HISTORY:
The migration of Malayalis to Manitoba started in the early 1960's. A steady stream of Malayalis came in the seventies and eighties and the migration still continues. The first official gathering of the Malayalis was to celebrate Onam. The three people who took initiative in bringing people were Mr. C. Sreekumar, Dr. Mohan Panikar and Dr. A. P. Thottingal. The first Onam celebration was organized by the Thottingals and was held in the basement hall of the St. Andrews River Heights United Church. Malayalis then gathered to watch Malayalam movies at various halls in the city. Gradually, they also gathered to celebrate Christmas every year. As the community grew in size, the need for a formal association, to organize these functions, were required. J. Tharayil, Ken Eapen, V.T. Chacko and Joseph Mannil took initiative and drafted the first constitution in 1984 for an association. Thus, the Malayali Association of Manitoba officially came to existence in 1985.
One of the main objectives of the Association, as set forth in its constitution, is the promotion of Malayali Culture in Manitoba so that the future generation of Malayalis growing up in Canadian culture also has an excellent understanding and awareness of Malayali cultural heritage. In support of these objectives, the Kerala School of Language and Culture was formed and several parents contributed their time as teachers in this school. In due course, however, attendance at school was not sufficient enough to support this project and this activity, therefore was terminated.
THE COMMITTEE:
(elected at the last Annual General Body Meeting on December 12, 2009)
Vice president: Santhosh Thomas K
Secretary: Bindu Menon
Treasurer: Jose Chandy
Past President: Biji Jose
Members at large: Prince Joseph, Stephen Joseph, & Joyees Mathew.
Youth Representatives: Deepa Joseph, Amalnath Mani & Melissa Mathew.