Mumbai: Marking a new beginning, the World Malayalee Federation (WMF) inaugurated on Saturday its Maharashtra State Council (MSC) in Navi Mumbai. The event, which marked the expansion of WMF’s global footprint into India’s financial capital, brought together dignitaries, community leaders, and cultural icons from across the globe.
The 34-member Executive Committee officially assumed charge, including Dr. Oommen David (patron), Dr. Roy John Mathew (president), Bijoy Oommen and Sindhu Nair (vice-presidents), CA Dominic Paul (general secretary), Binoy Thomas (treasurer), N.T. Pillai and Adv. Rakhee Sunil (joint-secretaries).
Planting of a new branch of the great banyan tree
Praising the spirit of Malayalees who integrate with their host societies while remaining deeply rooted in their native culture and values, in his keynote address, the chief guest, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, remarked, “That is what makes the Malayalee truly a global citizen.” He further pointed out that Kerala’s classical arts and festivals were often celebrated with more enthusiasm outside Kerala, and lauded the hard-working attitude of non-resident Malayalees. However, expressing concern over growing drug abuse among youth in Kerala, he called it one of the most pressing challenges of the present time.
Dr. Oommen David, who was felicitated by WMF Global for his meritorious contributions toward establishing the Council in Maharashtra, said the event was a proud moment for Malayalees in Maharashtra. “This day marks the planting of a new branch of the great banyan tree that is WMF into the soil of Maharashtra.” Adding further, he remarked, “To be a part of an organisation that spans 166 countries is an honour for any Malayalee.”
Future initiatives
Dr. J. Retnakumar, global chairman of WMF, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to voluntary service and its mission to unite Malayalees globally through cultural, educational and charitable initiatives. He commended Dr Oommen David for realising the long-cherished dream of bringing WMF to Mumbai.
Dr. Roy John Mathew elaborated on the Council’s future initiatives, which include marriage assistance for underprivileged girls, global scholarship programmes for Malayalee students and the launch of the Pravasi Business Club in Maharashtra.
Impressive guest list
The event was graced by several prominent personalities, including Geetha A. Pillai, chief general manager, CIDCO; Dr. Varghese Moolan, India Commonwealth trade commissioner; Tom Jacob, global treasurer, WMF; Rejin Challapuram, global director; Dr Rajendraprasad, Asia Region president; D. Francis, Asia Region vice president; Joby George, WMF leader.
Also present were senior WMF leaders, Franz Mundadan, Sabu Joseph, Elias Issahaq, Vimala Francis and M.J. Unnithan, journalist Premlal Raman, advocate K.P. Sreejith (founder of Indialaw), Prince Vaidyan president K&K Foundation, Jojo Thomas, general secretary of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, and Uttam Kumar from the BJP.
In addition, several eminent persons from the socio-cultural spectrum attended the event.
Caption: At Leela Palace Mumbai: Ramesh Chennithala (AICC‑in‑charge, Maharashtra PCC) with Dinesh Nair (C & MD, Leela Group), Harshwardhan Vasantrao Sapkal (president, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee).
