About Us

Samanwaya Canada is a progressive socio-cultural non-profit organization representing the Malayalee community across Canada and North America. Established in 2018 under the leadership and patronage of the Hon. Speaker of the Kerala State Legislative Assembly, Sri P. Ramakrishnan, our mission is to foster progressive values among Malayalees living in Canada.

Our organization is actively engaged in community development initiatives aimed at enhancing the socio-economic and cultural well-being of individuals of Kerala origin in Canada. Samanwaya is committed to promoting unity and collaboration among various Malayalee associations and community groups throughout Canada and North America. We emphasize mutual respect and cooperation in planning and implementing initiatives that serve the broader community.

With active chapters across Canada, Samanwaya is continuously expanding—organizing local events, cultural programs, and support services tailored to community needs. During critical times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Samanwaya played a key role in addressing challenges faced by Malayalee immigrants.

Deeply connected to our roots, Samanwaya also stands in solidarity with Kerala in times of crisis. Through initiatives like the Rebuild Kerala campaign, contributions to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF), and efforts to support public education, we remain committed to giving back to our homeland.

Additionally, through our NORKA Helpdesk initiatives, we assist the community with services such as NRK ID card registration, the Pravasi Raksha Insurance Policy, and other essential support provided by NORKA Roots.

Kerala Culture and Heritage

Kerala’s culture is a unique synthesis of Indian and Dravidian traditions, shaped over thousands of years by interactions with various regions of India and the wider world. Its identity is rooted in ancient history and preserved through the continuous cultural expression of the Malayali people. The modern cultural fabric of Kerala began to take shape during Classical Antiquity, influenced by waves of migration and exchange.

This rich heritage is reflected in Kerala’s diverse art forms, such as the classical dance dramas Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, the ancient martial art Kalaripayattu, traditional attire, distinctive cuisine, and the everyday lives of its people. Attending a cultural performance while in Kerala offers an unforgettable glimpse into this living tradition.

Festivals are celebrated with vibrant enthusiasm and grandeur. Major celebrations like Onam, Vishu, Eid, and Thrissur Pooram showcase the state’s inclusive spirit and deep cultural roots.

Kerala is also renowned for its ancient system of medicine, Ayurveda, which has a history of over 2,000 years. Widely practiced and respected, it offers holistic treatments aimed at rejuvenating both body and mind.

With cultural roots tracing back over 5,000 years, Kerala has grown into India’s most literate state. While embracing education, innovation, and modernity, the state continues to uphold many traditional values—striking a balance between progress and cultural preservation.

Samanwaya Community Development

At Samanwaya, we unite the Malayalee community across Canada and North America to collaborate, exchange ideas, and create practical solutions to shared challenges. Our community development initiatives are designed to enhance all dimensions of community life—social, cultural, and economic—with the goal of building a more resilient and connected diaspora.

Our work is grounded in the core values of empowerment, inclusion, human rights, social justice, self-determination, and collective action, fostering sustainable growth and long-term well-being for individuals and families of Kerala origin.

As part of our commitment to serving the community, Samanwaya offers a range of NORKA Helpdesk initiatives to assist non-resident Keralites in accessing essential services, including:

✅ NRK ID Card applications

✅ Pravasi Raksha Insurance Policy enrollment

✅ Guidance on NORKA Roots programs and services

These services are designed to keep the Malayalee diaspora informed, supported, and closely connected to their roots in Kerala.

We aim to make essential resources more accessible to the Malayalee diaspora, empowering them to stay connected and supported—both in Canada and back home in Kerala.

Samanwaya Support Network

Everyone faces challenging times, and having a supportive community can make all the difference in navigating those moments. Studies show that strong social connections improve both mental and physical health. This support is especially vital for newcomers, immigrants, seniors experiencing health or cognitive changes, individuals with mental health conditions, and those marginalized due to disability, race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Samanwaya offers a welcoming space where you can build and maintain meaningful relationships—people you can talk to, spend time with, seek help from, and feel genuinely supported.