As an association that promotes Kerala's culture in the kindred State of Tamil Nadu, the Malayalee Club in Chennai should uphold the freewheeling spirit and eclectic attribute of Malayalees, West Bengal Governor and former National Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan said on Thursday.
Addressing a meeting to mark the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Malayalee Club's new complex, Mr. Narayanan said Chennai had always been an important centre of activity of Malayalees and the Malayalee Club could do a great deal in showcasing the role of Malayalees in building modern India.
He pointed out that even after the formation of Kerala in 1956, Chennai continued to be a link between those living in Kerala, those living in this region and Malayalees who live in other parts of the country.
The Malayalee, according to Mr. Narayanan, is perhaps the most eclectic of Indians. “He has never allowed himself to be limited to the narrow confines of Kerala or Malayalee culture, song, dance or literature. His mind roams far afield, and he is, in every sense of the word, a true Indian and a citizen of the world,” Mr. Narayanan said.
The activities and programmes of the Malayalee Club on its new premises should highlight this spirit and attitude of the Malayalee transcending time and space, he said.
Importantly, the 114-year-old Club, which had made a smooth transition from the old world to the new, had managed to engage the interest of the younger generation and had sustained relevance for Malayalees of all age groups, Mr. Narayanan said.
This peaceful transition is a “tribute to the Malayalee outside Kerala that the argumentative Malayalee inside Kerala can become the constructive Malayalee outside”, he said.
Highlighting the historical, political and cultural links between the people of the two States, M.A. Vellodi, former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, said the Malayalee Club was a bastion of Kerala in Chennai. He suggested that the club conduct classes on the history of Kerala for the youngsters and organise a week-long cultural event annually to showcase the art forms of Kerala.
Goodwill message
A goodwill message from P.K.S. Raja, the Zamorin of Calicut, who could not attend due to ill health, was read out on the occasion.
M. Nanda Govind, Malayalee Club president, said the Rs.14-crore complex proposed on a 71,000 sq ft built-up area would feature a 900 sq ft auditorium, guest rooms, swimming pool and library.
M. Padmanabhan, club secretary, said the new complex was conceived with the aim of meeting the needs of the modern generation.
