Dear , Season’s Greetings!! I am honored and have great pride in serving the Greater Washington Malayalee community this year as the 37th President of Kerala Association of Greater Washington (KAGW). I thank you for the confidence you have in me and wanted to let you know that I have a great team of talented volunteers willing to dedicate their time and energy to wholeheartedly serve the community.
The world is an increasingly interconnected place, busy with mobility and rapid changes. Families are relocating, immigrants are settling in, and rural areas and industrial towns are being transformed through global economic shifts. A sense of community is not something many of us can take for granted anymore. In this context, KAGW is committed to help people to remember and celebrate their shared experiences, traditions, identities, struggles, and aspirations
-Shaju
On January 7th, 2012 80 volunteers from
the Malayali and KAGW community volunteered to cook over 4500 meals
for the homeless and less fortunate in the District. The DC Central
Kitchen states its mission as, “to use food as a tool to strengthen
bodies, empower minds, and build communities”. Coming together to
serve and help those in need also enables us to reinforce our bonds
and strengthen our community. The teamwork and collaboration needed to
coordinate and successfully complete the tasks of the day was at its
best. 
This effort not only included
volunteering time but also generous donations from participants and
those who could not attend. This event indeed encompassed individuals
and organizations across the DC Metro area. KAGW would like to take
this opportunity to thank organizations like NSGW, SNMC, Immanuel
Marthoma Church of Sterling, St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church of
Silver Spring and Manrunadan Malayali Muslims for not only supporting
but for actively participating. The breadth of individuals
participating in this event was apparent in the different age groups
which were represented. The KAGW youth President Parvathy Panakkal a 5
year veteran at this event noted, everyone is, “working together….and
it is a good experience combined with fun”. The 10th and 11th graders she brought with her and also the much younger volunteers were eagerly working for the larger cause. As the KAGW Social Service Team led by Dr. Nayanan Valappil coordinates many such volunteer opportunities during the year, we are sure that the overwhelming response like this one will be the norm. Dr. Valappil correctly observes that the KAGW organization is, “unique” as these social events are “easy to organize as plenty of people are willing to volunteer”. This truly represents the characteristic enthusiasm of the KAGW community.
KAGW is pleased to inform you
thatapplications are now being accepted for the U.S. Department
of State's Fall 2012 Student Internship Program. Click here
(http://careers.state.gov/students/programs) to read more about the
Student Internship Program, and to start the Gateway to State online
application process. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is March 02, 2012. To be eligible for this program, you must be:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a full- or part-time continuing college or university junior, or graduate student (including graduating seniors intending to go on to graduate school).
- Have good academic standing
- Successfully complete a background investigation
- Be able to receive either a Secret or Top Secret clearance.
The 10th annual Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas was held between January 7th and 9th, by the Indian government
in an effort to reach out to the 28 million Indians overseas. The
event had a participation of 1800 delegates from 50 countries. On the much awaited NRI voting rights, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh announced that non-resident Indians will now be allowed to vote in the Indian elections. The government has issued notifications for registration of overseas voters under the Representaion of People Act.
The government has also initiated an effort to spruce up its existing People of Indian Origin and Overseas Citizen of India schemes. The two schemes will now be merged, thus rectifying some problems and overlaps between the two. Foreign spouses of overseas Indian cardholders will now become eligible for the overseas citizen of India cards.
Some of the other highlights of the event were: the discussion of the increase in workers going to work in the Gulf from North India including Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, the social security agreements with various European nations which benefit the Indian professionals who work there and a new undertaking by the ministry of overseas Indian Affairs for an ethnographic study of the vast and diverse body of people of Indian Origin in the world. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas this year also launched a new pension and life insurance fund for overseas Indian workers by the government.
| Indian Republic Day Celebrations. |  |
 The Indian American community of the
Washington, DC, metropolitan area celebrated India’s Republic Day on
Saturday, January 28, 2012, at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, 7601
Hanover Parkway, Greenbelt, Maryland, from 3 p.m. onwards. Her
excellency Nirupama Rao – Ambassador of India, was the chief guest
in this event, which featured a variety of patriotic songs, folk
music, dances and other cultural shows from different parts of
India. The theme of celebrations this year is “India, a Global Power”. Special tributes will be paid to the leaders and people of India, who have made the country’s reawakening possible. |
 As the IRS is tightening its rules, tax
preparation is no longer easy as earlier. We are glad to inform you
that Integrated Consultancy Services, (ICS, Inc.) a well known firm
of tax prepares in Maryland, running under the leadership of Siv
Unnikumaran, CPA for the past 20 years is now operating from
it's branch office in Fairfax, VA. Get your taxes done by
people who know you. For more information, Contact: Sojan Alex 2968 Oakleigh Lane, Oakton, VA 22124 Phone: 703-281-1020 (Off) 202-460-1513 (Cell) E-mail: sojanalex1@yahoo.com |
Videsha Vicharam |
 Vinson Palathinkal – KAGW former
president, featured on Asianet's ‘Videshavicharam’ program on Dec
7th 2011. In his interview with the host, former Ambassador Mr. T.P
Sreenivasan, Vinson elaborated on the issues facing ‘Pravasi
Malayalees’, especially in the USA. Interviews can be found at: Part
1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2efDTrXQid8
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HbSJXo1qw4
Details of Pravasi Action council is at: http://www.pravasiaction.com/ |
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Centreville based St.Jude
Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission of Northern Virginia community
celebrated Christmas and New Year program in an exquisite way on
January, 8 2012. The event was conducted at J. Michael Lunsford
Middle school, Chantilly. Fr. Lijoy Thannickal gave the
Christmas message. The highlights of the program were the launch
of the official church website portal (www.stjudenva.com) and the
launch of St.Jude Capital Fund Raising program of Asianet Stage
Show, both by mission director Fr.Joseph Elamparayil. Celebrations
were spiced up with various cultural entertainment programs by
Kids, Youth and Adults showcasing their tremendous talents.
Programs depicting the message of Christmas were performed through
various songs, musical dances, Skits, instrumental shows to name a
few.
Vibha, a non-profit organization is
holding the Vibha DC Spelling Bee on 4th of March 2012 at Nysmith
School for the Gifted in Herndon, VA. 
Math competence is a fundamental skill
for success in a student’s life. Yet, our schools fail to educate our
students adequately in this area. According to a recently released
report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP),
only 39% of our 4th graders and only 34% of our 8th graders are
proficient in Math. In addition, the NAEP ranked Washington DC’s math standards as 35th in the country. To help our community students improve their math competence, the Kerala Association of Greater Washington (KAGW) has partnered with myQBook LLC, a premier online Math enrichment program. myQBook has generously agreed to provide free access to their programs to our community for the next six months. By using the myQBook program on a regular basis, our students can significantly improve their math competence. To take advantage of this offer, please visit www.myqbook.com and signup using the ambassador code “INDQBOOK”.
At the end of the six month, the KAGW will try to organize our first ever math competition in collaboration with myQBook. This math competition will be focused on students’ mental math capabilities. More details about the competition will be provided in the next few months. In the mean time, parents interested in improving their student’s math skills can register on www.myqbook.com and get their students started on myQBook’s industry leading math programs. If you have any questions about this offer or the myQBook program please send an email to info@myqbook.com.
KAGW organized a grand reception for Pravasi
Affairs Minister Mr. Vayalar Ravi in Washinton on January 23rd,
Monday. Prominent Malayali community leaders and many executives from
Washington area Malayali organizations participated in the event.
During the event, Mr. Ravi explained the vision and projects 
undertaken by the Pravasi Ministry to
cater for the large number of NRIs all over the world. He praised
organizations like KAGW for bringing NRI issues into forefront. Mr.
Ravi also stressed the necessity of imparting our mother tongue to
younger generations. NRI ministry’s US representative, Mr. Ranbeer
Sing introduced the minister to the audience. Dr. Parthasarathi
Pillai, Sunny Vyclif, Shaju Sivabalan (KAGW President), Nirar Bashir,
Suresh Raj, Mini Sathyanath, Binoy Thomas, Manoj Sreenilayam and
Joseph Pothen were some of the notable names who were present during
the event.
Washington DC-based band, “Bye June” has recently
released its new music video, ‘Shades of Purple’. Former KAGW President Sati Achath did the shadow choreography for the album. This is the very first time, the ancient art of shadowgraphy is employed in a music video. Please watch the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehE6wuc9C1s
Hari will be leaving to India tonight. Let's all pray for the departed soul and please keep Hari and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
- To amend the constitution to allow a multi-chair organization of the entertainment committee. The nomination committee shall have the flexibility and the authority to nominate between one (1) and three (3) chairs for the executive committee. This should be considered as a notice for the amendment. The 2012 entertainment committee will be expanded to include Reena Philip, Haridas Nambiar and Rony Thomas as chairs for entertainment committee.
- To ratify the proposal to include a Board of Advisors. The executive committee discussed a proposal to appoint a committee to craft appropriate structure and constitutional language for the Board of Advisors. Manoj Sreenilayam will prepare the document for review. The listed individuals - Dr T. Divakaran, Shaju Sivabalan, Manoj Sreenilayam, Rejive Joseph, Jose Thomas , Prem Nair and Lakshmikutty Panicker will review the document
 |
 Kerala Governor M.O.H.
Farook Thursday passed away in a private hospital in Chennai due to
multiple myeloma - a cancer of plasma cells - at the age of 75,
officials said. A seven-day state mourning has been declared in Kerala. Farook was recently granted leave to go for medical treatment to Chennai. The Kerala government has declared a holiday for all state government offices and the central government offices in the state capital will not function as well. |
KAGW
presents the much anticipated event of the year Talent Time 2012 on April 14 - (literary/fine arts
competitions) and April 28 (performing
arts and Kerala Queen competitions). Please mark your calendars!!! This is a unique opportunity for the kids of all age groups from tiny tots to teens , youth and adults to showcase their talent and win fabulous prizes. For accomplished performers, this is your best chance to cement your numero uno status in the community. For budding artists, this could be your lucky break that could catapult you to star status. And for those whose talents have not yet been discovered, this is a comfortable excuse to uncover them in a very congenial, homely setup. Watch this newsletter for further updates.