Sahrudya holds Family Day with tug-of war, pookalam competition in aid of Kerala Flood Relief Fund

By A Staff Reporter

TONBRIDGE (Kent) Sept 23: The annual prestigious and the biggest Keralites 4th All UK tug-of war competition hosted by Sahrudya- The West Kent Keralites lived up to its name and reputation again beating the inclement weather on Sunday, September 23 at the Sackville School Hildenborough Tonbridge TN11 9HN.

Sahrudaya- The West Kent Keralites turned this event into a Friends and Family Day in aid of Kerala Flood Relief fund with full profit to this noble cause.

The Organisers took the challenge to conduct an All UK Pookalam or floral art competition, the first of its kind in the UK. The whole of these events was open with free admission to all.

Free face painting, henna were entertained the kids, though adverse weather denied the free Bouncy castle ride for kids.

The pookkalam competition livened up the whole occasion. Sixteen teams contested the Pookalam competition providing a visual delight with flowers arranged in synchronised patterns in different shapes and hues.

The promising start of this contest in adverse weather conditions will offer a huge motivation to the organisers.

Hastings Team was adjudged the best pookalam. Sutton, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & Maidstone came second, third, fourth and fifth.

The tug of war contest saw a total of nine teams participating. As usual BCMC from Birmingham, Tuskers from Tunbridge Wells, Themmadis from Worcester and Seven Stars from Coventry were in the spotlight for finals. However, underdogs Canterbury stunned BCMC in the semifinals by beating them in first two pulls in the best of three contest to reach the finals.

The semifinals was contest between Canterbury and BCMC and Worcester Themmadis against Achayans Hertfordshire.

Themmadis Worcester did not have to toil much to reach the finals as they beat Achayans Hertfordshire straight in the first two pulls. If Themmadis were thinking that Canterbury’s win against BCMC was a one off then they were wrong.

Canterbury showed they were not flash in the pan and the first pull although was evenly contested was won by Themmadis setting up the next pull. Canterbury, with the support of a strong Kent supporters gave it all to win the second pull thus setting up a mouthwatering final.

The third pull was too evenly contested and at one point Themmadis were almost to have won it when Canterbury again with a vociferous support from Kent supporters came out with the best ever effort to pull of a stunning win which left the whole gathering stunned.

The contest which was evenly and hotly contested saw tempers flaring but the community’s and organisers resilience and patience withstood all the odds which ensured that Malayalees in the UK will never want this event to fail as thus was the aesthetic delight it offers to anyone who has been to this event.

The event was graced by Tunbridge Wells Kent County councillor Mr. Paul Barrington King. The event wouldnt have become a success without the support and guidance provided by Mr Barrington King.

The tug of war contest, held within indoors, also saw dance by students from West Kent Dance School. The dance in between the breaks of the tug-of-war provided relief to the contestants and a rare delight to the attendees.

The dance symbolising the Kerala flood situation by Sahrudaya kids brought in memories of the difficult situation Keralites had to go thorugh during the floods which affected thousands in August.

Sahrudaya – The West Kent Keralites Friends and family Day was in aid of Kerala Flood Relief fund with full profit going towards this noble cause.

Kent County Council, Allied Mortgage and Insurances, Dr Nairs Homeo House, Josco Care Nursing Agency, Joy Alukkas Jewellers, Walkers Cars, Garshom TV, Smartwear Outfits and Kaayal Restaurant were co-sponsored this event.

St. Anslem’s Catholic church, Pembury raised almost £500 and the whole of this amount will go directly to Kerala Flood Relief Fund.

Sahrudaya members raised over £3,500 so far and organisers have not stopped their ful voluntary dedication and commitment yet.

Sahrudaya’s President Sunny Chacko inaugurated the function. General Secretary Albert George thanked all for their support.

Tug of War winners and prizes: First £701: Canterbury, Second: £401 Worcester Themmadis, Third £301: Hertfordshire Achayans, Fourth £201: BCMC Birmingham, Fifth: £151: Coventry, Sixth £101: Southall

Pookalam competition winners and prizes: First £501: Hastings, Second £301: Sutton, Third £201: Tunbridge Wells, Fourth £101: Tonbridge, Fifth £51: Maidstone

Sahrudaya is still continuing with the fund collection. To support or to know their Kerala Flood Relief Fund please follow the link. Kindly make your contribution to our Sahrudaya charity fund with reference “Flood Relief”

Acct Name- Sahrudaya
Sort code 40-44-37
Acct No. 3183 9233

https://www.facebook.com/116955905101920/posts/1300024776795021/

For further details please visit www.sahrudaya.co.uk