By Sajeev K Peter

The versatile Indian music band 'Pragathi', led by brilliant singer Dr K S Harisankar and musical sensation Nithya Mammen, took music lovers by storm during NAFO Global Kuwait's anniversary celebrations at the American International School auditorium on Friday.

Presenting an eclectic combination of evergreen hits and modern numbers in a packed auditorium, Harisankar sang his way into the hearts of music connoisseurs with his superb singing.  He catered to all tastes with his exquisite blend of pop, folk and classical numbers and kept the audience engaged from start to finish. His melodious numbers 'Pavizha mazha' and 'Jeevamshamaay' were received with thunderous applause.

Dr K S Harisankar performs during the ‘Pragathi’ music show.

Directly involving the audience in the performance, Harisankar at times stepped out of the stage to go into the audience and turned them into co-singers. With the rendition of a few A R Rahman hits like 'Dil Se Re', 'Jiya Jale', 'Humma Humma,' etc, he established a rapport with the audience who joined him in singing.

Nithya, who has become a singing sensation over a short span of time, delivered some of her mellifluous numbers including her debut song 'Nee Himamazhayayi Varu'. She rendered the song with Harisankar, who was her co-singer in the film 'Edakkad Battalion'.  Nithya continued to rule the hearts of music lovers with her soulful singing of songs like 'Vathikkalu Vellaripravu' from the movie 'Sufiyum Sujathayum" which earned her a Kerala state film award. The 12-member band with eminent artistes on drums, guitar and violin was supported by a spectacular display of light in tune with the music.

Harisankar and Nithya Mammen perform

Award ceremony

Another highlight of the anniversary celebration was the award ceremony in which four successful businessmen were honored with 'NAFO Global Business Awards 2022. Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director, LuLu Financial Holdings, was conferred with NAFO Global Business Leader Award while N K Ramachandran Menon, Chairman, Bhavans Middle East, was presented NAFO Global Education Leader Award. NAFO Global Entrepreneurship Award was presented to Mohandas Kizhakke, Managing Director, Captain Fisher Food Stuff Co and NAFO Global Corporate Icon Award was bestowed on Rohit Ramachandran, Chief Executive Officer, Jazeera Airways.

Guest of Honor of the event, Mazen Ali Al-Ansari, Assistant Undersecretary (International Media), Ministry of Information, presented the awards in the presence of NAFO office-bearers. "I am honored and privileged to share such celebrations with the Indian community in Kuwait, the largest expatriate community in the country, that has historically played an important role in helping the country of Kuwait develop and prosper over the years," Ansari said in his address. Congratulating the recipients of the award, he said: "These great men are not just successful in their businesses, but they have become role models for others, for the younger generation and the youth in our society,"

The recipients of NAFO Global Business Awards 2022 with Mazen Ali Al-Ansari and NAFO office-bearers.

The awards were presented in three categories to four exemplary personalities, who according to the NAFO award committee, are gamechangers in their respective business domains. Since its inception, NAFO Business Awards have focused on entrepreneurship and corporate excellence. NAFO Global has added a new segment 'Leadership' to this year's edition of Business Awards.

The award committee was looking for business leaders who have been agenda-leading in corporate responsibility with innovative business projects. The committee considered an impressive shortlist of initiatives by leading companies and organizations, demonstrating the strategic importance of sustainability to their business or organizational activities for awards.

Earlier, Chief Guest of the vent Dr Vinod Gaikwad, First Secretary (Political, Press, Information, Culture, Commerce, Consular and Education) and Head of Chancery, inaugurated NAFO Global Kuwait's 19th anniversary event in the presence of NAFO Global Kuwait president C P Rajiv Menon, general secretary Vijay Kumar Menon, program convener Anish Nair, advisory board chief Vijayan Nair and treasurer T K V Pradeepkumar.