{The contents of this article are obtained from various PRAVASI magazines issued by Kerala Social Center during the last decade. Any erroneous information is regretted}
The year 1997 is a turning point in history. As India celebrates 50 years of its independence and liberation from foreign intervention, the Malayalee society of Abu Dhabi tantamount to this event is celebrating 25 glorious years of the formation of Kerala Social Center.
Kerala Social Center has been a substantial element not only for the Malayalee society but for the entire Indian Community residing in the U.A.E. The contribution ranges from the impetus for the formation of an Indian School in the Middle East to inspiring the Indian government for the formation of separate foreign affairs cell to look into the conditions of Malayalee citizens residing outside the country. From a mere literary cultural organization, Kerala Social Center has ascended to a status of organization representing the entire malayalee civilization residing in U.A.E during its three decades of its existence.
The exodus of the Malayalee community into the Middle East began in the early 1960’s.
Hardworking, full of confidence and daring, the malayalees arriving in the Middle East were also culturally sophisticated. Working alone was not sufficient for the subsistence of life but entertainment and knowledge had its priority was recognized by a group of civilized individuals thereby nourishing and pampering this organization to move forward in spite of all the difficulties. Thus Kerala Social Center kept high the morals and standards of a magnificent socio-cultural organization becoming a symbol of the cultural evolution due to the dedication and contribution of its members. The proposal for a separate building for the organization to organize and schedule its work was thus born and its initial plans had already started being implemented.
The Center started building its new complex in 1994 during the month of June with an initial sum not even a quarter of the estimated proposal. But the realization of a much awaited dream, a separate complex for the Center, remained the sole motto for its hardcore sincere and dedicated members as a result of which a lot of external aid from various groups poured in thereby the fulfillment of this dream became a reality. Thus on 1995 November 19, a renovated KSC had started functioning days before the announced date. On November 22, 1996 the then Honorable Chief Minister Shri E.K Nayannar inaugurated the complex. Thus a new K.S.C was born.Kerala Social Center had played a pivotal role during the Gulf war in 1991, during the public pardon in 1996 and thereby establishing its diplomacy during the three decades of its establishment. Located in the centre of Abu Dhabi city with an estimated amount over one and a half crore Indian rupees ,with an auditorium that could accommodate more than 1500 people, a newspaper reading room, a library, a mini auditorium housing more than 500 people are some of the characteristics of this organization. Along with the religious festivals, Kerala Social Center has always been active throughout the year through various modes which includes arrival of political and cultural leaders form Kerala, music concerts, dance festivals and so on. Thus, Kerala Social Center has become a backbone for the political and culturally informed Malayalee community residing in Abu Dhabi
