From the Desk of General Secretary

In the early 1950s the young and energetic Malayalees came to Raipur in search of jobs. They established their powerful presence at most of the Government offices as well as private organizations. Some of them even established their own business. In order to keep the rich culture and traditions of Kerala alive they assembled together and decided to celebrate Onam and Christmas festivals. Their urge to bring all Malayalees under one roof, forced them to form a socio cultural organization styled as “Raipur Kerala Samajam” in the year 1957.

The constitution of Samajam got registered with the erstwhile Madhya Pradesh under Firms and Societies on 29th November 1968. While adopting the first constitution a twelve member committee was constituted with Shri P.T. Chacko as its President, Shri K.N. Raja as Vice President, Shri A.K. Pillai as Secretary, Shri M.A. Pailey as its treasurer and Shri V.Purushothaman, Shri K.T. Sugathan, Shri N.M.R.C. Nair, Shri K.K. Raja, Shri K.D. Raja, Shri C.N. Sukumaran and Shri K.M. Jacob as committee members.

Hailing from a literate state, the members were desirous of entering into the field of education ever since its inception. After multiple meetings and discussions a unanimous decision was taken  to start a school of its own. It took its its final shape in the meeting held at the office of the United Tyre Works, Moudhapara of which Shri N.R. Unni was the proprietor. Due to financial constraints the General Body of Raipur Kerala Samajam constituted a five member committee for fund raising with Shri K.U. Ramakrishnan as Convener and Shri T.N.Chandrashekharan, Shri N.R. Unni, Shri S.Ramachandran and Shri K.G. Nambiar as its members.

Inspite of financial crunches, the members toiled hard physically and mentally and finally in the year 1974 a small school took shape with pre-primary sections in rented premises at Jail Road, Raipur in the name and style of “Adarsh Vidyalaya” with an initial strength of 124 students. The school grew year by year adding one class every year and subsequently shifted to its own building at Devendra Nagar in the year 1991. Later on three more schools have been established i.e. at Tatibandh,(1994), Mowa (2004) and Nava Raipur Atal Nagar (2016). Currently our schools hold a combined student strength of more than 5,500 students. Quality education at affordable fees is our success mantra.

Carrying the legacy forward the samajam is still celebrating Onam and Christmas festivals every year. Arts and Sports competitions are being conducted to encourage the members. Professional troops from Kerala as well as the artists of Raipur have staged drama, kadha prasangam, orchestra, mimicry and many other different cultural programs at Raipur. Malayalam language vacation learning classes are being conducted every year and a Malayalam library is also being run. Prominent writers, leaders from Kerala, Honourable Governors, Chief Ministers, Ministers and other leaders of Union as well State have been felicitated by the samajam at various occasions.

Remembering the unhindered commitment, services and dedication of founder members as well as the subsequent honorable office bearers, executive committee members and many others who have worked behind the scene since inception to till date without which the Samajam would not have grown up to such heights.

With best wishes to the website being launched. Hope this website will keep the samajam members updated.

Dr. Jacob Sakarih

General Secretary