"Amma, when I grow up, will there still be Knanaya Conventions?"

Now that the 2012 KCCNA Convention remains as a sweet memory for those who attended, let me take this opportunity to thank the leadership of KCCNA, President Dr. Shiens Akasala  and all Executive Committee for conducting a fantastic and  distinctive event for the Knanites of North America. As promised, the Executive Committee gave primary significance to the entertainment and security of the younger generation which was the key to the success of this Convention. Every single person no matter what age they were, had programs and events that they could attend every day of the Convention. In addition, the many unique and variety programs that were newly introduced this year, raised the quality of the Convention to a whole new level.

The Convention Chairman Mr. James Illickal and the entire Tampa unit under the leadership of Mr. Jose Uppoottil worked with the rest of the Committees and the Subcommittees for months, planning every minute details very carefully. The unity of the Tampa Knanaya Unit played a key role in the success of this Convention. As the hosting unit, almost everyone from Tampa had some kind of responsibility and they all worked   together which is highly appreciable. Tampa unit has proved to be a role model to other Knanaya Units in showing what a community can do if they stay together.

I am humbled that I was part of the planning process of this great event as well, being the Chair person of the KCCL/KCJL Committee. I would like to thank Mrs. Gracy Vachachira, KCWFNA President for allocating me this opportunity to serve the community. I worked with 5 other Committee members, Mrs. Annamma Mangattuthundathil (New York), Minimol Njeralakkattukunnel (Tampa), Merlin Kallarakaniyil, KCWFNA Treasurer (Atlanta), Jeesha Charath (Boston) and Laya Odimuzhangayil (Tampa). I would like to thank all of my Committee members for their hardwork and dedication in making KCCL/KCJL activities successful. Each and every Committee members pitched in and we worked together to coordinate memorable events for our young children. I would like to thank Amy Thachet and Charles Chackalapadavil  who were the MCs for the KCJL icebreaker in which the kids were able to meet  new friends and have fun. The celebrity stage show followed by the icebreaker was very entertaining for those who attended. The KCJL DJ was a blast and the kids said usually they just walk around and take part in competitions when we go to Knanaya Conventions but this year we actually had fun activities planned for us and they were grateful for that. I would also like to thank Mrs. Agimol Puthenpurackal for conducting the seminar “Healthy Interactions for Teenagers” which gave very valuable information to the parents and the pre-teens who attended it. Then of course the clown party, princess party, bounce house, and the magic show turned out to be great moments of entertainment and pleasure for the little ones and relaxation for the young parents.

I would like to end this note with sharing a small conversation I had with my 8 year old son Derek after the Convention. He asked me, Amma, when I grow up, will there still be Knanaya Conventions? He had so much fun this year and miss the Convention and would like to go for more Conventions in the future. I was touched by the remark especially coming from an 8 year old child and I assured him there will still be Knanaya Conventions like this in the future but it is up to each and every one of us to keep it going. When we all take the future of this community to our hearts, our community will go strong for many more years to come.....

Sincerely,

Prathibha Thachet

KCCL/KCJL Committee Chair

KCWFNA Joint Secretary