The first recorded arrival of an Indian visitor to America
(Salem, Massachusetts) was on December 29,1790. In 1870, there were 2000 Indians in
America ever since, people from India have settled in United States. The Immigration
Act of 1960 gave an impetus to this. According to the latest census, there are 1.5
million Asian Indians in the U.S. of which around 3 lakhs are Keralites. Several of these
sons and daughters of Kerala have been recognized in American public life for thier
outstanding professional excellence. The Asian Indians are the fourth largest group
of Asian Americans. |
It was during the seventies that Malayali organisation started
sprouting up all over the U.S. and Canada. As a manifestation of the nostalgic but
creative Malayali mind, these organisations very soon become the golden chariots for the
unique value of the Kerala culture and heritage. Before long the need for the formulation
of an umberlla organisation bringing all the Kerala culture organisation under an
expression. |
| 1982 |
Under the initiative of Dr.Anirudhan of Chicago, a preliminary
meeting was held in Washington D.C. to give shape to such an Umbrella. This historic
meeting was chaired by the then Indian Ambassador to United States and the present -
President of India, His Excellency K.R. Narayanan. This meeting achieved its
objective of sowing the seed for an organisation that would later come to be known as
'FOKANA'. |
| 1983 |
As its logical follow-up, first Kerala Convention was held during the
July 4th weekend in Newyork city, New York. Dr.Syed Muhammed, Indian High
Commissioner in London and Mr.Vayalar Ravi, Home Minister of Kerala, graced the occassion
by their presence. This convention through the active efforts of many prominent
Keralites, founded the Federation of Kerala Association in North America (FOKANA) by
uniting all the Kerala Associations in the continent. |
| 1986 |
The second FOKANA convention was held in Philadelphia. The keynote
speaker was the legendary literary maestro Sri.Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai. |
| 1988 |
The third FOKANA convention was held in Chicago, Illinois.
Thousands of malayalees got together for this convention. Prof. Sukumar Azheekode was the
chief guest and the keynote speaker. The world renowned film director Adoor
Gopalakrishnan was a speaaker at the convention. |
| 1990 |
The fourth convention was held on Orlando, Florida. The chief
guest was the Chief Minister of Kerala Mr.E.K. Nayanar. The keynote address was
delivered by Mr. K. Unnikrishnan, Central Cabinet Minister. |
| 1991 |
This year marked another milestone. The first Indian Youth
Leadership Conference was held in Washington D.C. |
| 1992 |
The fifth FOKANA convention was held in Washington D.C.
The convention initiated the now famous 'Bhashakkoru Dollar' concept. For the first time,
a FOKANA convention brought together more than a thousand youth from around the globe. |
| 1994 |
The sixth FOKANA convention was held in Toronto, Canada. More
than six thousand Malayalees attended. |
| 1996 |
The seventh FOKANA convention was held in Wyndham Anatole Hotel in
Dallas,Texas. More than eight thousand Malayalees attended. |
| 1998 |
The eighth FOKANA convention was held at Thunjanparambu - Rochester,
Newyork from July 1-5-1998. This time ten thousand delegates attended the function. |
| 2000 |
The 9th FOKANA convention was held at Senosail, California from June
30th to July 4th 2000. |
| 2001 |
The Interim FOKANA convention is being held at Kochi in Taj Malabar,
W.Island from August 10th to 12th, 2001. |
| 2002 |
The 10th FOKANA Convention is scheduled to held at Chicago U.S.A. |
Board of FOKANA
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