TheMalayali Diaspora refers to theMalayali people who live outside their homeland of theIndian state ofKerala and theUnion Territories ofMahé, India andLakshadweep.[18] They are predominantly found inthe Persian Gulf,North America,Europe,Australia,Caribbean,Africa and other regions around the world.
The early 20th-century migration of Malayalis to countries likeMalaysia andSingapore was largely driven by opportunities inplantation work. Many Malayalis moved to these regions to work inrubber and other plantations.[19]
During the oil boom of the 1970s and 1980s, there was large-scale migration of Malayalis and other Indians to thePersian Gulf countries which came to known as Gulf Boom. The demand for labor in construction, healthcare, and other sectors attracted a significant number of Malayalis to countries likeSaudi Arabia, theUnited Arab Emirates,Kuwait, andQatar.[20]
In recent years, the migration trends have shifted towardsNorth America,Europe, and other parts of the world. Malayalis are now seeking opportunities in countries like theUnited States,Canada, theUnited Kingdom,Australia, andGermany.[21]
The Malayali diaspora has also contributed to skill and knowledge transfer, especially in sectors likehealthcare, IT, andeducation. Many NRKs (Non-Resident Keralites) have brought back valuable expertise and have helped in the development of these sectors inKerala.
Onam is the harvest festival celebrated with great enthusiasm by Malayalis worldwide. It is marked by various cultural activities, including traditional dances, music, and feasts.[22]
Vishu is the New Year festival of Kerala, celebrated by arranging the "Vishukkani" (a ceremonial arrangement of auspicious items). This festival is also widely celebrated by the Malayali diaspora.[23]
Efforts to promote and preserve theMalayalam language are made through cultural associations, schools, and media. These organizations often offer Malayalam language classes and organize cultural events to keep the language and traditions alive.[24]
Balancing cultural identity with integration into the host society is a challenge faced by the Malayali diaspora. While maintaining their cultural heritage, they also strive to integrate and contribute to the host country's society.
Issues related to legal status,labor rights, and working conditions are significant, particularly in the Gulf countries. Many Malayalis face challenges related tovisa regulations, labor contracts, and working conditions.[25]
Community organizations play a vital role in providing social support and addressing issues like mental health and family separation. These organizations offer various services to help Malayalis cope with the challenges of living abroad.[26]
Contributions to Literature and Arts
Works by Malayali writers in exile or those writing about the diaspora experience have enriched the literary world. Authors likeArundhati Roy andM. T. Vasudevan Nair have made significant contributions.[27]
The influence of the diaspora onMalayalam cinema is notable, with films depicting the life of Malayalis abroad. Movies like "Varavelpu" and "Arabikkatha" highlight the experiences of Malayalis in the Gulf.[28]
Traditional music and dance forms likeKathakali andMohiniyattam play a crucial role incultural preservation. These art forms are promoted through cultural events and organizations within the diaspora.[29]
The Malayali diaspora predominantly practicesHinduism, with minorities practicingIslam,Christianity,Buddhism,Judaism,Atheism, and other religions. The diaspora maintains strong cultural ties to Kerala, often celebrating traditional festivals and preserving their language, Malayalam.[30]
InMalaysia, the Malayali community has been present since the early 20th century and has significantly contributed to the country's development, particularly in theplantation sector. The community has established various cultural and social organizations to promote and preserve their heritage.[31]
In theUnited States,Canada andMiddle East, Malayalis have formed numerous cultural associations and organizations to maintain their cultural identity and provide support to new immigrants. These organizations often organize events, such asOnam andVishu celebrations, to bring the community together.[21]
The Malayali diaspora has made significant economic contributions to their host countries and their homeland. In thePersian Gulf countries, many Malayalis work in various sectors, includinghealthcare,engineering,education, andconstruction. Their remittances have played a crucial role in theeconomic development of Kerala.
According to theWorld Bank,India received around $83 billion in remittances in 2020, with a significant portion coming from the Malayali diaspora in theGulf countries. These remittances have helped improve the living standards of families in Kerala and have contributed to the state's overall development.[32]
The Loka Kerala Sabha is an assembly hosted by theGovernment of Kerala to bring the Malayali diaspora under one platform.[33] It was hosted under the Department of Non-Resident Keralites. It aims at utilizing the expertise of NRKs for developing Kerala as a state. The Loka Kerala Sabha is proposed to happen once in two years.[34] The event was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Kerala,Pinarayi Vijayan.[35]
