The Kerala Association of New Jersey (KANJ), one of the largest Malayali community organisations in North America, has elected a new executive committee for 2026. Vijay Nambiar will serve as president after the association’s annual general meeting, held at Tagore Hall in New Jersey on 6 December 2025 under the chairmanship of trustee board chairperson Swapna Rajesh.
Kerala Association of New Jersey leadership and committee
The election commission members Joseph Idikkul and Vijesh Karatt announced the new committee on behalf of the board. Alongside President Vijay Nambiar, the key office-bearers are George Samuel as general secretary and Khurshid Basheer as treasurer. Tom Nettikadan will serve as vice-president. Krishna Prasad and Daya Shyam have been appointed joint secretary and joint treasurer respectively.
Other appointments include Aslam Hameed as media and communications officer, Anoop Mathews Raju in charge of sports affairs, and Nidhin Joy Alappatt as IT officer. Rekha Nair will handle public and social affairs, Jayakrishnan M Menon will oversee charity affairs, Rekha Pradeep will lead cultural affairs, and Sreekumar K S will manage youth affairs. The trustees named were John George as trustee board chair, with Sunny Valipalakkal, Joseph Idikkul, Vijesh Karatt and Baiju Varghese serving as trustees. Sofia Mathew will be ex officio.
The newly elected committee outlined a programme of events and initiatives designed to strengthen community ties, promote cultural activities and expand charitable outreach. Committee members emphasised their intention to prioritise youth engagement and digital connectivity to keep KANJ relevant to second and third generation Malayalis in New Jersey and beyond.
Plans and public events
The committee will formally open its term with an inauguration at Tagore Hall on 26 January 2026, combining the new committee’s launch with New Year and Republic Day celebrations. The event will be open to the public and organisers have extended a warm invitation to members, former presidents, community leaders and the wider Malayali diaspora.
Former presidents and community leaders have already extended their congratulations and pledged support. In his remarks, appointed president Vijay Nambiar asked the community to back the association’s plans and to participate actively in upcoming cultural, charitable and social events. The committee also plans to increase collaboration with other South Asian organisations in the region.
KANJ has long served as a focal point for Malayali culture and civic life in New Jersey, organising festivals, charity drives and social programmes. The new leadership views this mandate as an opportunity to build on established initiatives while introducing new programmes that address contemporary needs such as professional networking, youth mentorship and digital outreach.
Details of membership, volunteer opportunities and event schedules will be published on the association’s channels. Members and well-wishers who wish to support the committee’s activities have been encouraged to contact the association through its official communication lines.
Report submitted by Joseph Idikkul.
Key Takeaways:
- Kerala Association of New Jersey leadership announced for 2026 with Vijay Nambiar as president.
- Committee and trustee board appointments confirmed at the annual general meeting held at Tagore Hall.
- Inauguration and Republic Day celebrations scheduled for 26 January under the new committee.
- New team seeks community support for cultural, charitable and youth programmes.
