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 The Malayalee Club, which was established in 1897, is said to be the first Malayalee association to be formed outside Kerala. The club, the mother of all the outside-Kerala-Malayalee-associations, was founded to promote the social, cultural and linguistic needs of Keralites who settled in Chennai over a century ago.
There may not be records of the past activities of the club which was patronised by none other than the king of Cochin. But the original spirit of the club still remains and so it is "a club with a difference".
"Other clubs give more importance to club activities like card playing, table tennis, gym, etc. They don't give much importance to cultural activities. But the Malayalee Club gives equal importance to club and cultural activities," club secretary K V Mamu Koya says.
The Malayalee Club, which has all the facilities of a modern club, has hosted several programmes which showcased the cultural heritage of Kerala. In addition to the monthly cultural programmes, the club conducts other functions. They include a five-day-long Swathithirunal Festival in April every year in connection with the birth anniversary of that royal patron of dance and music. Music and dance programmes and competitions are conducted as part of the festival.
The club conducts two-week-long Onam celebrations with 'Onachanda', 'Onasadhya', tournaments and entertainments. It holds painting and other competitions for children on October 2 and November 14.
The literary wing of the club conducts 'kavi sammelans' and other literary activities. The club has a library with a rare collection of books, magazines and journals.
Transcending the barriers of a club and a particular culture, the Malayalee Club, which has all the "prominent Malayalees in Chennai" as its members, conducts a National Harmony Week every year. It convenes other linguistic associations (about 16 associations) in Chennai to perform cultural programmes of their states. The event serves as a platform for cultures to meet, give and take.
The club has transcended barriers in offering membership also. It has about 35 non-Malayalee members now.
Salil Jose
Readers' response/inputs can be e-mailed to salil@chennaionline.com.
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