EVE 2026: Ten Years, One Community
- Apr 13
- 4 min read
The Fraser Valley Malayalee Association (FVMA) hosted EVE 2026 at Clarke Theatre, Mission, bringing together the celebrations of Easter, Vishu, and Eid in a single evening that reflected the spirit of community and shared tradition.
The program opened with the national anthems of India and Canada, setting a formal and respectful tone for the evening. The welcome address was delivered by FVMA President Ajay Mathai, who spoke about the meaning behind the celebration and the importance of unity across cultures and beliefs. He highlighted that while the community comes from different backgrounds, it is the choice to come together with respect, kindness, and understanding that truly strengthens it. He also spoke about how simple moments of sharing through food, music, and fellowship remind us of a shared humanity.
The inauguration that followed brought together community leaders, including Brad Vis MP, Jag Gill, Councillor for the City of Mission, and Vikram Sarn of Sandu and Sarn Mortgages, the title sponsors of EVE 2026, along with the FVMA Board on stage. In their remarks, the guests spoke about the importance of events like EVE in building strong communities. Brad Vis described the celebration as a reflection of the Canadian spirit, where people from different backgrounds come together while respecting each other’s beliefs. Jag Gill shared that gatherings like this feel like an extended family coming together, and emphasized the importance of creating spaces where people can connect and build lasting relationships.
The evening then moved into the cultural segment, beginning with a lively group performance by the younger participants. This was followed by a well-paced lineup of performances, including dance and group songs that showcased talent across age groups. The variety and coordination kept the audience engaged and reflected the strong participation within the community.
A defining moment of the evening was the 10-year anniversary segment of FVMA, which brought a reflective pause to the program. It traced the journey back to 2016, when a small group of families came together without any formal structure, simply with the intention of staying connected. From those beginnings, the formation of FVMA in 2018 marked a turning point, laying the foundation for what has steadily grown into an active and organized community.
The segment reflected on how this growth was not accidental, but the result of consistent effort over the years. It recognized the many individuals who stepped forward to lead, contribute, and take responsibility at different points in time. In doing so, it honoured the FVMA leadership and directors across the years for their stewardship and their continued commitment to community service toward a shared goal.
It also highlighted an important truth about the journey so far. Progress has come from continuity, from one team building on the work of another, and from a shared understanding that the strength of the community depends on participation. The message was clear. What has been built over the past ten years must continue to be carried forward, with the next generation stepping in to take ownership and move it ahead.
The program then moved into one of the most anticipated segments of the evening, the Queen of FVMA pageant. With strong participation and confident performances, the segment carried the audience through multiple rounds before concluding with the results announcement. The structure and stage presence of the participants made it a memorable part of the event.
The results are
Queen of FVMA : Rimna Rajan https://www.instagram.com/rimnarajan/
1st Runner-Up: Swathy Sajeev Kumar https://www.instagram.com/zeit_12/
2nd Runner-Up: Shary Jose https://www.instagram.com/joseshary/
The second half of the evening continued with musical performances and interactive segments that kept the energy steady. Audience engagement remained high through activities such as door prize draws, followed by high-energy dance performances that led into the finale. The closing group performance brought the evening to a vibrant finish.
The success of EVE 2026 was made possible through the continued support of our sponsors. We extend our sincere thanks to our title sponsor, Sandhu and Sarn Mortgages, whose partnership played a key role in bringing the event together. We also acknowledge our associate sponsors, Full Care Auto Glass and Siju George, Insurance Specialist, along with our prize sponsors, Solomon Chennur Realtor, Fresh2Home Supermarket, and Jewel Caves Online Jewellery. Their support, along with that of our annual sponsors, enables FVMA to plan and deliver events of this scale for the community.
The event concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Secretary Anu Antu, acknowledging the efforts of volunteers, participants, sponsors, and attendees who made the event possible. A special mention to Abu’s Kitchen for the dinner, the City of Mission for their funding and continued support, and the Clarke Theatre staff for their role in ensuring the event ran smoothly.
EVE 2026 once again showed what FVMA continues to build. A community that comes together, participates, and grows stronger with each passing year. It is a reminder that a community is built over time, through people who continue to show up and contribute.
EVE-26 Full Video
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