Assimilating the Quintessence of Kerala

It is a moment of honour that we are conducting the third Loka Kerala Sabha and Global Cultural Festival. The Loka Kerala Sabha is a global platform for Keralites residing abroad, other Indian States, centrally administered areas and also in Kerala.

All over the world there is an increase in migrants and pravasis. In reality it is more than the increase of global population. India has the largest number of migrant labourers in the world. Obviously, India gets a towering amount of pravasi remittance, when compared to rest of the world. The Loka Kerala Sabha is a glorious chapter in the democratisation of Kerala society. Our people are brave to venture out into unknown lands amidst different language and culture. Their struggle to survive in foreign lands coupled with the ability to ut up best performance has earned good will among foreign countries. The skill and honesty showcased by Keralites have made them the most sought- after workforce all over the world. Keralites have made their significant identity in most of the countries they landed. The Loka Kerala Sabha is an answer to the call for a common democratic platform for Keralites and Kerala culture all over the world. It is hardly surprising that Kerala society is not solely defined by the number of Keralites residing in our state. Indeed, it is the Keralites residing in other Indian States and those that migrated to the rest of the world that elucidate ourselves. Apart from harnessing the financial sovereignty of the pravasis, it is the duty of our state to involve pravasis as think tanks, by utilising their experience in foreign lands, their struggle amidst foreign language, food and living conditions and thereby successfully establishing a strong foothold in these lands. This expertise can equip them to contribute immeasurably towards the betterment of Kerala in particular and India in general. Loka Kerala Sabha is not only a conclave to share their job skills and research experiences in numerous spheres like science and technology, administration and education. It is also a forum to bind expatriates with our homeland. I hope that solemn efforts will be taken to rehabilitate Pravasis who return to Kerala, after their long stint in foreign lands. Assurance is important for their financial investment. It should be ascertained that their monetary investments will not be depreciated or lost. These financial investments are the sweat and tears of our brothers who gave up the comforts of their family and motherland, in order to build better lives for their beloved. The financial support and creative instructions contributed by Pravasis has been instrumental in helping Kerala overcome the worst flood of the century. The Loka Kerala Sabha endeavours to connect Malayalis worldwide and to introduce measures to protect our language and culture. Inevitably the necessity to associate under the spirit of being Malayali is expected. Reaching out to one another with love and care helps us overcome hard times and share happy days. The quintessence of being a Malayali and to keep Malayalam alive and vibrant among Malayalis all over the world underscores Loka Kerala Sabha. June 2022 will witness the third Loka Kerala Sabha and Global Cultural Festival. I wish this congregation all success.