Delhi’s Kerala Club: a legacy older than the state

All those who walk through Connaught Place must have noticed the signboard of Kerala Club in M Block of the Outer Circle. For many, it is just another name among the many offices and establishments in the area.

But for the Malayali community in the capital, Kerala Club is much more than that. It is a historic meeting place, a cultural centre, and a symbol of identity that has stood strong for decades.

Name that endures

Currently, there have been discussions in Kerala about changing the state’s name from “Kerala” to “Keralam”.

However, there is no such proposal when it comes to Kerala Club. The club has proudly carried its name since its establishment in 1939. What makes this even more remarkable is that when the club was founded, India was still under British rule, and the state of Kerala did not even exist.

“Kerala Club is older than the state of Kerala itself. The state was officially formed on November 1, 1956, when the regions of Travancore-Cochin and Malabar were merged on a linguistic basis under the States Reorganisation Act. This was an important moment in India’s history, as it marked the beginning of organising states based on language,” says veteran author and journalist AJ Phillip, a key member of the club.

Long before the birth of Kerala, Malayalis in north India had already begun building a sense of unity and community through Kerala Club. A vital figure behind the club’s formation was VP Menon, a close associate and adviser of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. During the crucial years of India’s Independence, Menon played a major role in integrating more than 500 princely states into the Indian Union. He was also the founding president of Kerala Club.

The idea of the club first took shape in 1939 during an Onam celebration held at the house of KPS Menon in Shimla. What began as a festive gathering gradually developed into a formal organisation. Eventually, the club was established in Connaught Place.

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Cultural anchor

From the beginning, Kerala Club has been a special space for the Malayali community. It has hosted cultural programmes, literary discussions, social events, and traditional celebrations. Onam festivities, in particular, have remained an important part of its calendar, bringing together families and friends in a spirit of shared heritage.

Over the years, the club has grown steadily and now has more than 500 active members. Despite changes in time and society, it remains a vibrant hub of activity.

The walls of Kerala Club tell stories of the community’s contribution to Delhi and the nation. Portraits of revered community figures hang there, reminding visitors of their legacy. One prominent figure among them is C Krishna Nair. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Outer Delhi in 1952 and 1957 as a Congress candidate. Known in Delhi as the “Gandhi of the villages”, Nair worked tirelessly for the welfare of the masses.

Political legacy

C Krishna Nair played an important role in the creation of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). As a Member of Parliament, he repeatedly raised the issue of affordable housing in the Lok Sabha. He demanded that a government body be set up to provide houses at reasonable prices to the people of Delhi. His persistent efforts led to the formation of the DDA.

Interestingly, despite his public achievements and participation in Mahatma Gandhi’s historic Dandi March, Nair himself lived in a rented house throughout his life. His simplicity and dedication left a lasting impact.

According to Prof Sakhi John, an active member of the club and a professor at Jamia Hamdard University, there is no plan to change the club’s name.

For its members, “Kerala Club” is not just a title; it is a link to history. The name reflects the journey of Malayalis in Delhi and the unity they have maintained over generations.

Other landmarks

Kerala Club is not the only symbol of Kerala’s presence in the capital. Another important landmark is Travancore House, also known as Cochin House, located on Kasturba Gandhi Marg near Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan School.

Built around 1930, it once served as the residence of the Maharaja of Travancore. Today, it belongs to the Kerala government and has been renovated in recent years. The building now houses facilities such as an art gallery, conference hall, seminar hall, and digital library. It has become a major cultural centre for Malayalis in Delhi.

Next to Travancore House stands Kerala School, the first Kerala school in Delhi, established in 1957. The school was started with the inspiration of EMS Namboodiripad, who became Kerala’s first Chief Minister in the same year. The Kerala Education Society founded the institution, with AM Thomas, then a minister in the Government of India, serving as president and cartoonist PKS Kutty as secretary. The school was inaugurated on the auspicious day of Vijayadashami.

Over the years, Kerala School has earned a reputation for promoting the Malayalam language, cultural values, and academic excellence. It places equal emphasis on studies and co-curricular activities, encouraging students to grow in a balanced and inclusive environment.

Now, Kerala Club and Kerala School stand as strong pillars of the Malayali community in Delhi. They preserve history while also adapting to modern times. There appears to be no possibility of their names being changed.

More importantly, their significance goes beyond names. “They represent continuity, culture, and community. In a city as diverse and fast-moving as Delhi, these institutions offer Malayalis a sense of belonging and pride, ensuring that Kerala’s rich traditions continue to flourish far from home,” concludes Phillip.

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