Onam’s Message Is Equality, Harmony and Humanity; Let Us Bring Heaven Down to Earth: Prof. Venu Rajamony

Greater Noida News (30 August 2026): Kerala Association Greater Noida celebrated Onam 2026 with great enthusiasm, cultural splendour and a strong message of unity, equality and social harmony at Agrasen Bhawan, Swarn Nagari, Greater Noida, on Sunday. The celebration brought together members of the Malayali community, dignitaries, students and residents to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of Kerala.

The day-long programme began with a colourful Onam procession led by Maveli, starting from the Kamala Gate of Jaypee Greens. The procession was accompanied by vibrant Chenda Melam, performed by Dr. Kunjiraman Marar, Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Award winner, along with the team of Delhi Panchavadyam Trust.

The celebrations were attended by distinguished personalities, including P. K. Sreemathy, former Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Kerala; Prof. Venu Rajamony, IFS (Retd.), former Ambassador of India and Press Secretary to the President of India; Dr. Nivedita P. Haran, IAS (Retd.), former Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala; Aditi Basu Roy, Principal, GRADS International School; Gajanan Mali, Founder, Ten News Network; and Shrilaxmi V.S., IAS, Additional CEO, Greater Noida Development Authority.

A public meeting followed the procession, where speakers highlighted the significance of Onam, the cultural identity of Kerala and the importance of preserving traditions while promoting unity within the community. The programme also included the felicitation of outstanding students of Classes 10 and 12, recognising their academic achievements.

The traditional Onasadya, served on banana leaves, was one of the major highlights of the celebration. The elaborate feast reflected the culinary traditions of Kerala and brought families and community members together in the true spirit of Onam.

The cultural segment added further colour to the celebrations, featuring Thiruvathirakali, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam and a variety of dance performances presented by Nadana Tirtha Temple of Dance, Greater Noida. Malayalam class students also presented a range of cultural programmes showcasing Kerala’s language, traditions and artistic heritage.

“Onam Is Not Just Nostalgia; It Is a Lesson for the Society We Must Build”

Delivering a thought-provoking address, Prof. Venu Rajamony said that the true significance of Onam lies beyond celebrations and nostalgia. According to him, the festival carries a powerful message about the kind of society people should strive to create today.

“What is the message of Onam? What is the spirit of Kerala?” Rajamony asked, explaining the traditional belief associated with the return of King Mahabali.

He said Onam is celebrated as a time when Mahabali is welcomed back because his reign is remembered as a period when society was characterised by equality, honesty, happiness and justice.

“We believe that when he ruled what used to be Kerala then, it used to be a ‘Ramarajya’. It used to be a society where there was no lying or deceit. It used to be a society where there was no exploitation; everyone was treated equally. Honesty and truth prospered, and everybody was happy under that rule,” he said.

Rajamony emphasised that remembering Mahabali should not remain merely an emotional journey into the past.

“This is not just an exercise in nostalgia. It should also be a lesson for each one of us that we must try hard to bring that kind of a society back to today’s world,” he said.

Reflecting on contemporary challenges, he pointed to growing inequality, environmental concerns and the need for greater social harmony. Referring specifically to Greater Noida, he acknowledged the city’s rapid development and modern infrastructure but said that progress must ultimately improve the lives of people across society.

“Wonderful infrastructure can be seen, great residential complexes have come up, but sadly, our country is still a society where the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Inequality is growing in our society,” Rajamony said.

He also highlighted air pollution and questioned how far the country has progressed towards achieving the goals of cleanliness and environmental well-being envisioned under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

“While we have achieved great things, there is still a long distance that we need to travel to improve the lives—not just of the rich, not just of a small community of people or a small class of people, but of everyone in our society,” he said.

“The Message of Kerala Is the Message of Pluralism”

Rajamony stressed that Onam also represents Kerala’s tradition of communal harmony and pluralism.

He said Kerala’s social fabric, where Hindus, Muslims and Christians have historically lived together and participated in each other’s celebrations, offers a meaningful example for the rest of the country.

“We believe that we are much more accustomed to pluralism, to living in a society where all religious festivals are celebrated, where every religion is respected and treated as different paths to the same God,” he said.

At a time when conflicts and wars continue to affect different parts of the world, Rajamony called for the message of Onam to extend beyond Kerala and India.

“We must be able to take our message from Kerala to the world: that we all stand as one, we are all children of the same God, we must unite in harmony, and we must support and help each other.”

He urged the Malayali community in Greater Noida to make its celebrations more inclusive by involving people from different parts of India and from across the world.

“I urge each one of you to spread the message of Onam far and wide, and to involve in all your activities people from all parts of our country and people from abroad to the extent possible, so that they can also know about Kerala, imbibe the spirit of Kerala,” he said.

“If There Is Heaven, Bring It Down to Earth”

Concluding his address on an inspirational note, Prof. Venu Rajamony quoted lines from a famous Hindi poet:

“Tu zinda hai, tu zinda hai, tu zindagi ki jeet mein yakeen kar,
Agar kahin hai swarg, toh utaar la zameen par.”

He explained the spirit of the lines as a call to believe in the victory of life and to create heaven on Earth. “Let us make our India truly a heaven,” Rajamony concluded.

The Onam celebration concluded as a vibrant expression of Kerala’s cultural heritage, community spirit and traditions, while also carrying forward a broader message of unity, equality, harmony and humanity.

---

Dear Readers and Viewers, Please note that tennews.in: National News Portal daily publishes latest and top ten news from government, politics, national, business, education, technology, lifestyle, entertainment, health etc ten categories. You may submit your e mail and subscribe it to get updates on your e mail.  Please also subscribe TEN NEWS NATIONAL YouTube Channel.