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Kondhwa Malayalee Seva Sangham (KMSS), Pune (Maharashtra) |
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Pravasi Malayalees
Having a highly literate population, from mid-20th century Keralites started to migrate to European and American continent and other developed and developing countries of the world at large. Since the seventies Kerala has witnessed significant migration, especially to the Persian Gulf countries during the Gulf boom. The migration was not limited to the foreign countries alone. From the start of the 20th century internal migration to the various states started. With the independence of the country the flow of Malaylees to the Pune city started with the establishment of various defence institutions in the city. Today it is claimed that more than 4 lakhs Malayalees are settled in Pune.
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Kondhwa, Pune
Till the end of eighties Kondhwa was a non-descript village in the outskirts of the Pune city. But with the establishment of the National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM) and Army Welfare Cooperative Housing Society (AWCHS) at Salunke Vihar in the early eighties saw the beginning of development of Kondhwa and its surrounding areas. Thus many of the reputed builders and land developers moved in and started construction of housing complexes and independent housing plots. As Kondhwa was a new and an upcoming suburb with the mid-nineties, like many other communities, a lot of Malayalees have also bought houses here. Today approximately more than 1000 Malayalee families are settled in Kondhwa and its surrounding areas. When we talk of Kondhwa and its surrounding areas we mean: Fatimanagr, Wanowrie, Kedarinagar, Salunkhe Vihar, NIBM, Undri, Pisoli, Kondhwa Buduruk, upper and lower Kondhwa Khurd, Lullanagar, Marketyard, Golibar Maidan, etc. Of lately massive developments are taking in these areas like premium residential complexes, malls, multiplexes, multi-specialty hospitals, etc.
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History
The history of Kerala dates back to ancient period. Rock-engravings in the Edakkal Caves in Wayanad are believed to date from the early to late Neolithic eras around 5000 B.C. The use of a specific Indus script pictogram in the same cave suggests some relationship with the Indus Valley Civilization during the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age.
Kerala is a major exporter of spices as early as 3,000 BC (according to Sumerian records). In the olden times these commodities were shipped from the Malabar coast, and may have landed initially at the Gulf of Aden. Thereafter they were transported to East African trading ports in and around the city known in Grecian-Roman literature as Rhapta. In Roman era, they traveled to Muza in Yemen and finally to Berenice in Egypt. From Egypt they were taken to markets in Europe and West Asia
Kerala’s flora and fauna are very unique and famous. Kerala's fauna are notable for their diversity: 102 species of mammals, 453 species of birds, 202 species of freshwater fishes, 169 species of reptiles and 89 species of amphibians. Much of Kerala's notable biodiversity is concentrated and protected in the Western Ghats. Almost a fourth of India's 10,000 plant species are found in the state. Among the almost 4,000 flowering plant species, 900 species are of medicinal plants.
Kerala is a popular tourist destination for the international and Indian tourists, famous for its backwaters and houseboats, virgin beaches, temples and churches, ayurvedic treatments, tropical greenery, etc. The state has a literacy rate of 94.59 percent, the highest in India. Kerala has the highest Human Development Index in India, comparable with that of the developed countries but with a much lower per capita income. A survey conducted in 2005 by Transparency International ranked Kerala as the least corrupt state in India.
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| Kondhwa Malayalee Seva Sangham (KMSS) |
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As the number of Malayalee families increased in this area, for their linguistic and cultural needs they had to rely on Poona Keraleeya Samaj at Rastha Peth. Accordingly, in 2001 some of the like minded Malayalees of Kondhwa village and NIBM area came together to discuss the need to have a Kerala Samajam for the people of this area. After several house get-togethers in 2001-02, realizing that the common needs and unexpected problems can be solved only by collective efforts and pooled resources, the Pravasi Malayalees staying in and around Kondhwa decided to have a new social and cultural association called, Kondhwa Malayalee Seva Sangham (KMSS). Today it has 300 plus Life Members, almost 100 Ordinary Members and 200 plus Well Wishers from the Keralites settled in its jurisdiction. From Sholapur-Pune Road to Undri-Pisoli, Poolgate to Babudevu Ghat, SRP to Marketyard are its area of operation.
The Kondhwa Malayalee Seva Sangham is a socio-cultural charitable organization registered with the Charity Commission, under Registration No. Mah/683/2003/Pune, having its registered office at B-2, Nirmal Complex, Near Satyanand Hospital, Kondhwa Road, Pune 411 048. It was founded to promote the social, cultural and linguistic needs of Pravasi Malayalees who are settled in this area.
It is a matter of pride that within 5 years of its formation KMSS was able to purchase its own office premise which most of other Malayalee Samajams in Pune city could not achieve. But the entire credit for this goes to the Life Members of the KMSS, its donors and well-wishers, and the foresight and able leadership of its past leaders. Thus, we are able to conduct our regular meetings, dance classes and other activities in our own premises. KMSS also have a full-fledged library with maximum Malayalam books.
The Kondhwa Malayalee Seva Sangham is engaged in various cultural activities. The annual Onam Celebrations of the KMSS is a much sought after event in the Malayalees’ calendar of not only our area of operation but also of the Pune city. The annual family get-togethers of Life Members is always very special to its members.
It offers assistance and support to the needy without looking at the caste, creed, religion or linguistic lineage. It supports orphanages and old age homes by providing them with food and other day-to-day consumption items. In academic front, it offers scholarships to meritorious students and financial support to economically weaker students. At the time of untimely accidents or illness KMSS is the first to call on the economically weaker sections with financial help.
In medical front KMSS organizes free medical check-up camps, blood donation camps and also offer financial support to economically weaker patients.
It promotes cultural activities by providing performance opportunities to the budding artists. It also conducts dance classes regularly at its office premises. It also plans to conduct study classes for the younger generation to propagate Malayalam language and to impart training in positive thinking, leadership, interpersonal relationship, career guidance and personality development.
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