1790 - 1982

The first recorded arrival of an Indian visitor to America (Salem, Massachusetts) was on December 29, 1790. Ever since, people from India have settled in United States. The immigration Act of 1960 gave an impetus to this. According to the latest census, there are 13 million Indian Americans in the U.S of which around 300,000 are Keralites. Several of these sons and daughters of Kerala have been recognized in American public life for their outstanding professional excellence. It was during the seventies that Malayali organizations started sprouting up all over the U.S. and Canada. As a manifestation of the nostalgic but creative Malayali mind, these organizations very soon became the golden chariots for the unique values of Kerala culture and heritage. Before long the need for the formulation of an umbrella organization bringing all the Kerala cultural organizations found an expression.

1982

Under the initiative of Dr.M.Anirudhan of Chicago, a preliminary meeting was held in Washington D.C. to give shapes to such an umbrella. This historic meeting was chaired by the then Indian Ambassador to United States and the present Vice President of India, His Excellency K.R Narayanan. This meeting achieved its objective of sowing the seed for an organization that would later come to be known as 'FOKANA'.

1983

As its logical follow-up the first Kerala Convention as held during the July 4th weekend in New York City, New York. Dr. Syed Muhammaed, Indian High Commissioner in London and Mr. Vayalar Ravi, Home Minister of Kerala, graced the occasion by their presence. This convention, through the active efforts of many prominent Keralites, founded the Federation of Kerala Associations in North America (FOKANA) by uniting all the Kerala Associations in the Continent.

1986

The second FOKANA Convention was held in Philadelphia. The keynote speaker was the legendary literary maestro Sri Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai.

1988

The third FOKANA convention was held in Chicago, Illinois. Thousands of Malayalees got together for this convention. Prof. Sukumar Azhicode was the chief guest and keynote speaker. The world renowned film director Adoor Gopalakrishnan was a speaker at the convention.

1990

The fourth convention was held in Orlando, Florida. The chief guest was the Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. E.K. Nayanar. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. K.P. Unnikrishnan, Central Cabinet Minister.

1991

This year marked another milestone. The first Indian Youth Leadership Conference was held in Washington D.C.

1992

The fifth international convention was held in Washington D.C. The convention initiated the now famous “Bhashakkoru Dollar “ Concept. For the first time a FOKANA convention brought together more than a thousand youth from around the globe.

1993

A Youth Conference cum 10th Anniversary of FOKANA was held in New York. Celebrations were well organized and appreciated by all participants

1994

The sixth FOKANA convention was held in Toronto, Canada. More than six thousand Malayalees got together. Prominent leaders from Kerala and Canada attended the four day convention.

1995

A youth conference was held at the University of Houston. Hon. Minister T.M. Jacob from Kerala was the chief guest.

1996

The seventh FOKANA International Convention was held at the Wyndhan Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas from July 3 - 7, 1996. The five day convention held at the Anatole hotel broke all FOKANA records. Prominent leaders of Kerala like Chief Minister E.K. Nayanar, Meghalaya Governor M.M. Jacob, Kerala Education Minister P.J. Joseph attended the convention making it a landmark in the history of FOKANA. Numerous writers from Kerala (Punathil Kunjabdulla, M. Mukundan, M.K. Madhavankutty, D. Vinayachandran, Sreekumaran Thambi) made the literary conference memorable. Presence of US Ambassador Naresh Chandra and American congressman Martin Frost elevated the importance of Kerala community in America. A project “Home for Homeless” in Kerala was initiated and hundreds of homes were built in Kerala.

1998

New York region hosted the eighth International convention at Rochester Convention center. This convention witnessed for the biggest crowd in the history of FOKANA. Three hotels were booked for the convention needs. Prominent leaders of Kerala attended the convention. Justice K.T. Thomas (Supreme Court of India), and Deputy Chief of Mission T.P Sreenivasan were the Chief guests for the convention.

2000

Ninth international convention went the West Cost of America and was hosted by the Malayalee Association of Northern California. The convention hosted at San Jose, CA, which is the Silicon Valley of America, gave adequate importance to business conference. American as well as Indian political and civic leaders participated in the convention. Central Minister from India Hon. O. Rajagopal and Governor of Tamil Nadu Fatima Beevi were among the chief guests. Padmasree Dr. Jesudas was specially recognized during his 60th birthday. San Jose convention broke all the financial records of FOKANA and brought the highest net balance from the convention.

2001

FOKANA for the first time in its history is going to host an International convention at Cochin, Kerala. Convention will be held from August 10-12 at the Taj – Malabar hotel. International leaders and business community is expected to participate in the convention.

2002

Some Highlights

The following are some of the various activities, schemes and programs FOKANA has initiated.

• FOKANA conducts youth leadership conferences, workshops, and seminars to develop, sharpen, and enhance leadership skills, political awareness, and civic responsibilities among the Kerala youth. The activities are designed to address the problems faced by the Kerala youth in adjusting to the transitory life style of America.”

Political Education

• FOKANA has initiated a “Voter Registration’ drive to augment political and social awareness.
• FOKANA working with other Indian American organization, is working to obtain dual citizenship.
• FOKANA’s efforts have lead to some youth members working as interns in the US Congress.
• From 1991 FOKANA has initiated the establishment of Kerala Centers around the country.

Literary Activities

• Literary discourse and promotion of Malayalam language and literature.
• Regular participation in conventions of literary stalwarts, noted poets, veteran journalists, award winning novelists, and social reformers from Kerala.
• Poetry reading, Malyalam literary discussion groups, Malayalam classes, musical concerts, and dance programs on various occasions
• “Bhashakkoru Dollar” (a Dollar for my language) is widely acclaimed by Keralites around the globe.
• National competitions, scholarships and awards to students and budding literary talents in Kerala.

Education

• Cash Awards (Rs. 10,001.00) and merit certificates to the first five S.S.L.C. (Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examination) rank holders in Kerala in 1995.
• Special Cash certificates for those attaining highest marks in Malayalam language in S.S.L.C. examination.

International Program Participation

In 1995, FOKANA and AKMG (Association of Kerala Medical Graduates in North America) collaborated to establish joint participation between Kerala Medical Colleges and Loma Linda Medical University. Loma Linda, California for developing modern services in trauma and health care in all six Medical Colleges in Kerala. “FOKANA and AKMG are collaborating with the National Press Club, Washington D.C. and Trivandrum Press Club in Kerala to facilitate satellite communication links, seminars, exchange of journalists and sharing of information. “FOKANA, Montgomery County in Maryland, and Kerala Government are doing a study and program planning in waste management.

Rajiv Gandhi Foundation USA, Inc.

“FOKANA was actively involved in the inauguration of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, USA Inc. in Washington D.C. in 1995.

The White House Reception

“FOKANA’s secretary, J. John (Sunny) Wycliffe was one of the invitees to the May 15, 1995 White House Reception given by First Lady, Mrs. Hilary Clinton. Mrs. Clinton was briefed and invited to the first day of the seventh FOKANA convention celebration of the golden jubilee of American citizenship to the Indians.