The world is busy looking for new horizons of possibilities as the clouds of uncertainties of life created by the pandemic are clearing. The global market, which had been dormant for two years, has now traversed the survival mode and is now in the excitement for resurgence. Borders of countries closed by the Covid-19 have now opened the doors to the rejuvenation of expatriate and immigrant life. Everyone is engaged in efforts to restore the stagnant economy and life to stability and vibrancy. Any creative move to add color to these dreams and sketch it into the real world would be laudable. The enthusiasm of the world of Kerala's global trade, commerce, and entrepreneurship was evident in the recently concluded third edition of the Loka Kerala Sabha, one of the notable initiatives of the Pinarayi Vijayan government. It can be assumed that the government will be ready for reforms by assessing how it has dealt with the sentiments reflected in the assembly over the last three editions.
Kerala, which is preparing for a revamp of the economy, has already recognized the role that the expatriate community can play in it. Keralites who choose to migrate to the Gulf countries are those who keep their umbilical connection with their homeland intact. Their strategy is to send home the earnings remaining after their expenses and invest them in their home land. Naturally, it is now widely acknowledged that Gulf expatriates contributed the lion's share to the economic, social, and cultural renaissance of Kerala. The vast majority of Gulf expatriates are eager to make a living in their mother land by investing as much money as possible in the country. The fourth edition of 'Come On Kerala' a commercial and cultural festival organized by Madhyamam in Sharjah, UAE from June 22 to 26 reflected the growing desire of Malayalees to join hands in the progress and development of their home state with their own contribution. Five years ago, Madhyamam, the country's first international newspaper launched 'Come On Kerala' as a platform for entrepreneurs in Kerala and abroad to share their knowledge, ideas, and projects and forge new trade ties. The trade fair offers an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs in the fields of health, tourism and education to expand their business relationships. More than a hundred leading entrepreneurs from various Gulf countries and Kerala participated in the four editions of the fair. In previous years, some of the initiatives of the State Government were also part of the successful trade agreements concluded through the participation of 'Come On Kerala'. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who inaugurated the third edition of the fair, has witnessed firsthand the range and diversity of the event.
'Come on Kerala' is an open platform for the youth who come up with new ideas and initiatives to interact with expatriates who have achieved great success through bold experiments in commerce, trade, and industry in the age of knowledge economy. With segments such as the art and cultural evenings introducing the cultural legacy of Kerala to the expatriates and their nationalities, felicitations to the native personages who respond positively to migration with their warm hospitality to the lakhs of Malayalees in the Gulf countries, honouring of the flag bearers of women's empowerment, Come On Kerala, held at Sharjah Expo Centre has evolved into a bridge to the world of Arab commerce, trade and culture. The "Madhyamam" family is proud to have made 'Come on Kerala' the largest expatriate festival in the Middle East, and to have uplifted the reputation of Kerala and Keralites abroad. Madhyamam is confident that through the mobilisation of a broad spectrum of Gulf Keralites, it will be able to serve as a strong link in trade, commerce, and culture with the Arab world.
As a state in a country under a federal structure, Kerala has many limitations in dealing with the problems of expatriates abroad and in organizing activities for their advancement and welfare. Official bodies such as NORKA can operate only through the embassies of different countries in accordance with their rules and regulations. At the same time, this limitation can be overcome through cooperation with individuals and organisations who are engaged in social work in the respective countries. These 'unofficial ambassadors' of the expatriate world have been able to link the activities of the government and NORKA with the expatriates and make them more productive. 'Come on Kerala' is a humble testament to the ability of 'Madhyamam' with the mass support it enjoys among expatriates to make a significant contribution to it. Thus, this Madhyamam expatriate venture which invigorates the expatriate life of the Malayalees and gives them a sense of direction in commercial and cultural investments deserves the active support of the State Government. We will be here as the dynamic voice and energy of the expatriate world, and as the strength of Kerala.