Kerala Association of Greater Washington (KAGW)
Kerala Association of Greater Washington (KAGW) is the pre-eminent organization for Malayalees (Malayalam speaking people or the people from the South Indian state of Kerala) in Washington metro area serving them for more than 35 years. It has served as the bedrock for all types of arts, cultural and literary activities for Keralites in this area. Many outstanding individuals and leaders in the community have been associated with this august association in a variety of roles and capacities. Its defining identity is its existence as a stepping stone for many aspiring artists and leaders in the community.
KAGW is a registered non-profit organization exempt from taxes and certified per the federal regulations for non-profits as a 501(c) (3) organization. KAGW provides a forum for its members to meet and exchange views and to foster a spirit of friendship, goodwill, and understanding. The primary and distinguishing purpose of a cultural heritage organization like KAGW is to bind the community together by promoting and preserving its identity, traditions, and values. By providing public programs through which cultural heritage can be shared, KAGW is a leader in building bridges between various cultural groups and the larger community. KAGW is committed to serving the community in this way, through its far-reaching programs and endeavors.
History
Most of the Malayalees who arrived in Washington area in the late fifties and early sixties were employees of the Indian Embassy in Washington DC or the World Bank or students who studied at the Catholic University and other area schools. The Malayalees participated in the Independence day and Republic day celebrations organized by the Embassy. Participation in these functions and celebrations of Onam and Christmas in family get-togethers developed the fraternity among the Malayalees. In early seventies, immigration law changes resulted in an increase of Malayalees in the area. Malayalam movies were regularly shown in 1972 and Ganamelas of Yesudas and P.Leela were held in 1973 and 1974 respectively. These activities gave the momentum to start a formal organization. A small group of Malayalees met at a local church auditorium on March 23, 1975 and formed a committee to draft a constitution for the Association. Onam and Christmas were celebrated as a community for the first time in 1975 when more than 300 people participated in each function. KAGW constitution was finalized and approved on May 9, 1976. Deacon P.C. Varghese was elected as the first President of the Association in 1976.
The Association members were very active in the eighties and the nineties with numerous community activities. Many members, especially medical doctors and other medical professionals, participated in a free medical clinic for people in Washington D.C. Also, the Association participated in Montgomery County's ADOPT A ROAD program by cleaning the Cipriano road near the S.V. Temple on a regular basis. Many members contributed money to start a scholarship fund. The Association awarded plaques and savings bonds to high school graduates. Also, the Association started an Emergency Fund to help the members who face financial difficulty due to sudden death or illness.
KAGW Today
In spite of its humble beginnings, KAGW has now grown into a massive organization with more than 1000 active members and multitudes of passive activist. The association has always been very nimble in adapting its activities to the changing times and needs of the community. The new generation of leaders are constantly coming up with innovative ideas to drive the organization forward.
Events
The major programs organized by KAGW every year are listed below. The format of these events vary slightly from year-to-year, depending on the creativity of the executive Committee.
- Spring Festival: Generally a two (2) day art and literary competition for youth in the Mid-Atlantic region. This program makes it possible for kids in this area to demonstrate their abundant creative and artistic aptitude. The idea is also to foster a sense of belonging and purpose among kids in the community, at a very early age. Hundreds of students participate in this event every year. Counting in the complexity of judging each of the competitions in a fair manner; it is a huge financial and logistical undertaking for KAGW. This event is typically conducted during spring time.
- Onam: The rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten day long Onam festival. KAGW Onam event in late August/early September is designed to reminiscence the traditional Onam festival in Kerala. The annual magazine - which reflects the literary talents of community members, is also released during this event. Around 800-1000 families participate in it every year.
- Cross Roads - This is a youth event that focuses on leadership development and fun activities. It is an event geared towards instilling a sense of pride and confidence amongst the youth in the community.
- Eid: KAGW also celebrates each year, along with malayali Muslim community. Various programs are conducted to celebrate the pious occasion along with sumptuous dinner. About 90% of the total Malayali Muslim population in the area typically participate in this event.
- Christmas: Keralites celebrate Christmas with all the festivities, including carols, feasts, and gift giving, along with the prayers and wishes. KAGW Christmas event in December includes variety entertainment programs, various competitions for all age groups and a sumptuous dinner. Around 200-300 families participate in this event every year.
- Malayalam classes: This class is a crash course in Malayalam where students are introduced to the language, alphabets, frequently used words, as well as the culture and traditions of Kerala. The primary objective of this course is to help students communicate in Malayalam. The classes are conducted every week at a convenient location within the Washington DC metro area.
Apart from these major events, KAGW organizes meet and greet sessions with famous personalities, cultural workshops, family fun nights and professional/personality/leadership development workshops. Sports events, annual picnics and fishing trips add an element of excitement to the activities. Charity initiatives like community blood drive, Adopt a road program, SOME (So Others Might Eat), SAMAR (South Asian Marrow Association of Recruiters), Soup Kitchens for shelter-less are some ways that KAGW members give back to the community.
Publications
KAGW has a variety of publications, in paper and in the electronic medium.
- The KAGW Annual Calendar - Published every year and aptly titled Reminiscing Kerala is a compilation of beautiful pictures from God’s own country and lists both Indian and US holidays in addition to the Hindu, Muslim and Christian holidays. thi forum provides the local talents an opportuinity to contribute their art work/photographs to be printed on the calendar.
- The KAGW Annual Magazine - KAGW releases an annual magazine during the Onam celebrations. KAGW makes an effort to include in the magazine articles, short-stories, poems, cartoons or any other forms of literature from renowned personalities in Kerala as well as its members and well wishers.
- The KAGW E-newsletter - KAGW sends out monthly newsletters in electronic format to members and well wishers. Community news, details of KAGW events, trivia quiz and other useful information make it a widely read and highly appreciated newsletter. The E-newsletter and the annual magazine offer great opportunity for the various commercial establishments in the area to advertise their products and services to a receptive, albeit discerning audience.
Awards and Recognition
Martin O' Malley, Hon. Governor of the State of Maryland, declared December 5th 2010 as the Kerala Association of Greater Washington day in the State of Maryland (View Proclamation). Hon. John P. McDonough, Secretary of State, MD announced this at the KAGW Christmas function on 2010.
The Governor issued a proclamation commending the contribution made by KAGW to the society. It is a great honor for KAGW as well as the Kerala community as a whole.
|
(INR)
