artistic, and performing arts,” revealed Manoj Kumar.
Vasudevan Pittan, General Secretary, added that a panel of 14 eminent judges from India and the UAE will professionally evaluate the competitions, with the judges’ names kept confidential until the final moment.
“The on-stage competitions will feature a diverse range of performances including Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Kerala Nadakam, semi-classical, folk, western, and cinematic dances, as well as extempore sessions,” Pittan said.
Jayan Menon, Programme Convener, noted that the youngsters will present a wide variety of cultural performances. Musical and dramatic events will include light music, film songs, classical and instrumental music, drama songs, Mappilapattu, Nadan Pattu, mono act, and mimicry. Participants will also compete in recitation and elocution in English, Malayalam, and Hindi, along with Kadhaaprasangam (storytelling) and fancy dress presentations.
The off-stage competitions will feature essay writing, poetry, handwriting, and short story writing in English, Malayalam, and Hindi. Additionally, pencil drawing and coloring contests will encourage participants to display their artistic flair, said Vasudevan Nair, General Convener.
Participants of Indian origin can register through the Sohar Malayalee Sangam website until October 20.
Jayan Menon highlighted that the SMS Youth Festival has evolved into a major cultural platform, celebrating the talent, creativity, and unity of the Indian diaspora in Oman.
Manoj Kumar also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the Ladies’ and Children’s Wings of SMS, led by Jyothi Murali and Radhika Jayan, stating that they are the “main architects” of this grand event. “A majority of the volunteers are women who have been diligently managing responsibilities for the past six months,” he added.
By Vinod Raghavan