History Of Federation Of Kerala Association In North America
Federation Of Kerala Association In North America (FOKANA)
1790 – 1982
The first recorded arrival of an Indian visitor to America (Salem, Massachusetts) was on December 29, 1790. Since then, people from India have continued to settle in the United States. The Immigration Act of 1960 further encouraged this migration. According to the latest estimates, there are around one million Keralites living in North America. Many of these sons and daughters of Kerala have been recognized in American public life for their outstanding professional achievements. It was during the 1970s that Malayali organizations began to emerge across the U.S. and Canada. As a testament to the nostalgic yet creative Malayali spirit, these organizations soon became vital carriers of Kerala’s unique cultural values and heritage. Before long, the need arose for an umbrella organization to unite all the Kerala cultural organizations, bringing this vision to life.
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
1994
The Sixth international convention was held in Toronto, Canada.
1996
The Seventh international convention was held in Wyndham Anatole Dallas, TX.
1998
The Eighth international convention was held in River Side Convention Center, Rochester NY.
2000
The Tenth international convention was held in Fremont, CA.
2002
The Eleventh international convention was held in Sheraton, Chicago, IL.
2004
The Twelfth international convention was held in New Jersey.
2006
The Thirteenth international convention was held in Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando, FL.
2008
The Thirteenth international convention was held in Valley Forge, PA.
2010
The Fourteenth international convention was held in Albany, NY.
2012
The Fifteenth international convention was held in Hilton, Houston, Texas.
2014
The Sixteenth international convention was held in Hyatt Regency Chicago.
2016
The Seventeenth international convention was held in Hilton, Toronto.
2018
The Eighteenth international convention was held in Pennsylvania.
2020
Convention cancelled due to Global COVID Pandemic
2022
The Nineteenth international convention was held in Orlando, Florida under the leadership of Mr. Georgy Varughese – President and Sajimon Antony – General Secretary
2024
The twentieth international convention was held in Washington, DC under the leadership of Dr. Babu Stephen – President and Dr. Kala Shahi – General Secretary