In a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the recent Pahalgam attack, residents of the Hill Garden housing societies in Thane West came together for a silent candlelight vigil on Friday evening. Over a hundred residents, along with several passersby, gathered within the complex to offer silent prayers and pay their respects to those who lost their lives.

The event was organized by the Hill Garden Ayyappa Bhakta Sangam (HGABS), a registered charitable organization, which took the initiative to coordinate the vigil. The atmosphere was somber yet united, as the community stood in solidarity with the victims and their families during this time of grief.



Hill Garden Residents Hold Candlelight Vigil for Pahalgam Attack Victims

Karan Johar’s latest release, Kesari Chapter 2, has stirred a national awakening by spotlighting the life of Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair — a long-forgotten icon of India’s freedom struggle. Nair, a towering legal and political figure, was the youngest President of the Indian National Congress (elected in 1897) and a relentless advocate for justice and reform during British rule.

Early Life and Education
Born on July 11, 1857, in Mankara, Palakkad district, to Parvathy Amma Chettur and Mammayil Ramunni Panicker, Sankaran Nair hailed from the prestigious matrilineal Nair family. He received traditional education at home and later attended schools in Malabar. After excelling at the Provincial School in Kozhikode, he earned his arts degree from Presidency College, Madras in 1877, followed by a law degree from Madras Law College in 1879.

Legal and Political Career
Nair began his law practice in 1880 and rose rapidly in stature. He served as Advocate-General of Madras (1906–1908) and was appointed a puisne judge in the Madras High Court in 1908, serving until 1915. Known for his progressive rulings, he notably upheld the rights of Hindu converts.

He was knighted in 1912 and served on the Viceroy’s Executive Council as the Education Member (1915–1919). He strongly opposed British autocracy, penning two critical Minutes of Dissent against British policies in 1919. Following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, he resigned from the Council in protest — a bold act that sent shockwaves through the British administration.

Role in the Freedom Movement
Nair presided over the Indian National Congress in 1897 and was an eloquent critic of British misrule. He later headed the Indian Central Committee to engage with the Simon Commission in 1928, calling for Dominion Status for India. He eventually retired from politics after the British announced Dominion Status as India's ultimate goal.

Literary and Editorial Work
Nair authored Gandhi and Anarchy, a controversial critique of Mahatma Gandhi’s methods, and founded journals like Madras Review and Madras Law Journal, promoting intellectual discourse.

Family and Legacy
Married to Palat Kunhimalu Amma (Lady Sankaran Nair), they had six children. His lineage includes eminent figures like Sir C. Madhavan Nair (son-in-law), diplomats K.P.S. Menon and Shivshankar Menon (descendants), Lt. Gen. K.P. Candeth (grandson), and NASA astronaut Anil Menon (great-great-grandson).

Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair passed away on April 24, 1934, aged 77. His courage, intellect, and principled stand against colonial injustice remain a powerful legacy.



Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair The Forgotten Crusader of Justice and Reform

The Maharashtra Council of the World Malayali Federation (WMF), a global organization founded in Austria in 2016, held a meeting in Dombivli to assess the progress of WMF in Maharashtra. With units in 168 countries, the Federation focuses on the socio-cultural welfare of Malayalees worldwide, aiming to unite them under one umbrella and expand its global presence.

Dr. Oommen David provided a detailed update on the current status of the Federation. In his welcome address, Dr. Roy John Mathew highlighted the positive global response to WMF's constructive efforts and outlined steps being taken to further its activities.

Shri Unnikrishna Kurup, responsible for membership, presented an update on the ongoing membership drive. Following the meeting, future gatherings are scheduled in Nashik and Pune.

Key participants in the discussions included Vice Presidents Bijoy Oommen and Sindhu Nair, Joint Secretaries N.T. Pilay and Adv. Rakhi Sunil, Joint Treasurer Manojkumar V.B., and Chief Coordinators Krishnakumar Nair, E.P. Vasu, Premlal, Manoy Ayyanethu, Laiji Varghese, Nisha Nair, Anthony Philip, Murali Peralasseri, Savio Augustine, Deepti Nair, Jayashree Menon, and Legal Advisor V.A. Mathew.

During the meet, WMF convenor Dr. Oommen David, President Roy John Mathew, and Secretary Dominic Paul honored E.P. Vasu, the President-Elect of Dombivli Keraleeya Samajam, Chairman-elect Varghese Daniel, and General Secretary-elect Rajasekharan Nair.

World Malayali Federation Holds Promotional Meeting in Dombivli, Maharashtra

Mrs. Deepa Bibish Nair’s sixth book, Madhura Naranga, her debut in children’s literature, was launched on Women’s Day, March 8, at Orchid Hall, Palghar. The book was released by social worker and philanthropist Adv. Rakhee Sunil, who handed it over to Malayalam Mission teacher Smita Nair. The event was attended by Mr. Mani K, Mr. Bibeesh Nair, Mr. Mohan Kumar, Mr. Gopinathan Unnithan, Mr. Muraleedharan Nair, and others.





Mrs Deepa Bibish Nairs childrens book Madhura Naranga launched on Womens Day in Palghar

The All India Malayali Association Maharashtra State Women's Wing celebrated International Women's Day on 8th March at the Bombay Keraleeya Samithi Malad. The event began with the lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome speech by Women’s Wing Convenor Rakhee Sunil, who emphasized the importance of the day and managed the program proceedings. The Presidential address was delivered by Shri T.A. Khalid, who praised women's contributions.

Women achievers were felicitated, including Mrs. Karthiyani Menon (Secretary, Jehangir Art Gallery), Adv. Padma Divakaran (Retd. Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax and Social Worker), Dr. Smita S. Chavan (COVID Warrior, Seven Hills Hospital, now Professor at Copper Hospital), Savita Thombare (Senior Police Inspector), and Archana Shukla (Business Correspondent with BBC World News). They shared their inspiring stories and experiences.

An EFT session was conducted by Prof. Prathma Nemani, which was enjoyed by all. Songs celebrating women were performed by members. The event was attended by AIMA and Bombay Keraleeya Samithi Malad committee members, as well as guests. Shri P.N. Muralidharan, Shri M.S. Das, Shri K.P. Gopalakrishnan, and Shri E. Chandran also spoke on the occasion.

With over 60 attendees, the program was a success and concluded with a sumptuous lunch.

International Womens Day Celebration by AIMA Maharashtra Womens Wing

Bombay Yogakshema Sabha marked its Golden Jubilee, Disha@50, on February 23 at Dombivli Model College, paying tribute to the legendary Kathakali Acharya, Nelliyode Vasudevan Namboothiri. The event featured a captivating performance of *Sita Swayamvaram*, with prominent Kathakali artists like Kalakshetram Priya Namboothiri and others gracing the stage. The evening also included heartfelt memories shared by artists who worked closely with the late Acharya. The event, which attracted a large audience from across Mumbai, celebrated the rich legacy of Kathakali and the Sabha’s cultural contributions.

Bombay Yogakshema Sabha Marks Golden Jubilee with Kathakali Tribute

Renowned Malayalam writer and filmmaker M.T. Vasudevan Nair, who had been battling heart failure, passed away on December 25 at a private hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala. He was 91. M.T., known for his evocative storytelling and cinematic contributions, authored iconic works like Naalukettu, Asuravithu, and Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, winning numerous awards including the Jnanpith Award in 1995 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005. His death marks an irreplaceable loss for Malayalam literature and cinema. Tributes have poured in from across the world, with Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Arif Mohammed Khan praising his towering legacy.

M T Vasudevan Nair Literary Icon and Jnanpith Award Winner Passes Away at 91

In a recent development, it has been announced that Dr. K.J. Yesudas will not be able to perform on December 14th at Ayyappa Temple, Shell Colony, Chembur, During the Mandala Pooja Celebrations due to personal reasons. While he requested to reschedule for January 2025, logistical constraints have made it impossible to accommodate the request.

However, fans need not worry, as Shri Vijay Yesudas will be performing on the scheduled date. He will be joined by a talented lineup of singers, including Reemi Tomy, Nithya Mammen, and Kaushik, along with Bennet and the Band providing musical support. Organizers are confident that the revised performance will be a memorable and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

The event promises to be a grand success, and organizers thank devotees for their continued support.

Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa.

Change in Lineup  Shri Vijay Yesudas to Perform on December 14th

The iconic Malayalam films Neelakkuyil (1954) and Bhargavi Nilayam (1964) hold a special place in Kerala's cinematic history, both scripted by literary giants P.C. Kuttikrishnan (Uroob) and Vaikom Mohammed Basheer. Produced by T.K. Pareekutty under Chandratara Productions, Neelakkuyil was a breakthrough with a budget of Rs. 1.36 lakh, while Bhargavi Nilayam was directed by Vincent and featured haunting songs by Baburaj.

Neelakkuyil, based on Uroob's Kannada adaptation, had a remarkable 100-day run in theaters. It won the Second Best Film award from the Indian government and featured legendary songs like "Kayalarikathu." The film marked the beginning of a successful partnership between Uroob and the crew, including music director Raghavan and actor Sathyan.

Bhargavi Nilayam, adapted from Basheer's works, was a milestone for director Vincent and actor Madhu. The film's captivating dialogues and melodious Hindustani music resonated with audiences, further solidifying Basheer’s place in cinema. Both films were marked by innovative filmmaking and memorable performances, remaining cherished in Kerala’s cinematic legacy.

Neelakkuyil and Bhargavi Nilayam Milestones in Malayalam Cinema

Mumbai Malayalai Sahitya Charcha Vedi will hold its monthly Sahitya Charcha on Sunday, December 1st, 2024, from 4:30 PM onwards at Kerala Bhavanam, Matunga. Renowned writer Smt. Vijaya Menon will present her stories during the event. For more details, contact 9820425553.

Mumbai Malayalai Sahitya Charcha Vedi to Host Monthly Literary Discussion on December 1st

<p>In a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the recent Pahalgam attack, residents of the Hill Garden housing societies in Thane West came together for a silent candlelight vigil on Friday evening. Over a hundred residents, along with several passersby, gathered within the complex to offer silent prayers and pay their respects to those who lost their lives.</p>
<p>The event was organized by the Hill Garden Ayyappa Bhakta Sangam (HGABS), a registered charitable organization, which took the initiative to coordinate the vigil. The atmosphere was somber yet united, as the community stood in solidarity with the victims and their families during this time of grief.</p>
