Under the leadership of Mr. E.M.Stephen, the founder President Mrs. Mariamma Thekkekara, Mr. Mukal Babykutty, Mr. Jose P Thayil, Mr. C.S. Menon, Dr. E.K. Kuriakose, Mr. Jose Chummar, Mr. Thambi Thalappillil, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Mr. Rajan Menon, Mr. Alex Thampan, Mr. Abraham Mammen, Mr. M.G. John, Mrs. Thresiamma Sebastian, Dr. Sreedhar Kavil, and Mr. Varghese Chandy, the INDIAN AMERICAN KERALA CULTURAL and CIVIC CENTER – THE KERALA CENTER was formed as a non profit organization in 1990. With three years of fund raising campaign The Kerala Center bought a former YMCA building as its Center. It was inaugurated in 1993 by Padmashri Dr. Yesudas.
The Kerala Center has become a focal point to coordinate activities and services to the Indian American Kerala Community. There are Malayalam language, Music and Dance classes for children, SAT coaching for youngsters, Senior Club. Various seminars are conducted ranging from political to investment in addition to many Civic and Cultural activities taking place on a regular basis at the Center. The Center has also been providing platform for various, political leaders to have Town Hall meeting with the Indian Community. Also the Center provides its facilities for various religious activities and celebration for the members of the Center which include Hindu, Muslim and different denominations of Christians.
The place like The Kerala Center is where the Community moulds its image. The Kerala Center is the place from where the Community molds its Character and is where the Community seek information. The Kerala Center is where the friendship and harmony among members of the Community emerge.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To Establish a Community Center.
To publish a monthly news letter for the Kerala Community.
To identify and discuss the problems facing Keralities settled in different parts of the United States of America.
To educate the Keralites in recognizing their individual and social responsibilities by involving them in public affairs which would affect their lives and that of the community in general here and Kerala.
To identify and honor the outstanding individuals in various field settled in US from Kerala Community.
To provide cultural educational opportunities to the Children of Indian American Keralaites.
To provide opportunities for learning through educational sessions on contemporary, civic, economic, political, social and cultural issues affecting the lives of Kerala Community in the United States of America.
To facilitate two-way informal exchanges of ideas between members of Kerala Center and political leaders, including elected government officials and to develop an atmosphere of mutual respect, goodwill and understanding and also to encourage them to learn about major issues here and in kerala.
THE CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP
Grand Patron, Patrons, Benefactors, Regular Members, Kerala Center Life Mission Fund Members, Associate Members and Association Members.
GOVERNING BODY OF THE CENTER
Executive Committee: President, Executive Director, Vice President, General Secretary, Treasurer, and Associate Secretary
Board of Directors: 15 members
Board of Trustees: 11 members