who we are

God’s own Country, lies on the southwest coast of the Indian Peninsula,  a 360 miles long narrow stretch of land.  Its area comprises of just over one percent of the total land area of India and the population is little over 3.5 % of the Indian population. Kerala,  a  state with 100% literacy, world standards of health, and a hard working, determined, dedicated population is always setting standards in all most all the spheres of its activity.

In more modern times the Keralites have migrated in large numbers in search of employment to several foreign countries like United States, Malaysia and Singapore in South East Asia as well as to several countries of Africa and West Asia. The professionals of Kerala are among the most wanted experts in the fields of medicine, Information Technology etc. 

KAN is an opportunity for social gathering for current and future generations of Malayalee families of middle Tennessee to feel connected to the rich and colorful Malayalee heritage. For those of us who have left the near and dear of our extended families in Kerala, the community of KAN fill that void by promoting social, cultural, educational, literary and artistic heritage of the Malayalee community in and around Nashville .

KAN express heartfelt thanks to all its members who provide steady support to build KAN and extends a hearty welcome to new members and new ideas .

As you may know, there have been Keralites in Middle Tennessee for more than forty years. Some of us are native Keralites, who were born in the land that has been referred to as “God’s Own Country”. Others amongst us trace our origins to Kerala through parents or earlier generations. Still others are married to Keralites, or have a fascination with many or all things Keralite. Whatever our tether to Kerala, it is time to come together to nurture and preserve our rich heritage and to proudly proclaim it.

We look forward with eager anticipation to opportunities to enhance our cultural identity and to enrich the local community by weaving our colorful threads in the fabric of our society. To that end, it is a great honor and privilege for to welcome you to the Kerala Association of Nashville.

 The Vision of Kerala Association of Nashville (KAN) is to maintain a forum for malayalees to come together to celebrate, preserve and promote the rich traditions and cultural values of Kerala among friends, families, and younger generations in and around the middle Tennessee area and to assimilate into the fabric of the wealth of the local traditions, heritage and culture. 

  Kerala Association of Nashville is a non-profit, political, secular and cultural organization, organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.

• Preserving and transmitting Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
• Fostering community spirit among the Association members.
• Celebrating major festivals of Kerala.
• Providing occasions for socialization among its members.
• Providing a forum for members to express and share their cultural talents.
• Promoting friendship and cultural exchange with other Indian and American organizations.
• Providing Social Service to the Malayalee Community, as well as to the community at large.

 Kerala Association of Nashville (KAN) members are torch bearers of centuries old traditions and values that can be traced back to 700 B.C. We are proud of the values such as honesty, integrity, compassion, respect, loyalty and diversity. Every member of this organization has inherently attained these values through our ancestors. We hold true to these values now and for the future.