The President, Secretary, and Members of the Kerala Cricket Association express their profound grief and shock at the passing of M. Suresh Kumar (Umbri).

Born on 19 April 1973 in Alleppey, Kerala, Suresh Kumar was a distinguished first-class cricketer who represented Kerala in the Ranji Trophy. A versatile left-arm spinner, dependable batsman, and acrobatic fielder, Suresh played 72 first-class matches between 1991/92 and 2005/06, scoring 1,657 runs and taking 196 wickets.

He played 52 matches for Kerala, 17 for Railways, and also represented South Zone and Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy. Known fondly as “Umbri” among friends and cricketing circles, he was widely regarded as the ultimate team man.

Suresh represented India at the Under-19 level in 1992, under the captaincy of Rahul Dravid, playing both Youth Tests and ODIs against New Zealand. That New Zealand team included players like Stephen Fleming and Dion Nash.

Rahul Dravid fondly recalled a story during the Bradman Oration in 2011, highlighting Suresh’s spirit. In 1992, during a U-19 game, two Indian batsmen – one from Uttar Pradesh who spoke only Hindi and the other from Kerala who spoke only Malayalam – batted together and built a 100-run stand. Despite the language barrier, their shared language was cricket. One of those two players was M. Suresh Kumar.

The Kerala Cricket community has lost one of its finest. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Kerala Cricket Mourns the Passing of M. Suresh Kumar Umbri

Ghungroo – All India Dance Festival to Be Held on June 22 in Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai will host the upcoming All India Dance Festival – Sinddhu Nair’s Ghungroo on June 22, 2025, at the CIDCO Auditorium, Sector 30A, Vashi, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

The festival will feature over 100 dance groups and more than 1,500 artists from across India, showcasing a vibrant mix of Classical, Folk, and Contemporary dance forms. Performances will include Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Lavani, Bihu, Garba, Bollywood Fusion, and many more.

This is a non-commercial event with free entry for all attendees. The festival is supported by the Indian Film & Television Choreographers Association (IFTCA), All India Artist Association (AIAA), and other cultural partners.

Open to all art lovers, the event aims to celebrate India’s diverse dance heritage and provide a platform for artists from across the country.

Sinddhu Nairs Ghungroo to Unite Over 1500 Artists at All India Dance Festival in Navi Mumbai

In a historic first, 21 out of 33 Supreme Court judges in India have publicly disclosed their personal assets, following a unanimous decision taken during the full court meeting of the Supreme Court on April 1, 2025. The disclosures were published on the official Supreme Court website.

Justice K.V. Viswanathan emerged as the wealthiest among them, declaring ownership of flats in Chennai and Delhi, fixed deposits worth ₹120 crore in his name, and an additional ₹6.43 crore in his wife’s name. Justice Viswanathan, originally from Kalpathy in Palakkad, Kerala, was a senior advocate before being appointed as a judge on May 19, 2023.

Another judge from Kerala, Justice K. Vinod Chandra, revealed a 50% share in 4.2 acres of land in Aluva, additional land parcels of 2.07 and 2.48 acres, mutual fund holdings worth ₹7.94 lakh, and fixed deposits totaling ₹3.94 lakh.

Designated Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai declared ₹19.63 lakh in bank deposits, a family flat in Amaravati (Maharashtra), and flats in Bandra and Delhi’s Defence Colony.

Current CJI Sanjiv Khanna disclosed ₹55.75 lakh in fixed deposits, a provident fund of ₹1.06 crore, ₹1.77 crore in the General Provident Fund (GPF), and two flats in Delhi.

This unprecedented move marks a step towards greater transparency in the Indian judiciary.

Supreme Court Judges Declare Personal Assets for the First Time in History

Renowned Mumbai-based danseuse and dance guru Nisha Gilbert presented her article on the legendary poet and Ottan Thullal innovator, Kunchan Nambiar, at the Bombay Sahitya Vedi. The article, titled "Aksharangale Thullhicha Nattuvan" (The Dancer Who Made Letters Dance), explored Nambiar’s unique fusion of rhythm, satire, and literary artistry.

The session was presided over by noted novelist C. P. Krishnakumar, who remarked that even after three centuries, Kerala has yet to find a poet who surpasses Nambiar's legacy.

A lively discussion followed, with contributions from S. Harilal, Biju K. Rajan, Linod Varghese, Indira Kumud, Ambili Krishnakumar, Jyotilakshmi Nambiar, P. Viswanathan, P. S. Sumesh, Kalathur Vinayan, Santosh Pallassana, E. Harindranath, Adv. Rajkumar, Venu R., Anil Prakash, Suresh Nair, E. S. Sajivan, P. N. Vikraman, Rekha Raj, C. H. Gopalakrishnan, and K. P. Vinayan.

Nisha Gilbert Presents Insightful Article on Kunchan Nambiar at Bombay Sahitya Vedi

PUNE – Swaramanjari Music is back with the 7th season of its popular singing competition, Sangeeta Pratibha 2025, aimed at discovering talented young Malayali singers residing in Maharashtra.

The contest will be held in two age categories:

Junior (8–15 years)

Senior (16–26 years)

Aspiring participants are invited to submit a video recording of themselves singing a melodious Malayalam song. Karaoke is allowed. Entries must be sent via email to swaramanjarimusic@gmail.com or via WhatsApp to 93710 36579. The last date for submission is June 30, 2025.

Exciting Cash Prizes Await the Winners:
Junior Category:

First Prize: ₹10,000
Second Prize: ₹5,000
Senior Category:
First Prize: ₹20,000
Second Prize: ₹10,000

The Grand Finale will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at Dhyana Prabhodhini High School Auditorium, Nigdi Pradhikaran, Pune.

Programme Coordinators:
Shri Ravindranath – 98701 25707

Shri Ganesh Iyer – 98191 86115

Shri Mohan C Nair – 73959 01639

Esteemed Judges from Previous Years Include:
Shri Kanjirangadu Ramachandran (2011, 2012)

Shri S Ganeshkumar (2012)

Shri Vidyadharan Master (2016)

Smt Susheeladevi and Shri Gopideas (2018)

Smt P V Preeta and Shri G Sreeram (2023)

Swaramanjari Music encourages all passionate young Malayali singers in Maharashtra to showcase their talent and seize this opportunity to shine on stage.

For more information, contact: swaramanjarimusic@gmail.com | 93710 36579

Swaramanjari Music Announces Sangeeta Pratibha 2025 Season 7 Talent Hunt for Young Malayali Singers in Maharashtra

Kuttichathan (Hobgoblin), the twelfth play by Mumbai Sarathi, was staged before a record audience at the Savitribai Phule Auditorium in Dombivli.

At a time when stage plays are becoming increasingly rare, this performance captured the audience's attention and admiration. Spectators wholeheartedly praised and congratulated everyone who contributed to the play's success.

Santosh Sarathi, who portrayed the role of Kuttichathan, received tremendous applause for his performance. The play ran for approximately two and a half hours.

Renowned film and stage actors Santosh Kizhattoor and Vinay Forrt were special guests at the event. They praised the play and shared their evaluation of the performance. “A stage play is not merely a source of entertainment, but a powerful medium to uphold and promote the cultural traditions of the community,” they noted.

In his address, Santosh Kizhattoor reminded the audience that Kerala has a rich history of stage plays that have brought about revolutionary changes in the state's governance.

Kuttichathan Enthralls Audience at Dombivli Stage

In a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the recent Pahalgam attack, residents of the Hill Garden housing societies in Thane West came together for a silent candlelight vigil on Friday evening. Over a hundred residents, along with several passersby, gathered within the complex to offer silent prayers and pay their respects to those who lost their lives.

The event was organized by the Hill Garden Ayyappa Bhakta Sangam (HGABS), a registered charitable organization, which took the initiative to coordinate the vigil. The atmosphere was somber yet united, as the community stood in solidarity with the victims and their families during this time of grief.



Hill Garden Residents Hold Candlelight Vigil for Pahalgam Attack Victims

Karan Johar’s latest release, Kesari Chapter 2, has stirred a national awakening by spotlighting the life of Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair — a long-forgotten icon of India’s freedom struggle. Nair, a towering legal and political figure, was the youngest President of the Indian National Congress (elected in 1897) and a relentless advocate for justice and reform during British rule.

Early Life and Education
Born on July 11, 1857, in Mankara, Palakkad district, to Parvathy Amma Chettur and Mammayil Ramunni Panicker, Sankaran Nair hailed from the prestigious matrilineal Nair family. He received traditional education at home and later attended schools in Malabar. After excelling at the Provincial School in Kozhikode, he earned his arts degree from Presidency College, Madras in 1877, followed by a law degree from Madras Law College in 1879.

Legal and Political Career
Nair began his law practice in 1880 and rose rapidly in stature. He served as Advocate-General of Madras (1906–1908) and was appointed a puisne judge in the Madras High Court in 1908, serving until 1915. Known for his progressive rulings, he notably upheld the rights of Hindu converts.

He was knighted in 1912 and served on the Viceroy’s Executive Council as the Education Member (1915–1919). He strongly opposed British autocracy, penning two critical Minutes of Dissent against British policies in 1919. Following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, he resigned from the Council in protest — a bold act that sent shockwaves through the British administration.

Role in the Freedom Movement
Nair presided over the Indian National Congress in 1897 and was an eloquent critic of British misrule. He later headed the Indian Central Committee to engage with the Simon Commission in 1928, calling for Dominion Status for India. He eventually retired from politics after the British announced Dominion Status as India's ultimate goal.

Literary and Editorial Work
Nair authored Gandhi and Anarchy, a controversial critique of Mahatma Gandhi’s methods, and founded journals like Madras Review and Madras Law Journal, promoting intellectual discourse.

Family and Legacy
Married to Palat Kunhimalu Amma (Lady Sankaran Nair), they had six children. His lineage includes eminent figures like Sir C. Madhavan Nair (son-in-law), diplomats K.P.S. Menon and Shivshankar Menon (descendants), Lt. Gen. K.P. Candeth (grandson), and NASA astronaut Anil Menon (great-great-grandson).

Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair passed away on April 24, 1934, aged 77. His courage, intellect, and principled stand against colonial injustice remain a powerful legacy.



Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair The Forgotten Crusader of Justice and Reform

The Maharashtra Council of the World Malayali Federation (WMF), a global organization founded in Austria in 2016, held a meeting in Dombivli to assess the progress of WMF in Maharashtra. With units in 168 countries, the Federation focuses on the socio-cultural welfare of Malayalees worldwide, aiming to unite them under one umbrella and expand its global presence.

Dr. Oommen David provided a detailed update on the current status of the Federation. In his welcome address, Dr. Roy John Mathew highlighted the positive global response to WMF's constructive efforts and outlined steps being taken to further its activities.

Shri Unnikrishna Kurup, responsible for membership, presented an update on the ongoing membership drive. Following the meeting, future gatherings are scheduled in Nashik and Pune.

Key participants in the discussions included Vice Presidents Bijoy Oommen and Sindhu Nair, Joint Secretaries N.T. Pilay and Adv. Rakhi Sunil, Joint Treasurer Manojkumar V.B., and Chief Coordinators Krishnakumar Nair, E.P. Vasu, Premlal, Manoy Ayyanethu, Laiji Varghese, Nisha Nair, Anthony Philip, Murali Peralasseri, Savio Augustine, Deepti Nair, Jayashree Menon, and Legal Advisor V.A. Mathew.

During the meet, WMF convenor Dr. Oommen David, President Roy John Mathew, and Secretary Dominic Paul honored E.P. Vasu, the President-Elect of Dombivli Keraleeya Samajam, Chairman-elect Varghese Daniel, and General Secretary-elect Rajasekharan Nair.

World Malayali Federation Holds Promotional Meeting in Dombivli, Maharashtra

Mrs. Deepa Bibish Nair’s sixth book, Madhura Naranga, her debut in children’s literature, was launched on Women’s Day, March 8, at Orchid Hall, Palghar. The book was released by social worker and philanthropist Adv. Rakhee Sunil, who handed it over to Malayalam Mission teacher Smita Nair. The event was attended by Mr. Mani K, Mr. Bibeesh Nair, Mr. Mohan Kumar, Mr. Gopinathan Unnithan, Mr. Muraleedharan Nair, and others.





Mrs Deepa Bibish Nairs childrens book Madhura Naranga launched on Womens Day in Palghar

Popular Malayalam movie producer and event manager Gandhimathi Balan passed away at Trivandrum, Kerala. The end came around 1 pm this afternoon. He has produced great films like Thoovana Thumpikal, Moonnampakkam, Nombarathi poovu, Malootti, Ithiri Neram Othiri Karyam etc. He was a close friend of director Padma Rajan, K. G. George, Mohanlal, Venu Nagavalli et-al. He was unwell for some time. The last rites will be performed at Shanti Kavadom crematorium tomorrow on 11th April 2024. 

Gandhimathi Balan renowned film producer passes away

<p>Popular Malayalam movie producer and event manager Gandhimathi Balan passed away at Trivandrum, Kerala. The end came around 1 pm this afternoon. He has produced great films like Thoovana Thumpikal, Moonnampakkam, Nombarathi poovu, Malootti, Ithiri Neram Othiri Karyam etc. He was a close friend of director Padma Rajan, K. G. George, Mohanlal, Venu Nagavalli et-al. He was unwell for some time. The last rites will be performed at Shanti Kavadom crematorium tomorrow on 11th April 2024.</p>
