Kerala Association of Greater Washington (KAGW) is a non-profit, non-sectarian, non-political and non-commercial organization. The Association belongs to all Keralites or to anyone who has an active interest in matters related to Kerala or Malayalis.

Most of the Malayalees who arrived in Washington area in the late fifties and early sixties were employees of the Indian Embassy 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 Jesudas 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 activities were not limited to Onam and Christmas celebrations. Picnics were organized, receptions were held for prominent personalities who visited Washington. Association News Letters were published regularly, staged dramas and participated in inter-association activities. A Kathaprasangam for the first time was presented by by Association members in 1979. Also, a proffessional-like drama (DIYVA BALI by Parur George) was also presented in 1979. The Association's Junior Club was organized in 1980. This new wing of the Association gave an opportunity for our youth to meet together and appreciate the Kerala culture.

The Association celebrated its fifth anniversary by publishing a very impressive souvenir in 1981. It consisted of about 200 pages and included both English and Malayalam sections. This Souvenir contained many poems, short stories and articles written by many KAGW members and also by prominent literary figures from Kerala. This Souvenir clearly demonstrated the literary talents of the Association members at that time. The hard work and the dedication shown by the members in publishing the Souvenir are a lesson for the future generations to follow.

The Association members were very active in the eighties and the nineties with numerous community activities. Many members, especially medical doctors and other medical proffessionals, 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.

For a long time, many members felt that there should be a permanent place for the Association to keep the Association property and a place for the executive committee meetings. Over the years, the long range planning committee conducted many fund raising events to collect the necessary funds for a permanent place. Since the collected amount is still a very small fraction of the total amount needed, the reality is that still it remains as a dream.

Site: http://www.kagw.com

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