Bethesda, Maryland - On Sunday, April 21, 2024, the Federation of Malayalee Associations of Americas (FOMAA) Capital Region inaugurated its highly anticipated International Convention kick-off event at Westland Middle School, located at 5511 Massachusetts Ave, Bethesda, Maryland. 
 
The program commenced with a prayer song by Liji Thomas and the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and unity within the FOMAA community. FOMAA President Dr. Jacob Thomas, FOMAA General Secretary Ojus John, Ex-Officio and former Treasurer Thomas T. Ommen, National Committee Member Mathew Varghese, FOMAA Convention coordinator Lenji Jacob, FOMAA Previous RVP Thomas Jose, FOMAA previous National Committee Member Anil Nair joined for lighting the lamp. 
 
The American National Anthem was sung by Leena Abraham. FOMAA Capital Region RVP, Dr. Madhu Nambiar, welcomed all the distinguished guests.  Dr. Nambiar also welcomed Kerala Association of Greater Washington President Sushma Praveen and the executive committee, Kerala Cultural Society of Metropolitan Washington President Suresh Nair and the Executive Committee, and Kairali of Baltimore President Dr. Alphonsa Rahman, FOMAA Mid-Atlantic Region RVP Jojo Kottoor, and FOMAA Metro Region RVP Paul Jose, and National Committee member Shalu Punnose for the event.
 
Dr. Nambiar thanked previous FOMAA General Secretary Binoy Thomas, Vice-President Vinson Palathingal, Joint Treasurer Raj Kurup, and Judicial Council Member Thomas Jose for their service and contributions to FOMAA. Dr Nambiar introduced the full FOMAA Capital Region Office bearers for 2022-2024.
 
Regarding the accomplishments of FOMAA Capital Region, along with a slide presentation, Dr. Nambiar highlighted the successful FOMAA Capital Region kick-off, Promotion of Kids Art, 
FOMAA Capital Region Newsletter, Aging Well and Beyond, 2023 Tax updates, Easter Vishu, Eid celebrations, Medicare and Medicaid. Mukhamukham with Director Madhu, College planning and Financial planning, Foreign Fund Transfer, various Helping Hands charity cases support, Participation of a large team in the Mid-year general body and election, Visitor Health Insurance, Will and Trust, 2024 Tax updates, National Chess Tournament, rated unrated competitions, weekly chess games to increase rating, and chess training. Dr. Nambiar applauded FOMAA's affiliation with the United States Chess Federation (USCF), Mukhamukam with the highest General Electric patent holder, Hosting Magician Samrat, and Promoting Kid's activities for Earth Day and Environmental protection.
Dr. Nambiar also mentioned upcoming events, including starting a business with minimum investment, work/life balance, Caring for lifestyle diseases, Mental Health improvement by Ayurveda, 2024 Foreign fund transactions, and Sandhwana Sangeetham on Mother’s Day. FOMAA Capital Region is also thinking of organizing Malayalam classes for beginners and talking Malayalam to high school-level students. 
 
FOMAA president Dr. Jacob Thomas, in his presidential address, appreciated the energetic RVP Dr. Madhu Nambiar for organizing a large number of activities and praised the contributions of the FOMAA Capital Region.  He invited everyone to the FOMAA international convention at Punta Cana and declared open the FOMAA Capital Region international convention kick-off event.
 
In his remarks, FOMAA General Secretary Ojus John highly praised FOMAA Capital Region activities. He provided complete details of the convention and registration process, including a video of the registration website. He encouraged widespread participation in the FOMAA International Convention.
 
For the FOMAA International Convention Registration Kick-off, a captivating video of Punta Cana was played, offering a glimpse into the excitement and cultural richness awaiting participants at the upcoming convention at Punta Cana, Bacelo Bavara 5-star Hotel facilities. Also, a video of FOMAA and its activities were played. More than 15 people gave their names to President Dr. Jacob Thomas and General Secretary Ojus John and will register for the convention. Some of the registrants also agreed to sponsor the convention. FOMAA Capital Region aims to bring a maximum number of people to the Convention.
 
Sherli Nambiar and former RVP and National Committee member Anil Nair awarded the FOMAA Capital Region Grandmaster National online chess tournament winners’ trophies and certificates. The certificates will be mailed to people who could not attend the event.  
 
The evening's chief guest was Bob Wallace, Baltimore mayoral candidate. He was welcomed to the stage with Chenda Melam by the FOMAA president, Dr. Jacob Thomas, General Secretary Ojus John, Ex-officio, Thomas T. Ommen, RVP Dr. Madhu Nambiar, and other dignitaries. The director of Solace charity, Ms. Sheeba Ameer, could not make it due to last-minute travel issues.
 
Former RVP and Judicial Council member Thomas Jose provided his remarks and appreciated the capital region's excellent ongoing activities. He anchored the award presentation for high achievers. Awards included the Indian American Nurses Association of Maryland (IANAM) for outstanding dedication and contributions to the field of nursing, introduced by Dr. Eldho Chacko and presented by FOMAA General Secretary Ojus John and received by Dr. Surya Chacko. The Lifesaver Legacy Award for 113 times blood donations was awarded to Thomas Vithayathil after an introduction by Joy Parickapally and presented by Chief Guest Bob Wallace. 
 
Awards were presented to Dr. Eldho Chacko in recognition of outstanding achievement and dedication in advancing nursing health and achievement after an introduction by Thomas Jose. The FOMAA Capital Region International Convention Coordinator Lenji Jacob was introduced by Bijo Vithayathil and was presented with the Community Service Award by FOMAA President Dr. Jacob Thomas for his outstanding service to member associations and the FOMAA capital region. Jacob Paulose introduced the next award winner, Ms. Leena Abraham, for excellence in performing Arts. FOMAA president Dr. Jacob Thomas presented the award. Young Tennis Star Devika Manu was an award winner for her national and international achievements in Tennis. Dr. Madhu Nambiar introduced Devika Manu, and presented the award.
 
Member Association presidents, including Sushma Praveen from KAGW, Suresh Nair from KCS, and Dr. Alphonsa Rahaman, spoke at the occasion, praising FOMAA Capital Region RVP Dr. Madhu Nambiar for his relentless pursuit of excellence and extending their full support. Former RVP Shaju Sivabaln also highlighted the bylaw review activities done in 2015 and appreciated all the current activities of the FOMAA capital region. Dr. Eldho Chacko from the Kairali of Baltimore also appreciated the activities of the FOMAA capital region and assured full support from Kairali. 
 
The evening was filled with scintillating performances, including songs by Liji Thomas, Anjali Varier, and Eldho Chacko. Parvathy Sudheerkumar, Anila Visvambharan, Anjali Varier, Sandhya Vasudevan, and Sreeja Sreekumar performed a group dance choreographed by Bindu Rajeev. Geethu Nirmal performed a beautiful cinematic-style dance. Youngsters from the Baltimore team performed thrilling Bollywood dances. 
 
The evening began with a sumptuous dinner. Guests from all over America had ample opportunity to meet the Capital Region members, network, and take photographs. 
  
Earlier in the day, Johnson Kadmakulathil, Lenji Jacob, Thomas Jose, and the 5T club of Baltimore organized the FOMAA Capital Region 56 and 28 card game. The winners and runners-up were awarded prizes by FOMAA President Dr. Jacob Thomas, General Secretary Ojus John, Ex-officio Thomas T. Ommen, RVP Dr. Madhu Nambiar, and FOMAA Capital Region Chairman Johnson Kadmakulathil and Capital Region convention coordinator Lenji Jacob. 

National Committee member Mathew Varghese provided the vote of thanks. Dr. Madhu Nambiar set up the stage, sound, and lights. Dr. Nambiar appreciated all the volunteers for their selfless efforts to make the program successful and memorable.