Venkat Raman
Auckland, September 13, 2022
Back in 1965, speaking about the formation of the State of Kerala, V K Krishna Menon, one of the greatest diplomats of India, told me that the “New State was a burning desire to drive the currents of history, a State of people who wished to lend their minds and voices to the direction of world events and the course of their country’s future.”
There could be conflicting theories about Mr Menon’s involvement but it is indubitable that the formation of Kerala on November 1, 1956, was one of the greatest moments in the history of modern India. For, less than 15 years later, the sons and daughters of this wonderful land began to scout the world and become rich and famous and bring riches and fame to their motherland and the country.
November 1, 1956 was also the day when the States of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab were formed; Delhi became a Union Territory of India and Hungary formally withdrew from the Warsaw Pact. New Zealand’s population crossed the 2 million mark.
Kerala is often referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’ and as the ‘Land of Parashurama,’ one of the ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu. India’s first Church was established in this State in 52 AD by St Thomas. Called an Apostolic Church, it is also one of the oldest Churches in the world, credited to the Apostolate of the Saint.
Tribute to Keralites worldwide
Kerala is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, values and of course varied political ideologies. Its people are among the most hardworking in the world, making them welcome members of any society. It is often said that there can be no city in the world without at least one Malayali and that the entry of one Malayali will soon develop into a small society of Keralites. The people of this State are known to foster a fraternal bond and help each other in times of need.
The progress of the six Countries of the Arab Gulf (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) is attributed largely to the dedication and hard work invested by the vast expatriate population, the most prominent among whom are the people from Kerala. From the depths of underground tunnels to the dizzy heights of skyscrapers, their involvement as engineers, consultants, investors and ordinary workers is complete and visible.
New Zealand is no exception. The contribution of Keralites to the development of Aotearoa is beyond question. Among them are doctors, nurses, engineers, accountants, consultants, IT specialists, teachers, lawyers, hospitality professionals and more Together, they account for a sizeable share of the country’s economy.
Public Private Partnerships
Keralites are the single largest source of foreign remittance to India, demonstrating their family and community responsibilities. As well as caring for their immediate family, Keralites are famous for their involvement in economic and social development. Scores of schools, universities, hospitals and other public institutions have been established, thanks to the investment of Keralites living and working in the Arab Gulf and other parts of the world.
Kochi International Airport is the first venture of its kind under Public Private Partnership, with almost 40% of its shares invested by 10,000 investors living in 29 countries.
Keralites today are among the most successful entrepreneurs in the world and their prominence in the Arab Gulf countries should not be understated. From hypermarkets to universities and shopping malls, the involvement of the people from Kerala is pronounced.
The Onam bond
For all the variations in economic, social, religious and political disparity, there are a few factors that bind Keralites into a common fold. The most outstanding among them is the Onam Festival, which heralds an atmosphere of love, affection and togetherness.
This Festival, which is observed invariably in September (although it can occur even in August) brings together the State’s people of every faith and disposition. Malayalis see no difference among themselves- either as Hindus, Muslims, Christians or any other faith – or as rich or poor in celebrating Onam, the Festival of Joy.
There is an old saying that resonates with the Festival: “Kaanam Vittum Onam Unnanam” (One must feast during Onam, even if it means selling one’s land). Onam is an observance that sends Keralites to a near frenzy as Winter bids goodbye to Southern Hemisphere and embraces those in the North, heralding respectively Spring and Winter.
Mythological connotations apart, Onam is today a unique selling proposition for Kerala’s tour marketing machinery. The pretty coy bride State has many beauty enhancers in its Onam make-up kitty. The Kerala Tourism Department enhances its brand image on the international billboard attracting tourists.
Kathakali, Kaikotti Kali, Thiruvathira Kali, Theyyam, Boat Races, and caparisoned elephants add to Kerala’s brand image during the festival season. All of these form part of the global tourist’s Kerala itinerary as they land in the State’s four international airports in thousands during Onam.
The Festival of Auckland Malayali Samajam
The colour and candour were aplenty in our population as the Auckland Malayalam Samajam put together its Onam Festival on Saturday, September 10, 2022. For the first time since its formation more than 20 years ago, entry to the event was through tickets for all, including members of the Samajam. It was a sell-out event.
Among the guests were Immigration Minister Michael Wood, Members of Parliament Dr Deborah Russell (Labour), Melissa Lee (National), Brooke van Velden (ACT) and Hon Consul of India based in Auckland Bhav Dhillon.
The Executive Committee, led by President Soby Bernard Thomas and Secretary Sindhu Punnoose can justly be proud of having organised a colourful programme comprising dances, music, drama and fashion that become the talk of the town.
As per custom, ‘Onam Sadya,’ featuring an extensive range of vegetarian food from Kerala was served on a banana leaf by teams of volunteers at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre where the Festival was held. The lilting tunes of the Malabar, the dulcet language that Malayalam is and the spirit of the audience were all present at the Onam Festival of Auckland Malayali Samajam.
This was yet another tribute to the people of Kerala.
Established almost simultaneously in 1999, Indian Newslink and Auckland Malayali Samajam have been working together to serve the people of New Zealand. The above article, written for ‘Darpanam,’ the Annual Magazine of Auckland Malayali Samajam released at its Onam Festival held on September 10, 2022, has been modified.
Auckland Malayali Samajam Secretary Sindhu Punnoose adds:
We acknowledge the contributions and selfless service rendered by our volunteers in the kitchen, at the reception and in organising the cultural programme. We are grateful to the members of the AIM Club led by Joby Kunnath, KMCA Club led by Shaju Joseph and the Knanaya Catholic Association led by Joby Cyriac for their support.
Under the guidance of Prasad, the Sadya was prepared with much love and passion, which reflected in the taste and aroma of the feast.
We acknowledge the efforts of the performers, their trainers and teachers and their families. We are grateful to Saju Mathew and his team at Cocktail Events for Pookolam and stage decorations, to Sanal Chungath, Joe George and Amal Mathew of Spell Bound Creations and our Masters of Ceremonies Kiran Kumar, Abhinand Nanthakumar, Juliya Sabu and Kavitha Raj.
The Mega Thiruvathira team and the Gana Mela team coordinated by Allen Allenchery stole the hearts of our guests with their superb coordination and for providing a melodious and energetic musical feast.
Sam Mathai, Chief Editor of ‘Darpanam,’ the annual magazine of the Samajam and his editorial team also deserve our tribute.
