Mission
To promote and facilitate the cultural, educational, social and economic welfare of Carolina Keralites and the surrounding community — and to cultivate the knowledge of Malayalam language and literature.
Our story
A home away from home since 1987
Greater Carolina Kerala Association is a non-profit organization functioning with the core purpose of promoting and facilitating the cultural, educational, social and economic welfare of the Carolina Keralites and the surrounding community at large. GCKA also cultivates and promotes the development and advancement of the knowledge of the Malayalam language and literature.
Vision
A home away from home for every Malayali family in the Carolinas: a place where culture, friendship and shared identity come alive, and where our children grow up proud of their roots.
Who we are
GCKA does not have any political, religious or other partisan affiliation.
Formed in 1987 as a Kerala Association. Registered as a non-profit corporation with the North Carolina Secretary of State in May 2001. Granted non-profit 501(c)(4) status in 2002.
Our goals
What guides us
- Maintain Kerala's rich and versatile cultural heritage
- Enrich the contemporary society by providing ample opportunities for contributing towards our cultural heritage
- Educate the next generation on our cultural heritage and handhold them in adopting and enjoying this in future
What we do
Our activities
- Onam Cultural Celebration, Karshakashree awards, Onam Pookala matsaram (August / September)
- Christmas / New Year Celebration
- Social Get-together (April / May)
- Picnic (July / August)
- Annual Volleyball, Badminton, Soccer, Cricket, Chess, Cards and Throwball tournaments
- Women's Run and 5K Family Fun Run & Walk
- Malayalam Calendar and Carolina Malayali souvenir
- Malayalam classes for kids (every week) and the Malayalam Library
- Youth Forum activities, Adopt-A-Highway, Youth Fund fundraising
- Emergency Fund activities
All GCKA activities are conducted via voluntary help from members of the community as well as economic assistance and sponsorships from the commercial interests within the community and around the region.
GCKA through the years
From nine families to 400+
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Early 1970s
Nine families, one table
About nine Keralite families in the Triangle begin gathering in each other's homes to celebrate social occasions — and represent Kerala at Indian functions in the area.
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1987
The Kerala Association is born
Under the initiative of Dr. P.K. George, the association is formally established and begins organizing Onam, Christmas and the Picnic.
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2001
Greater Carolina Kerala Association incorporated
In May 2001, GCKA is registered as a non-profit corporation with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
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Today
400+ families
A large and vibrant Malayali community serving families throughout the Carolinas — from Onam Sadhya to Adopt-A-Highway.