Kochi : The World Malayalee Council (WMC) concluded its 15th Global Biennial Conference in Dallas, USA. The conference also marked the organisation’s 30th anniversary celebrations. The three-day event commenced on August 21 at the Wyndham DFW in Dallas with the hoisting of the WMC flag by Global Chairman Gopal Pillai, Global President John Mathai, Global Secretary Christopher Varghese and Global Conference Convener Johnson Thalassery.
The conference was inaugurated by Francis George, Member of Parliament. He appreciated the World Malayalee Council’s initiatives in promoting unity among the global Malayalee community, leadership development, youth participation, social commitment, humanitarian activities and the preservation of Kerala’s cultural heritage. Francis George MP also released the conference souvenir prepared under the leadership of Prof. Sam Mannikkarott and Mercy Thadathil. Global Chairman Gopal Pillai presided over the inaugural session, while Surendran K. Patel, Judge of the 240th Judicial District Court in Houston, delivered the keynote address.
Global Conference Convener Johnson Thalassery, Global President John Mathai, Global General Secretary Christopher Varghese, Global Vice President (Organisation) Rajesh Pillai, America Region President Pinto Kannambally, India Region Chairman Adv. K.V. Sabu and Host Province President Ancy Thalassery were among those who addressed the gathering.
A colourful cultural procession was also organised as part of the conference. Representatives participated in traditional Kerala attire, while delegates from the India, Middle East, Europe and America regions marched carrying the flags of various countries, showcasing the diversity and unity of the global Malayalee community.
The World Malayalee Council Humanitarian Golden Lantern Award, instituted in memory of renowned industrialist and philanthropist Dr. P.A. Ibrahim Haji, was presented to Dr. Punalur Somarajan, founder, secretary and managing trustee of Gandhi Bhavan International Trust, Pathanapuram, in recognition of his humanitarian and social service activities. Ninan Mathai, President of the Philadelphia Province, received the award on behalf of Dr. Punalur Somarajan.
The conference also elected the new office-bearers of the World Malayalee Council for the 2026–2028 term. John Mathai was elected Global Chairman, Jolly Thadathil Global President, Christopher Varghese General Secretary, Johnson Thalassery Treasurer and Gregory Medayil Vice President (Administration). Rajesh Pillai and Dr. P.B. Bose were elected Vice Presidents (Organisation). The newly elected office-bearers took their oath and assumed charge at the conference
