A Message from the President of GAMA 2011

Dear Friends,

Words fail me to express my gratitude to all the GAMA members for your extraordinary support, encouragement and whole-hearted co-operation you have been extending from time to time. It is indeed the confidence bestowed on us and high expectation from our GAMA 2011 Executive Committee that has encouraged and strengthened us, to do something better for our community and we have been putting in our best possible efforts for making every GAMA event a great success. I consider it as my privilege and honor to be at the helm of affairs, when our association celebrates its 30th anniversary.

As most of you already know, GAMA was formed in 1981. Under the capable leadership of former presidents and other office bearers, GAMA gained strength, momentum and grew continuously through the contributions of their time, talent and resources. I take this opportunity to appreciate and thank all the members who helped this organization grow to such a great level.

The GAMA 2011 Executive Committee took charge of the GAMA activities on January 1, 2011. Our motto was ‘Together we can reach the unreachable star’. We always worked as a team. We knew that ‘Failing to plan is planning to fail’. As the first of the many initiatives during the year, GAMA launched its revamped website on January 21, 2011 which now provides more information on GAMA and its activities. GAMA also formed GAMA Women’s Forum, Youth Forum and Seniors Forum in 2011. These Forums provide a platform for women, youth and seniors for more interaction and participation in various activities.

Breaking away from the usual, the 2011 GAMA activities were inaugurated by US Congressman Tom Price on April 9, 2011 and the inauguration function was followed by "Nrithyabharathi - music, cultural program". In recognition of GAMA’s 30^th Anniversary, the 2011 GAMA Executive Committee also took the opportunity to felicitate the Ex-Presidents of GAMA and the Religious and Community leaders of Atlanta area. Since the inauguration event, GAMA has conducted GAMA Picnic and Onam with GAMA. Apart from those regular events, GAMA has also held Tug-'O'-War competition Tennis Tournament, Basketball Tournament, Volleyball Tournament and Talent Hunt. GAMA also introduced Ever-Rolling Trophies for each of these events. The overwhelming participation and support of our community ensured that each of these events was a grand success.

With a view to support Santhinikethanam, a charity organization that provides family-like care for destitute elderly women, GAMA conducted a Fund Raising Program- A Banquet Musical Evening- on August 13, 2011. This event was an extraordinary success and we once again wish to express our sincere appreciation for your generosity. Your assistance meant so much to us at GAMA Executive Committee but even more to Santhinikethanam. With your kind donations, we were able to collect and donate Rs.2.5 Lakhs to Santhinikethanam.

Finally, I would also like to thank all those individuals and businesses, who have been kind enough to render your valued participation and support by sponsoring the various GAMA events during this year including your support in bringing out this souvenir celebrating GAMA’s 30^th anniversary. I believe that with the continued support of our GAMA members, GAMA will continue to grow in the coming years.

I pray for the prosperity, good health and happiness to all Atlanta Malayalees and wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a very happy new year.

Thank You,

Biju Thomas Thuruthumalil

President, GAMA 2011