Calgary, AB – March 8th, 2025: The Malayalee Cultural Association Calgary (MCAC) celebrated International Women’s Day with grandeur and style at the Pine Ridge Community Centre in Calgary, Alberta. Spearheaded by MCAC Vice President Anitha Santhosh and her dedicated team, the event was a landmark occasion for the association, receiving praise for its impeccable organization and inclusivity.
The celebration, held from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, drew over 200 attendees from the community. Due to last year’s overwhelming response, MCAC opted for a larger hall to accommodate even more participants. Entry was free and open to both members and non-members, a decision that proved fruitful as the venue buzzed with energy and excitement throughout the event. The event began with a moment of silence for Chacko Varghese, one of the pioneer Malayalees who recently passed away.
A **vendor exhibition** was a unique highlight of this year’s celebration. Over **20 female entrepreneurs and small business owners** showcased a wide array of products and services in a dedicated section of the venue. Offerings ranged from **food, clothing, and jewelry to beauty and bridal studios, henna and face painting, nail art, real estate consulting, grocery stores, and holistic nutritional clinics**. This valuable opportunity for women-led businesses to promote their ventures was highly appreciated by both vendors and visitors.
The program featured a variety of engaging activities designed to foster a joyful atmosphere, including **icebreaker games**, **Zumba dance sessions** with Bollywood songs led by a professional instructor, **lucky number games**, and numerous **prizes and door prizes**. Attendees could share their stories and aspirations on an **affirmation wall**, and **free photo booths** captured memorable moments.
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Anitha Santhosh’s Welcome Speech and MCAC’s Achievements
In her welcome speech, **Anitha Santhosh** highlighted the association’s successful year in **2024**. She noted that programs like **Kerala Nite, Kerala Fest, Onam, and Christmas and New Year celebrations** saw a significant increase in participation, ranging from **50% to 60%** compared to previous years. Santhosh expressed her gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support and declared this year’s Women’s Day celebration a significant success.
She also outlined **MCAC’s upcoming programs and ongoing initiatives**, such as a **sports club** and a **Malayalam school**, all aimed at boosting cultural and educational engagement within the community. During her speech, she introduced the dedicated committee members crucial to the event’s success:
- * **Renji Pillai** (Treasurer)
* **Maya Nambudripad** (Youth Coordinator)
* **Anjoom Sadique** (Membership Coordinator)
* **Sreedevi Lathish Babu** (Newcomer Coordinator)
* **Reshmi Sudheer** (Program Coordinator)
* **Lini Saju** (Program Coordinator)
* **Sneha Athamkavil** (Program Coordinator)
Event Conclusion and Lasting Impact
The event officially commenced with a **cake-cutting ceremony**, a symbolic gesture of unity and celebration. As the evening progressed, participants enjoyed the lively atmosphere, delicious food, and engaging activities, departing with smiles and cherished memories.
The **MCAC’s Women’s Day celebration of 2025** is set to be remembered as one of the association’s finest events. It not only provided a platform for women to showcase their entrepreneurial skills but also cultivated an environment of friendship and cultural pride. As MCAC continues its mission of promoting cultural awareness and community bonding, this year’s Women’s Day celebration serves as clear evidence of its dedication and commitment to positively impacting Calgary’s Malayalee community.
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Acknowledgments and Social Media
We extend our sincere gratitude to all **attendees, volunteers**, and our **Platinum, Gold, Silver, and event sponsors**, whose support was instrumental in making this event a tremendous success.
For more highlights, visit:
* [Facebook Post 1](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://m.facebook.com/story.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid031tdmpcw2mysvSoEUvQeLcPv74hrB2KKBc4ZtosaKZEXWF4KEQi1FRoP1TucYj95Fl%26id%3D100063457036180)
* [Instagram Post 1](https://www.instagram.com/p/DHFicw-ORL9/?igsh=MXBmdDExamc0eGp2NA==)
* [Facebook Post 2](https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16A2yvWurf/)
* [Instagram Post 2](https://www.instagram.com/p/DHOg3SWpIBf/?igsh=MWg2ejRjZGY3Mm1zZg==)
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