PUNE, July 2: Things really took shape only when the Poona Keraleeya Samajam was registered and started functioning as the representative of Malayali culture in Pune. A considerable minority of defence personnel set out to form an association for obvious reasons - for preserving and propagating their parochial identity.Says M N Nair, vice-president of the Samajam, ``In those days there was a flurry of activity. We had drama troupes, Kathakali performances and numerous other socio-cultural activities. The vast majority of Malayalis were concentrated in Rasta Peth where we had our registered office. It was possible then for people to come for functions everyday.''Nair laments that industrialisation and city expansion forced people into farther areas leaving them with no time to travel all the way to Rasta Peth. The early migrants were still steeped in their cultural identity to involve themselves in these activities. Like all new migrant communities there was a strong need to merge with the locals while still retaining their ethnic identity.Pune boasts of over two lakh Malayalis and the Samajam considers itself as one of the early representatives of the community. Adds Nair, ``Our association does not have any religious or political overtones. Our aim is to preserve our cultural heritage.'' There are over 250 life members and a number of annual members. But these are mainly recent migrants trying to bridge that cultural gap. And a distinct feature is the presence of older set of members.The Samajam jointly runs a school called the Jawaharlal Nehru Education Society High School. The school however does not cater exclusively to the Malayalis. Nair points out that students who perform exceptionally well are duly felicitated. In recent years the Samajam has started organising Onam Sadya, an elaborate luncheon that is an accompaniment of the festival celebrations. It has also seen the performance of the traditional Kai Kotti Kali by an enthusiastic group of young women. A monthly issue of the Pune Kairali, no longer in print, used to update the community with the local activities.T A Menon, a veteran life member of the Samajam, claims that he just went with the flow 20 years ago to participate in the activities. He admits that he has been quite inactive as a member for the want of time and health considerations more recently. ``I feel that such associations are necessary because a community support system is needed at times of crisis. Besides the celebrations and other activities help to preserve a united front.''``What the Samajam needs is the involvement of younger people,'' says Nair wistfully. He speaks of a growing generation that is unfamiliar with the cultural legacy of their native land. According to him the youngsters are most comfortable with the cosmopolitan setup and have no time for traditions. The mushrooming of numerous religious and cultural institutions in the city have drawn people away from the Samajam that was hitherto the sole representative of Malayali culture. Members are hopeful that perhaps involvement by new migrants or an awareness of the cultural bounty of the native state might rekindle the interests of the present generation and help keep alive that glorious tradition.
