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Newry Indian Arts Club is celebrating winning prestigious national recognition of its work through Newry Mela 2025. The organisation has been named winner of the Good Relations Award for Connecting Communities of the Year 2025 by the Community Relations Council while the club's secretary Siju George was highly commended for his work.
The award acknowledges the club's commitment to cultural understanding and social inclusion with Newry Mela 2025 cited as a standout example of community engagement that drew people from diverse backgrounds together through culture, art, music, and family-friendly activities.
Council while looking on is Denise Hayward, Volunteer Now.
Alongside the organisational award, Siju George, Secretary of Newry Indian Arts Club, was individually honoured with a Highly Commended Good Relations Volunteer Award in recognition of his personal contribution to community engagement and cultural integration across the region.
Siju George is an international nurse and full-time healthcare professional with a deep commitment to supporting colleagues and promoting equality. As a UNISON steward and Equality Coordinator, he champions inclusion, fairness, and the rights of all staff, particularly focusing on underrepresented groups.
Beyond his professional work, Siju is the Chief Organiser of Newry Mela and Secretary of the Newry Indian Arts Club, where he plays a pivotal role in celebrating cultural diversity and fostering community cohesion. Through these events, he brings people from diverse backgrounds together, creating inclusive spaces that encourage mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration. Siju’s leadership inspires engagement, strengthens social bonds, and ensures that cultural celebrations are accessible and welcoming to everyone. His dedication to both his profession and community makes him a true ambassador for diversity, inclusion, and unity.
Speaking about both awards, George said: "We are truly honoured to receive the Good Relations Award - Connecting Communities of the year 2025. Newry Mela 2025 was a celebration of diversity and togetherness, and this recognition reflects the collective efforts of our volunteers, performers, partners, and the wider community who made it such a success."
On his individual recognition, he added: "Honoured and humbled to receive the Good Relations Volunteer Award. Thank you to everyone who has supported our journey in building stronger, united communities."
George also paid tribute to the organisations whose support helped make Newry Mela 2025 possible, saying: "I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our valued supporters Newry and Mourne Down District Council, NI Housing Executive (NIHE), Arbour Housing, Radius Housing, and The National Lottery Community Fund for their continued encouragement and support. Their contribution plays a crucial role in helping us build stronger, more connected communities."
Newry Mela 2025 featured a programme of cultural performances, traditional and contemporary arts, food, and family activities, drawing a wide audience from across the region.
The double recognition at the Good Relations Awards is a significant milestone for the Newry-based club, which continues its work promoting cultural understanding and community cohesion through events and initiatives in the city and beyond.
