Family Meet

The Kunnamkott Family Meet 2024 was held on May 11, 2024, at St. Sebastian's High School Auditorium, Thodupuzha. The event began with a Holy Mass at St. Michael’s Church, Thenamkunnu, at 9 AM, offered by Rev. Fr. Benny Odakkal, CSsR, Director of Divyam Foundation, Mylakombu. This was followed by prayers for the departed souls of the family.

After a light refreshment, the meeting commenced at 10:30 AM. Shri C.S. Joseph (Baby) from the Chiramugathu Branch presided over the meeting. Shri Jimmy from the Kanjirathinkal Branch welcomed the gathering. The meeting was inaugurated by Shri Sebastian Thomas (Baby) from the Padinjarekara Branch. Shri C.S. Joseph delivered the presidential address. The Kudumbayogam Secretary, Shri Sabu Joseph from the Pala Branch, presented the report. The Treasurer, Shri Biju Sebastian from the Padinjarekara Branch, presented the accounts for the year 2023-24. The Kudumbayogam website, www.kunnamkott.in, developed by Shri. Biju Sebastian, was inaugurated by Prof. K.M. Thomas from the Padinjarekara Branch.

Prof. Joseph Augustine and Dr. Molly Baby from the Padinjarekara Branch delivered felicitation speeches. Shri C.S. David, the President, remembered the six family members who passed away last year: Smt. Rani Baby of the Padinjarekara Branch, Shri K.J. Thomas of the Kizhakkeparambil Branch, Smt. Sicili George of the Pala-Idukki Branch, Shri Mathai Pappan of the Pala-Idukki Branch, Shri Abraham (Chinnappan) of the Elikulam Branch, and Shri Sabu Joseph of the Enthunkal Branch.

Prof. K.M. Thomas gave a speech on the importance of AI and the dangers of an imminent global recession. Shri C.T. Thomas, a retired high school headmaster residing in Chemperi, Kannur District, attended the Kudumbayogam for the first time and gave a wonderful speech reminiscing about his childhood days at Nediyasala. Being a talented singer, he also performed four songs, which were very mesmerizing.

Three students from the family were selected for the Adv. K.J. Joseph Memorial Award for scoring high marks in the 10th exam. Prof. K.M. Thomas presented the cash prize to Kum. Alona Sebastian from the Pala Branch. Since the other recipients, Kum. Linta Lalu and Jilu Lalu from the Pala-Idukki Branch, were not present, it was decided to give them the cash prize later.

During the meeting, attendees were urged to notify any corrections or additions to the family directory. It was proposed to release a revised directory once all the updates are received. The President expressed concern about the reduction in the number of participants, and it was decided to reschedule the family meet to another convenient month to encourage greater attendance.

The meeting concluded at 12:30 PM with a vote of thanks by Kudumbayogam President Shri C.S. David. The event was followed by lunch.

A total of 69 family members participated in the family meet.