15,000 people expected to attend Loka Kerala Sabha event
dubai — Up to 15,000 people are expected to attend the region’s maiden Loka Kerala Sabha (LKS) in Dubai on February 15 and 16, said organisers.
A total of 200 LKS members from across the world will be assembling in Dubai, of which 65 are from the region. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will address the public on February 15 at the Etisalat Academy in Muhaisnah after a grand programme that conveys Kerala culture.
Hosted under the department of non-Kerala residents affairs (Norka), the LKS is an event hosted by the state government of Kerala to bring Malayalees living around the globe under one platform.
“The maximum number of LKS members in the Middle East region are from the UAE. Approximately 25 members from the UAE will be present at the first regional meet,” OV Mustafa, director of Norka Roots and member and chief of LKS regional meet, told Khaleej
on Wednesday on the sidelines of a Press conference.
Kunhamuhammed MK, an event coordinator, said: “On February 15, there will be a pre-event session, followed by a cultural programme and the chief minister’s address to the public. On the second day, there will be closed-door sessions with the members and recommendations will be announced through a concluding session.”
Skill development to be key topic
Various socio-economic issues faced by Malayali expatriates worldwide and in the region will be presented at the event. Though the final agenda is yet to be finalised, members belonging to seven subject committees will present their reports during the meet. Pressing issues such as repatriation of mortal remains, rehabilitation of NRK returnees and skill development will also be discussed.
“A key subject of discussion will be the issues faced by women and children,” added Mustafa. Inputs for the various expatriate issues will be taken from studies organised by independent research bodies and social and volunteering groups, among others. Mustafa said the Sabha will discuss innovative means to empower the incoming workforce with a new set of skills to better their chances of employability in the region.
He said: “One of the most important points is the changing scenarios of skills needed to improve employability in the region. The pattern of migration is changing, and so is the demand for various skills. This needs assessment, and we need to adapt to the changing needs of the workforce.”
He said: “For example, we will discuss new training programmes that will prepare workers for new jobs in the region. Also, new vocational education programmes or change in mainstream syllabus will be discussed at the Sabha.”
KL Gopi, an LKS member, said: “Malayalam movie actor Asha Sharath’s dance troupe will be presenting the cultural show. It will be a tableau showcasing Kerala culture and re-building efforts. The formal inauguration of the event is at 4pm.”