This year’s honorees and their categories of recognition were: Inspector Shibu Madhu – Govt. and Public Service; Diya Mathews – Legal Service; Priscilla Samuel – Nursing; Jayan Varghese – Pravasi Malayalam Literature; Koshy O. Thomas – Community Service; Nandini Menon – Education; and Joharath Kutty – Engineering.  The keynote speaker was Dr. Suresh U. Kumar.  

Kerala Center Awardees, From l. to r.: Koshy O. Thomas, Joharath Kutty, Diya Mathew Esq., Dr. Nandini Menon, Dr. Priscilla Samuel, and Jayan Varghese.

The program commenced with introductory remarks and the welcoming of the MC, Daisy Stephen Pallipparambil, by G. Mathai, Trustee and Program Chairman.  Following the remarks by the MC, the American National Anthem was sung by Bailey Stephen and the Indian National Anthem by Amisha Jaimon. President Alex K. Esthappan welcomed everyone and provided a brief description of the activities and goals of the Kerala Center. New York Senator John Liu, Assemblymembers Michaelle Solages & Edward Braunstein, former Senator Kevin Thomas, and Ragini Srivastava, North Hempstead Town Clerk, were the dignitaries present to say felicitations and present awards. 

After the president’s welcome, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of the Trustee Board and Award Committee member, made his remarks and introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Suresh Kumar. In his speech, Dr. Kumar talked about the concept of Indian Civilizational Intelligence that has the potential to propel India to be a number one or two economy in the world. 

The Board and Award Committee chairman, Dr. Madhu Bhaskaran, explained the process of selecting the awardees before the award presentation. In addition to the Kerala Center awards, Assembly members presented their own certificates and proclamations honoring the awardees. 

The award for excellence in community service went to Koshy O. Thomas. He was introduced by Samuel Joseph, youth forum secretary of the Kerala Center, and Assemblyman Braunstein presented the award in the presence of Sen. John Liu and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages. Koshy currently serves as Special Assistant and Community Liaison to New York State Assemblyman Edward Braunstein and also serves as the Chairman of the India Day Parade Committee in Queens.  

New York State legislators with Awardee Koshy O. Thomas. From l. to r.: Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, Sen. John Liu, Koshy Thomas, and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages 

The award for excellence in Nursing leadership went to Priscilla Samuel. Priscilla was introduced by Baily Stephen, and Varkey Abraham presented the award in the presence of Assemblywoman Solages. Dr. Priscilla Samuel is a nationally recognized leader in advanced practice nursing, currently serving as Vice President of Advanced Practice Nursing at the Mount Sinai Health System. With a career spanning clinical practice, academic leadership, and health system innovation, Dr. Samuel remains committed to advancing the role of nurse practitioners and shaping the future of healthcare delivery.

The award for notable contribution to Pravasi Malayalam Literature went to Jayan Varghese. He was introduced by Raju Thomas, General Secretary of Kerala Center, and Ragini Srivastava, North Hempstead Town Clerk presented the award. Jayan is the author of ten books published in various genres of literature, like poetry and drama.

The award for excellence in legal service went to Diya Mathews. Diya was introduced by Dr. Anna George, and Attorney Appen Menon, Kerala Center Trustee, presented the award. Diya is a trailblazing attorney, business leader, and community advocate whose career bridges law, entrepreneurship, and service. As Partner in Charge of Chugh LLP’s New York and New Jersey offices, she leads a thriving practice focused on business immigration law and corporate compliance. She is widely recognized for her expertise in the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). As she is admitted to practice law in both New York and India, she brings a truly global perspective to her work. She is the incoming President of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) – New Jersey Chapter. 

Kerala Center Awardees with Kerala Center officials and Past Awardees

The award for excellence in engineering went to Joharath Kutty. She was introduced by Nazeem Beena, and former Sen. Kevin Thomas presented the award. Joharath is a Senior Director of System Engineering at New York Power Authority (NYPA) with over 20 years of experience in the electric utility industry.   Her career spans Power Generation & High Voltage Transmission, Substation design, Grid Modernization, Power System Operation & Control, Transmission Operations Planning, and has been involved in every aspect of transmission expansion projects. In her current role, she provides overall leadership and technical direction as “Chief Engineer” for the Long Island transmission expansion project (Propel NY Energy). 

Dancers at the Kerala Center Awards Banquet

The award for excellence in education went to Dr. Nandini Ambat Menon. She was introduced by Jose Stephen, Kerala Center member and NYC school teacher, and Dilip Varghese, Kerala Center Founder Grand Patron, presented the award.   Nandini is the Founder and Chief Education Officer of Cedar Hill Preparatory School in Somerset, New Jersey. She also contributes to the broader education and entrepreneurial community through her service on the Board of the NJ Academy of Sciences, the Indian American Women Entrepreneur Association, and as Co-Chair of TiE NJ Next Gen and a committee member of TiE Global Next Gen.

The awardee for excellence in government and public service, Inspector Shibu Madhu, could not attend the ceremony due to a family emergency.  

The ceremony was attended by leaders of several community organizations, including Pioneer Club, Sarga Vedi, INANY, GOPIO, FOMAA, and FOKANA. As part of the Award Ceremony, a souvenir was released by the souvenir committee that consisted of Jose Cheripuram, Jose Kadapuram, and Dr. Teresa Antony, by giving a copy to Susamma Abraham, a Grand Patron of the Center.  

A Packed Audience at the Kerala Center Awards Banquet

The Kerala Center Executive and Board members Raju Thomas, Abraham Thomas, Mathew Vazhappally, and John Paul coordinated the event.  The MC of the program, Daisy Stephen Pallipparambil, impressed everybody with her outstanding performance. Indian classical dances performed by Chandrika Kurup’s Noopura School of Dance made the awards night a colorful one. Associate Secretary Mary Philip concluded the ceremony with a vote of thanks to honored guests, awardees, sponsors, photographers, audience, and everyone who worked so hard to make it a successful event. With dinner catered by Spice Gardens, the 2025 Award Night came to an end.

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INDIA: PVR INOX, India’s largest and most premium cinema chain, proudly announces the launch of the Comedy Fest in Kerala, a live stand-up comedy celebration curated in association with Comedy Lounge, Kerala’s leading comedy collective. The initiative brings fresh, homegrown humour to the forefront, transforming cinema halls into stages for laughter, spontaneity, and community. As part of PVR INOX’s rapidly growing alternative content slate, the fest reaffirms the brand’s commitment to curating diverse entertainment experiences that go far beyond traditional cinema.

Set to unfold across three weekends in June, the Comedy Fest in Kerala is designed as a series of live shows featuring a carefully selected mix of performers—from rising stars to household favourites. All performances will be held inside PVR INOX auditoriums, offering audiences an immersive and comfortable space to experience live comedy with top-quality sound, lighting, and ambience. By combining the magic of theatre with the energy of live acts, PVR INOX aims to open up a new avenue for cultural engagement within its venues.

The fest begins with Straight Outta Kochi on 14th June (Saturday) at PVR Lulu Mall, Kochi. Known as Comedy Lounge’s most programmed lineup show, it features top performers from Kochi and is curated for audiences across Kerala. Performances will be delivered in English and Malayalam, reflecting the bilingual character of the state’s stand-up culture.

On 21st June (Saturday), the spotlight shifts to INOX Sobha City Mall, Thrissur for the Vishnu Pai – Crowd Work Show. Vishnu Pai is the highest-rated English-speaking comedian from Kerala, with performances across India, the UAE, and Oman. As the name suggests, this show follows the crowd work format and will be performed in English and Malayalam.

The month concludes with Kochi Open Mics on 28th June (Saturday), once again at PVR Lulu Mall, Kochi. With over 500 shows to date, Kochi Open Mics is the city’s most consistent comedy open mic and plays an integral role in stimulating the comedy scene in Kochi. The show will feature sets in English, Malayalam, and Hindi, providing a stage for a wide range of comedic voices.

Through this collaboration, PVR INOX and Comedy Lounge aim to promote Kerala’s growing stand-up scene by creating a stage for live comedy in mainstream venues and building consistent audience engagement across cities. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, PVR INOX is redefining what cinema spaces can offer. From alternative film screenings to live theatrical productions and now stand-up comedy, the brand is committed to turning its venues into cultural hubs, bridging mainstream entertainment with grassroots expression.

Kamal Gianchandani, Chief Business Planning & Strategy, PVR INOX Ltd, said: “PVR INOX has always believed in the power of storytelling in all its forms, and with this Comedy Fest in Kerala, we are thrilled to push the boundaries of what cinema spaces can offer. This festival is not just a showcase of comedic talent, but a reflection of the vibrant cultural pulse of Kerala. Our partnership with Comedy Lounge is built on a shared vision—to create opportunities for local artists, bring fresh content to audiences, and redefine the role of theatres as dynamic, multipurpose cultural venues. Whether it’s a packed lineup show, a spontaneous crowd work act, or an open mic full of surprises, each event is a step toward building a more inclusive, expressive, and community-driven entertainment ecosystem. We’re proud to be leading this transformation from screen to stage, bringing people together through laughter, shared energy, and a celebration of homegrown voices.”

With this Comedy Fest in Kerala, PVR INOX continues to innovate the cinema-going experience by transforming theatres into creative stages that reflect the culture, humour, and voices of the communities they serve. This collaboration with Comedy Lounge not only brings fresh energy into the auditoriums but also supports the growth of Kerala’s stand-up comedy movement. As the festival unfolds, audiences can expect more such immersive experiences where cinema meets live performance, making every visit to the theatre more memorable, engaging, and deeply connected to local culture.

Bookings for all shows are now live. Audiences can book tickets through www.pvrcinemas.com or the PVR app, and follow @pvrcinemas_official and @comedyloungekochi on social media.

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“The Kerala Center has been honoring outstanding achievers since 1992. Every year we invite nominations and the Award Committee has to make a unanimous choice for a candidate in a category to receive the award, and this year is no different from previous years in terms of their achievements,” said Dr. Thomas Abraham, Kerala Center’s Trustee Board Chairman and Award Committee Member.

“Kerala Center is very happy to honor American Malayalees who excel in their professions and who work for social progress — their examples should be an inspiration for others,” said Dr. Madhu Bhaskaran, Chairman of the Board and Award Committee.

This year’s honorees are: Johnson Samuel (Long Island, NY), Humanitarian and Social Service; Suja Thomas (Albany, NY), Nursing Leadership; Wesley Mathews (Trenton, NJ), Public Service; Dr. Sunanda Nair (Houston, TX), Performing Arts; Hashim Mooppan (Washington, DC), Legal Services; Samcy Kodumon (L.I., NY), Pravasi Malayalam Literature; Sibu Nair (Buffalo, NY), Community Service; and Varkey Abraham (Long Island, NY), Business Leadership.

Kerala Center 2024 Awardees: Top row, from l. to r., Wesley Mathews, Hashim Mooppan, Esq., Suja Thomas, and Varkey Abraham; Bottom row, from l. to r. Dr. Sunanda Nair, Sibu Nair, Johnson Samuel and Samcy Kodumon

The awardees will be honored at the Kerala Center’s 32^nd Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 5:30 PM at the Kerala Center, 1824 Fairfax St., Elmont, New York. There will be a variety of entertainment and a fabulous dinner for the evening.

Dr. Madhu Bhaskaran is the Awards Committee Chairman and other members are Dr. Thomas Abraham and Daisy P. Stephen.

Kerala Center President Alex K. Esthappan said that the Center has recognized over 185 American Malayalees in the last 32 years and that it is great to see that they have continued to rise further in their careers and serve society. All are invited to join this Annual Awards Dinner. Please contact the Kerala Center to reserve your seats at 516-358-2000 or at email: kc@keralacenterny.com.

KERALA CENTER AWARDEES 2024

Wesley Mathews – Public Service

Wesley Mathews is President & Chief Executive Officer of Choose New Jersey, the State’s leading nonprofit business attraction organization. He promotes New Jersey domestically and abroad as the premier American state in which to build and grow a business. Prior to joining Choose New Jersey, Mr. Mathews was a career diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service and served at embassies and consulates in Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Germany, and Nigeria, as well as in Washington, D.C. During this time, he served as a loaned federal executive to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, establishing the State’s first international trade and investment office. He was instrumental in enhancing New Jersey’s global reach and devising successful strategies to attract greater foreign direct investment. Mr. Mathews is also Chair of the New Jersey-India Commission and serves on several boards, including the New Jersey Innovation Institute and the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee. 

Suja Thomas – Nursing Leadership

Suja Thomas is the President of the National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA) and is an Advisory Board Member of the CGFNS Alliance for International Ethical Recruitment Practices. Suja also works as Clinical Lead and Hospital Nursing Supervisor at the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center, with research interests in geriatrics, patient safety, and simulation in nursing education.

In 2016, she was honored with the Robert Scholar Award for Clinical Excellence. She received the Transformational Leadership Award in 2014 for a research study conducted with the goal of reducing rates of back injury for healthcare workers through a minimal lift program.  She received the Quantum Leadership Award in 2021 and the Clinical Excellence Award – Nursing Administrator in 2022 from NAINA.

Dr. Sunanda Nair – Performing Arts

Dr. Sunanda Nair is a distinguished Mohiniattam dancer, teacher, and choreographer. She is widely recognized as the “Global Ambassador of Mohiniattam,” promoting its nuances and practices through her dance school, SPARC, and with numerous performances on national and international stages. She is an A-grade artist for Mumbai Doordarshan and has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York and the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Sunanda was awarded the Kerala Sangeetha Natak Akademi Award in 2010 and the ‘Kala Ratnam Award by Kerala Kalamandalam in 2016.

Her PhD thesis, “Intrinsic Lyrical Feminism in Mohiniattam” (Mumbai University, 2016), reflects her scholarly contributions to the field. Through her dedication to Mohiniattam, Sunanda Nair continues to inspire future generations and uphold the beauty of this classical art form on a global stage.

Hashim Mooppan, Esq.  – Legal Services

Hashim Mooppan is nationally recognized as a leading appellate litigator and legal strategist.  Hashim is currently a partner at the law firm of Jones Day, and he previously held leadership positions in the U.S. Department of Justice, as Counselor to the Solicitor General and Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Appellate Staff.   A former law clerk to Justice Antonin Scalia, Hashim has argued five cases in the U.S. Supreme Court and dozens more in the lower federal courts, including several high-profile cases concerning the scope of the President’s authority.  Hashim has personally worked on more than 50 Supreme Court merits cases and nearly 100 court of appeals cases, developing a broad range of substantive experience concerning federal constitutional, statutory, and regulatory litigation. 

Hashim graduated from Harvard Law School, magna cum laude, and from Harvard College, cum laude.  Hashim grew up in Hewlett, NY with his parents and brother, Unni, Haseena, and Saleem Mooppan, and he resides with his family in Arlington, VA.  

Johnson Samuel –Humanitarian and Social Service

Johnson Samuel (Sam/Reggie) is the Founder of Life and Limb, an organization established in 2013, dedicated to serving the needs of amputees throughout Kerala, by providing the highest quality of prosthetic limbs to them. To date, Life and Limb has donated 204 limbs, at an average cost of about $2,000 per limb. They are planning to provide 100 limbs in 2024, at an estimated cost of $170,000. Their mission is to provide individualized care and support that will enable thousands of amputees in Kerala one step closer to regaining control of their lives. 

Johnson Samuel resides in Long Island, NY. He came to the USA when he was 17 years old, graduated from Mineola High School, and did college in Queens for his Computer Science degree. For the last 22 years, he has been working for Montefiore Medical Center as Senior Manager leading the IT Networking Department.

Sibu Nair – Community Service

Sibu Nair is a key figure in the Asian community, currently serving as the Deputy Director of Asian Affairs for NY State in Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration. His migration to the US in 2005 marked the beginning of a career that would see him work at the University at Buffalo, NY, in the Department of Medicine for several years. 

Mr. Nair is CHAI’s founder and Executive Director (Council of Heritage and Arts of India, Inc.), a not-for-profit mainly focused on promoting the Arts, Culture, and Heritage of India in Upstate NY.  He has been involved in the organization since 2018. Since 2010, he has been involved in the Asian community in various capacities. He is a visionary who understands the importance of preserving Asia’s heritage and rich culture. He was the past president of the India Association of Buffalo. He served as the Vice President of the Hindu Cultural Society of WNY in 2018.  He successfully bridged the gap between East and West friendships by installing the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the town of Amherst. In 2021, Sibu Nair was honored with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, a prestigious Overseas Indian Award by the Government of India, at the Consulate General of India, NY. 

Varkey Abraham – Business Leadership

Mr. Varkey Abraham is a Founding Director of Hanover Bank U.S.A. Abraham is also the CEO of the A and S Leather Company and V A Smith Shoe Company International. Further, Abraham is a real estate investor and serves as Chairman of the Pravasi television channel. He is a member of Loka Kerala Sabha (Invitee). Abraham is a former president of the Indo-American Malayalee Chamber of Commerce and also served as a Marthomma Sabha Council Member. He was born in Kerala, India, and is well known in the South Indian community as a philanthropist.

Samcy Kodumon – Pravasi Malayalam Littérature

Starting writing in the late 1970s in Kerala and the late 1990s in America, Samcy has already carved out a niche for himself as an American Malayalee writer. He started publishing his poignantly existentialistic short stories in newspapers and literary magazines. In the US, he espoused online media as well and went on to paperback publication. He has already published 3 collections of Short Stories and 4 Novels. His latest work is an English translation of his first novel, under the title of The First Book of an Exotic (available in American bookstores like Barnes & Noble).

He has been actively involved with LANA (Literary Association of North America) and KCANA (Kerala Cultural Association of North America). He founded the literary forum known as Vicharavedi NY. He has garnered several prestigious awards for his short stories and novels, including MAM (Malayalee Association of Maryland), Janani, and FOKANA. Samcy’s latest work is a must-read, a well-researched and gripping historical novel about [Black] slavery in the US, currently serialized in Emalayalee.com.  He now lives with his spouse children and a grandchild in Long Island, NY.

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Adding to the spirit, Volkswagen Kerala also secured 55 bookings for its newly launched Onam Edition cars – the Taigun and the Virtus in just 10 days since the launch. These special edition models have quickly captured the interest of customers in Kerala. The successful bookings further reflect the growing popularity of Volkswagen offerings in India, and the brand’s continued efforts to cater to the preferences and traditions of its diverse customer base.

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BENGALURU: Aster Volunteers the global CSR arm of Aster DM Healthcare with the support of Asterians United along with Aster DM Healthcare Hospitals in Kerala (Aster Medcity Kochi & Aster MIMS – Calicut, Kannur, Kottakkal) and OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation launched “Clear Sight”, a free pediatric vision screening project for the school children in the Ernakulam and Kozhikode regions of Kerala.

Asterians United is Aster DM Healthcare’s employee engagement initiative spanning across multiple regions, emphasizing three core pillars: Sports, Arts, and Volunteerism. This program encapsulates the spirit of resilience and hope that characterizes every member of the Aster family.  The capital expenditure of both the “Clear Sight” project vehicles was co-funded by Asterians United, ensuring the sustainability and longevity of this initiative.

“The key objective of the project is to provide school children the chance to enhance their quality of life by improving their eyesight. The approach involves establishing testing protocols and extends to the provision of pre-fabricated spectacles as soon as the children receive a diagnosis, ensuring timely and effective intervention to combat the growing myopia concern. The two regions in Kerala, serve as the beginning of the noble journey of making clear sight accessible to many more children across Kerala and the country shortly. Aster Volunteers Mobile Medical Services (AVMMS) is a one-of-a-kind CSR initiative by Aster DM Healthcare aimed at bridging the gap in healthcare accessibility by providing free medical camps and disaster aid support to needy communities in remote areas. Since its inception, AVMMS has treated over 1.4 million individuals across India, the Middle East, and Africa, positively impacting lives in regions with limited or no access to medical facilities. The initiative has a global network of over 40 units, with plans of further extension. The “Clear Sight” project marks a significant milestone in this journey, reaffirming Aster’s dedication to global health and well-being.“Aster Volunteers is dedicated to making quality healthcare accessible to anyone, anywhere. The “Clear Sight” project is one such instance and serves as a stepping stone in our commitment to aiding school children. Through our “Clear Sight” project we aim to make the basic right to clear sight possible for the future leaders of our country” says Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare.  

Following the flag-off of the two “Clear Sight” vehicles, Shri. V. Sivankutty, Hon. Minister of Education, Kerala, said “With the onset of hybrid educational modes, the exposure to digital study materials and social media has increased multifold in recent years. As a result, undiagnosed vision problems become a common yet serious problem among school children. The “Clear Sight” project by Aster Volunteers and OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation would play a significant role in improving the overall impact of poor vision on the education and everyday activities of school children.”  

“By ensuring a clear vision for children in two regions of Kerala, we’re making a direct impact on children’s educational journey, personal growth, and promising future. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Aster Group and Government of Kerala ensuring that people across the regions have access to quality eye care. Together, we’re not only correcting vision but also shaping a brighter and more equitable tomorrow for all,” said K V Mahesh, Head of OneSight Essilor Luxottica Foundation.

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zpodz, introduced by Campper, are luxury camping tents equipped with a range of amenities, transforming natural landscapes into premium tourist destinations. This novel glamping concept allows for the creation of resort-like facilities in tourist centers, forests, riversides, and beaches. The tents can be effortlessly set up on terraces, mountains, caravan parking lots, and farmhouses, offering a unique blend of nature and luxury. This is a new initiative and Kerala is a perfect place for such tents where the rapid construction has met with wide criticisms as it is destroying nature. Moreover, constructions at the CRZ sites are not allowed. zpodz tent will be a solution for that.

Campper’s CEO, Prabil MJ, expressed excitement about the potential of zpodz in Kerala’s tourism industry. “Glamping is very popular in adventure travel abroad, and Kerala’s natural beauty makes it an ideal destination. zpodz provide an efficient and cost-effective way to establish glamping tents that offer an experience equivalent to a five-star resort,” he explained.

zpodz enables quick and hassle-free resort construction, with a 300 sq. ft. unit featuring a bedroom, sit-out-cum-dining space, washroom, and luggage room. The interiors, doors, and flooring can be customized to meet the preferences of tourists, providing a personalized touch to their glamping experience.

The innovative construction method of zpodz offers a massive opportunity for tourism entrepreneurs, allowing them to build expansive resorts within a month, at a fraction of the cost of traditional construction. “This environmentally friendly construction method has the added benefit of low maintenance costs, with zpodz tents remaining intact for up to 15 years,” added Prabil MJ.

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The Uruguayan international was constantly teasing the East Bengal backline, finding opportunities that could help him create a chance out of nowhere. One such chance emerged in the 32nd minute, as Luna spotted a disoriented opposition defense and carved it open with a crafty pass for fellow teammate Daisuke Sakai.

The 26-year-old immediately rushed into the box, tricked Mohamad Rakip with quick footwork, and shot the ball past Prabhsukhan Singh Gill to hand his side the lead. Sakai thus became only the fourth Japanese player to score a goal in ISL history, after Cy Goddard, Katsumi Yusa, and Rei Tachikawa.

If Luna has been Kerala’s star in attack, young goalkeeper Sachin Suresh has come up as a surprise package at the back. His distribution has been commendable, recording a 57% passing success rate in six appearances so far. However, it is his shot-stopping that has made heads turn, as he saved a penalty in his second successive game tonight. Brazilian striker Cleiton Silva had a brilliant opportunity to draw scores level in the 85th minute, but Sachin dived to his right and saved the shot amidst joyous celebration from his teammates, becoming the first goalkeeper in ISL history to save penalties in consecutive matches.

East Bengal was shaken for a bit after that event, and the Blasters immediately capitalized as Sandeep Singh’s delivery to Dimitrios Diamantakos met little resistance with the effort eventually being converted into a goal in the 88th minute. The Greek striker was shown his second yellow card soon afterward though, thus getting sent off in the 89th minute. That one-man advantage led to the home side earning a spot-kick in the ninth minute of added time, and Silva did convert the penalty this time around. Only, there weren’t enough minutes left for them to salvage an equalizer eventually.

Key Performer of the Match

Sachin Suresh (Kerala Blasters FC)

The 22-year-old became the eighth youngest goalkeeper in ISL history to save a spot-kick, and his ability to elevate his game at crucial junctures has helped the Blasters secure important points in two straight games now. There are a lot more impressive performances to come from this talented custodian in the coming matches of this campaign.

What’s next for both teams?

Both teams will now play in the league in a doubleheader on November 25. East Bengal FC will take on Chennaiyin FC on the home turf of the latter, whereas the Kerala Blasters FC will host Hyderabad FC.

Brief Scores

Kerala Blasters FC 2 (Daisuke Sakai 32’, Dimitrios Diamantakos 88’) – 1 (Cleiton Silva 99’) East Bengal FC

The post Matchweek 6: Kerala Blasters FC produce an all-round effort to pip East Bengal FC 2-1, in an edge-of-the-seat encounter appeared first on NRI News.

KERALA: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts announced the opening of its second hotel in God’s Own Country, The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel, further consolidating its presence in Kerala and fortifying its resort portfolio. The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel perfectly complements The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel, and builds on the brand’s presence in the coastal state with the two resorts offering very distinctive and unique backwater and beach experiences, completing the much sought-after and serenely beautiful Kerala itinerary.

A two-hour drive from Thiruvananthapuram airport, this picturesque resort is a tiny hamlet perched on the banks of the shimmering Ashtamudi Lake, formed by the confluence of the 8 lakes, offering a magical backwater experience that flawlessly balances barefoot luxury with rustic charm. Placid, serene waters, surrounded by lush greenery and swaying coconut trees create a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Thoughtfully curated experiences unlock the magic and mystery of the locale and offer an enriching cultural immersion into the destination amidst an awe-inspiring setting.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said, “We are delighted to welcome The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel, an exciting new addition to our brand portfolio. Kerala has historically been one of our key markets and strategically significant to our growth in the region. The resort marks another milestone in our journey as we continue to grow in the most alluring leisure destinations across the country. This expansion is in lockstep with the growing demand from the discerning global leisure traveler to experience meaningful and transformative journeys that are an authentic expression of a region’s beauty, heritage, and culture.”

Commenting on the opening, Dr Ravi Pillai, Chairman of RP Group said,” I am excited to see our partnership with The Leela brand evolve and I am confident that together we can play a key role in transforming the tourism sector in the region. The coming together of Raviz and The Leela provides the unique opportunity to place Kerala at the heart of global leisure and wellness travel and further reimagine and elevate the high standards of hospitality that exist in the region with unparalleled levels of luxury and warm and gracious service – both of which The Leela brand is known for.”

Integrating the foundational principles of environment and sustainability, the resort is elegantly poised in harmony with local history, evidently enchanting and magnifying the culture and heritage of the destination through inspired design narratives that reference Kerala’s rich architectural heritage.

With 93 tastefully appointed rooms that reflect the traditional Nalukettu aesthetic of Kerala, the resort is home to a bevy of accommodations including rooms, suites, and experiential houses, embodying historic charm that seamlessly blends the old and the new and serve as a window to the resort’s breath-taking natural settings. A charming décor permeates each room and traditional artifacts and furnishings steeped in culture, pay homage to the history and culture of the locale. Guests can choose between the Tower Wing or the Heritage Wing or elevate their experience by upgrading to one of the two available private plunge pool villas. The resort also features two unique traditional experiential houses offering the THARAVADU Experience – namely Erattupetta and Anchal which have a rich history of more than 200 years. Those seeking ultimate luxury can reserve a private getaway with a tranquil backwater cruise on Mahayana – the quaint houseboat that comes with all the comforts of a hotel and is evocative of everything that is quintessentially Kerala.

The resort houses four unique dining venues – Keraleeyam the multi-cuisine restaurant, Portico Café, serving comfort food, Raanthal – the floating dining experience and Zirkon, the aqua-themed bar. Each venue presents mesmerizing views of the tranquil Ashtamudi Lake and the abundance of nature surrounding it. The fresh produce sourced locally imbues the cuisine with regional flavors, while simple aromas infused with delicate spices create an epicurean delight of incredible sights, flavors, and tastes in everything ranging from delectable authentic Kerala Sadhyas to grand feasts. The highlight on the menu is Fish Nirvana, the resort’s very own curated signature recipe, which also has a vegetarian version in Paneer Nirvana.

The resort’s Favourite Kerala Ayurveda and Spa interweaves authentic Ayurvedic healing traditions with therapeutic and relaxation treatments that use specially formulated organic blends that soothe the mind, body, and soul. An extensive menu of rejuvenating massages, Ayurveda therapies, and detoxification programs inspired by traditional techniques ensure an authentic and immersive wellness experience.

Leisure facilities at the resort also include an outdoor swimming pool flanked by azure waters and tropical foliage for the ultimate lakeside getaway and a fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art equipment surrounded by panoramic views.

Whether it is an intimate soiree or a grand celebration, the resort offers a selection of inviting spaces for events and meetings of various sizes and types. From traditionally inspired architecture that provides a charming, yet elegant setting to tranquil gardens and picturesque lake vistas that offer an enchanting backdrop, every event is infused with local traditions and bespoke services that add a touch of culture, authenticity, and personalization.

Whether you seek solace in tranquility, rejuvenation in wellness journeys, indulgence in distinctive culinary encounters, or exploration in the destination, this hidden paradise invites travelers to truly disconnect and soak in all that is quintessentially Kerala.

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