Welcome to the web site of Chicago Malayalee Association, established in 1972, a non-profit cultural organization, registered in the state of Illinois representing Malayalee community in the Midwest region, especially in the state of Illinois and Greater Chicago land. As of 2014, this organization has almost 1400 registered members.
Chicago Malayalee Association is the oldest Malayalee Association in US and largest considering the number of members and activities. This association has purchased its own office last year and the address of the Office of Chicago Malayalee Association is 834 E Rand Rd, Suite 13, Mount Prospect, IL-60056
The purpose of the Association shall be to promote Social, cultural, charitable, educational and literary activities among the Malayalees of Metropolitan Chicago area and all over Illinois and Midwest region and to organize co-operative and charitable activities in the general interest and well being of the members of the association as and when required, and to coordinate, such activities with other communities
Association is trying to preserve and promote Indian culture-especially Kerala culture- through various festivals and events organized throughout the year. For example, Onam festival, Kerala Piravi (Kerala State Formation Day- (November 1st ), Christmas and New year Celebration, Kalamela/ Yuvajanolsavam, Indian Independence Day Parade, Picnic, Basketball tournament, Volleyball tournament, Cheettukali Malsaram (Cards game), Socio-cultural symposium, Seniors Forum, Charcha Vedi (Debate Forum) MahilaVedhi (Womens Forum).
Malayalees-came from the southernmost state of India, Kerala. Kerala state also known as “God’s own country” because of the stunning landscape of green paddy field, tall coconut trees, clean backwaters, rivers and green forests throughout the state. Our native language is “Malayalam” and so the name “Malayalees” or other young Indians call us “Mallus”. Our state produces several types of spices – Black pepper, Ginger, Cardamom, Turmeric, etc. From ancient time onwards, our state has trade routes to Middle East, China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and to even Europe. Other names associated with Kerala state are “ India’s Malabar coast”, and “Land of Adi- Sankara”.
The new leadership took charge on 23rd October 2016 is planning to start ESL classes for those who needs help in learning English language, Do training for the citizenship interviews, try to help the people to apply for the OCI card and renew it and also to start workshops with the help of Indian Embassy, Promote the awareness of the people to register to vote in the US Elections, to publish the obituary news if needed etc. Also Planning to participate in Food drive, cloth drive, adopt a high way programs in addition to other charitable works
We expect cooperation and support from all of you to make this association a vibrant one and doing activities for the benefit of the society we are living in.