About us
A Voice Of Kerala, Away From Home
Toronto Malayalee Samajam is a secular, non-political, not-for-profit cultural organisation serving the Malayalee community of the Greater Toronto Area since 1968.
Our story
Born out of a need to stay connected
For over fifty-five years, Toronto Malayalee Samajam has been a pillar of the Malayalee community in Toronto. As a voice of Kerala away from home, it plays a vital role in preserving our traditions and fostering unity among Malayalees.
TMS was born out of an existential need. It was a lifeline for the early Keralites in Toronto who, few in number in those days, longed for connection, battled loneliness and wanted to stay informed about daily happenings back home in Kerala.
Established in 1968, TMS is the first and most prominent Malayalee cultural organisation in North America. Over the years it has actively promoted Kerala's traditions, festivals and community life across the Greater Toronto Area.
1968
A handful of Keralite families in Toronto begin meeting to share news from home. The Toronto Malayalee Samajam is founded.
1970s
Onam and Christmas celebrations become annual fixtures as the community grows with each wave of newcomers.
2015
TMS opens its own East Centre at 430 Passmore Avenue in Scarborough, the first permanent home for the Samajam.
2019
The West Centre opens on Davand Drive in Mississauga to serve the growing Malayalee population in Peel.
Today
Keralolsavam, the summer picnic, sports tournaments and scholarships keep more than five decades of tradition going.
Our mission
To preserve and promote Malayalee heritage in Canada through cultural programs, community engagement and intergenerational connections. To unite Malayalees in Toronto, celebrate Kerala's rich traditions, support community welfare and propagate cultural values to future generations.
Our vision
A thriving and inclusive community where Malayalee culture flourishes within Canada's multicultural landscape. A world where cultural heritage is cherished, diversity is celebrated and future generations stay deeply connected to their roots.
What we stand for
Our core values
Belonging
Every Malayalee in the GTA should have a place where the language, food and festivals feel familiar. That is what our centres are for.
Service
We show up for members in hard times and for Kerala when disaster strikes, with fundraising, relief drives and a helping hand.
Heritage
Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Onam, Vishu and the Malayalam language are passed on to our children through what we do together.
Openness
TMS is secular, non-political and non-partisan. Everyone of Malayalee heritage is welcome, whatever their faith or views.
Our objectives
Our objectives
1
Community
Promote cultural integration
We help Malayalees settle into life in the Greater Toronto Area while keeping South Indian art, language and customs alive in the city we now call home.
2
Culture
Celebrate and share our culture
Through festivals, stage programs and social gatherings we open Kerala's traditions to everyone, adding our colours to Canada's multicultural fabric.
3
Education
Support education and youth
We reward academic excellence with scholarships, bursaries and prizes, and run programs that help children learn their heritage with pride.
4
Support
Stand by those in need
When a family faces a crisis or a natural disaster strikes back home, TMS organises relief, raises funds and rallies the community to respond.
1968
The year TMS was founded, the first Malayalee association in North America
55+
Years of bringing Malayalees in Toronto together
2
Community centres, in Scarborough and Mississauga
4+
Signature events every year, from Keralolsavam to the summer picnic
Leadership
Run by members, for members
An executive committee elected every year, a board of trustees and ex-officio members keep the Samajam running. Every one of them is a volunteer.
Joseph Mathew
President
Sunny Joseph
Vice President
Sanjeev Abraham Chacko
Secretary
Membership
Join a community that feels like home
Lifetime membership is $150. Student membership is $50 for five years. Both bring you closer to the festivals, friendships and support that make Toronto feel a little more like Kerala.