From financial literacy seminars to privilege cards and pension helpdesks, the newly formed club unveils an expansive roadmap for the Keralite expat community.
DUBAI: The All Kerala Colleges Alumni Forum (AKCAF) officially inaugurated its new wing, the AKCAF Welfare Club, in a grand ceremony held at the AKCAF Events Office on June 21. Aimed at bolstering social security and comprehensive welfare for its vast network of alumni members, the launch marks a major milestone for the prominent UAE-based Keralite expatriate collective.
The inaugural event commenced with a welcome address by AKCAF General Secretary V. S. Bijukumar. The official inauguration was performed by AKCAF Chief Patron Issac John Pattaniparambil, while AKCAF President Charles Paul presided over the function.
A key highlight of the event was a specialized financial literacy seminar titled “Financial Discipline for Expatriates,” led by renowned financial expert and Managing Director of Burjeel Financial Services, K. V. Shamsudheen. He provided crucial insights into the significance of strategic financial planning and early investment habits for non-resident Indians (NRIs). As a token of appreciation for his impactful session, the AKCAF President and Chairman presented him with a special memento.
Structurally, the AKCAF Welfare Club will operate under the advisory guidance of AKCAF Joint Treasurer Shibu Mohammed and Ladies Wing Vice President Bindu Antony. The executive committee for the club was also announced during the assembly. Ajmal Abdullah (representing EBCAA College) has been elected as the Secretary. Assisting him in driving the club’s initiatives are newly appointed Joint Secretaries Shabna (S.N. College, Varkala), Muneer Berika (Govinda Pai College, Manjeshwar), and Preetha Sudhi (Loyola College, Thiruvananthapuram).
The high-profile event saw active participation and addresses from AKCAF Chairman Shahul Hameed, Vice Presidents Adv. Hashik Thaickandy and Shyam Viswanath, Secretary K. V. Manoj, Chief Coordinator Anoop Anil Devan, Joint Secretaries Ranjith Kodoth and Shakeer Hussain, Joint Treasurer Jafar Kannatt, Cultural Coordinator V. C. Manoj, Assistant Chief Coordinator Saneesh Kumar, Ladies Wing Chairperson Rani Sudheer, Ladies Wing President Vidya Puthussery, and Ladies Wing Joint Secretary Muna Ullas. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Treasurer Judin Fernandez.
The newly elected leadership detailed an ambitious roadmap for the Welfare Club, focusing on the social security and sustained well-being of AKCAF members. In its initial phase, the club will roll out exclusive Privilege Cards and establish a dedicated NORKA/Pravasi Pension Helpdesk to streamline government welfare schemes for the diaspora.
Subsequent phases will introduce an independent AKCAF Pension Scheme, comprehensive health and life insurance policies, honorariums, educational scholarships for students, job placement assistance, and targeted skill development training programs. The launch event was successfully organized by the AKCAF Welfare Club team, drawing a large crowd of around 300 members and distinguished guests.
Founded as a prominent umbrella organization for alumni associations of various colleges in Kerala, AKCAF has evolved into one of the largest socio-cultural networks for Gulf Malayalis in the UAE. As global and regional economic dynamics shift, the integration of formal welfare frameworks, institutional support for NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs) initiatives, and financial literacy have become critical pillars for sustaining the expatriate community.
