About Us
Kerala Association of Washington (KAW), is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious cultural organization working towards the betterment of the social lifestyle of Keralites in the Pacific Northwest. We, Malayalees, come from the southernmost state of India, Kerala. Also known as "God's own country", Kerala is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Our native language is "Malayalam" and so the name "Malayalees". KAW strives to maintain and promote the golden heritage of Kerala through our highly acclaimed cultural events, stage shows featuring celebrities from Kerala, sports tournaments, literary and educational activities, and charity initiatives. KAW also serves as a forum of friendship to exchange of ideas and information for the Keralites. We exhort all Malayalees of Washington state to actively participate in the various programs organized by KAW.
Are you new to Seattle? You can join KAW online.
If you would like to receive communications from KAW, contact secretary@kaow.org .
Officebearers
Click here for info and photos of KAW's current leadership team.Click here for info and photos of KAW's past leadership.
History
(Written by John Koshy Kuzhinapurathu)
It was
the great ambition of Keralites in Seattle to have an association with the main
objective to preserve and maintain Kerala culture with an aim to create a "home
away from home" environment for those who originate from Kerala. With the above
intention, Mr. Krishnan C. Nambudiripad, Mr. Babu Parayil, Mr. Sreenivansan, Mr.
Thomas Mathew, Mr. John Kunthara, Mr. K. K. John, Mr. Philip Thomas, and Mrs. Aleykutty
Thomas contacted the Keralite families in Seattle and surrounding areas and were
able to conduct the first planning meeting on Saturday, August 4th 1990 at the John
Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine. 55 persons from 31 families were present
and the proceeding started with a silent prayer. Dr. K. V. Ramanathan took the leadership
of the proceedings. Formation of an organization of the people from Kerala and of
those who maintain some affinity towards the Keralite culture and/or Malayalam language
was discussed. The name of the organization has been selected as "Kerala Association
of Washington". A steering committee consisting of the following persons were selected.
| Krishnan C. Nambudiripad | President |
| Thomas Mathew | Secretary |
| O. C. Koshy | Treasurer |
| John Kunthara | Member |
| Joy Thykoottathil | Member |
| Aleykutty Thomas | Member |
| Philip Thomas | Member |
Thomas Mathew extended vote of thanks and the meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.
The steering committee conducted meetings on August 9th, 21st, 31st, and on September 8th 1990. The first event of the association, the Onam celebration was conducted on September 2nd 1990 at the St. Thomas Moore School auditorium located at 6511 176th S.W, Lynnwood and it was a great success.
A constitution for the association was drafted by the steering committee and was approved at the general body meeting held at John Basteyr College, Seattle on September 16th, 1990. With the approval of constitution, the steering committee was declared dissolved. The following were elected to the first respective offices:
| Krishnan C. Nambudiripad | President |
| Aleykutty Thomas | Vice President |
| Thomas Mathew | Secretary |
| O. C. Koshy | Treasurer |
| Toms John | Member at Large |
| John Kunthara | Member at Large |
| Babu Parayil | Member at Large |
| Mathew Joseph | Member at Large |
| Philip Thomas | Member at Large |
The members of the Association are proud of the achievements and progress. We were able to conduct a large number of cultural shows and festival celebrations during the past years.