A Digital Bridge to the Global Malayali Community
The Government of Kerala has taken a significant leap in connecting with its global diaspora through the Loka Kerala Sabha Online Portal, accessible at https://lokakeralamonline.kerala.gov.in/. Launched as a digital extension of the Loka Kerala Sabha (LKS)—an assembly of Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) and expatriates—the portal serves as a platform to bring together Malayalis living across the globe for inclusive dialogue, collaboration, and development. By transforming this initiative into an interactive online hub, the state aims to deepen its engagement with the diaspora and create a collaborative ecosystem of ideas, resources, and innovation.
The Loka Kerala Sabha was conceived in 2018 by the Kerala government as a unique legislative-style forum where NRKs could raise issues, contribute to policy discussions, and participate in Kerala’s socio-economic development. Held biennially in Thiruvananthapuram, the Sabha has evolved into a democratic model for diaspora engagement. The online portal is a natural progression of this vision—offering NRKs a direct digital platform to register, share suggestions, participate in virtual sessions, and stay updated with LKS proceedings and policy outcomes.
A key feature of the portal is the registration system for NRK delegates and observers, allowing Keralites from any part of the world to participate in the Sabha. Individuals can create profiles, submit their personal and professional details, and express interest in becoming part of various working groups and regional committees. This enables LKS to identify thought leaders and community representatives who can contribute meaningfully to Kerala’s policy planning and global outreach. The portal also acts as a directory for networking among NRKs, fostering cross-border collaborations in areas such as trade, education, healthcare, and cultural exchange.
The document archive and event updates available on the portal ensure that participants and the wider public can stay informed. Reports from previous sessions, policy papers, video recordings, and newsletters are published regularly to maintain transparency and knowledge sharing. Users can access past resolutions, read about diaspora success stories, and learn how government departments have acted on LKS recommendations. This open access to information reinforces the credibility and democratic nature of the Sabha and encourages more participation from younger members of the diaspora.
One of the most innovative aspects of the portal is its vision to act as a policy collaboration tool. It invites suggestions and feedback from users on critical governance topics, including education reforms, welfare for returnees, NRK investments, and emergency assistance mechanisms. By crowdsourcing opinions and encouraging discussions beyond just the conference venue, the portal allows the Loka Kerala Sabha to function continuously, not just during its biennial meetings. This online extension empowers Malayalis abroad to become consistent contributors to Kerala’s progress, beyond remittances and philanthropy.
In conclusion, the Loka Kerala Sabha Online Portal is much more than a website—it is a symbol of Kerala’s commitment to embracing its global citizenry in state-building. It recognizes the socio-economic power and intellectual capital of the diaspora and seeks to include them in policy-making, cultural preservation, and development strategies. As Kerala continues to lead in digital governance, this portal stands as a pioneering model of how technology can strengthen diaspora-government relationships and enable inclusive development that spans borders. With tools like these, the Loka Kerala Sabha is not just an event but a living, evolving institution for Malayalis worldwide.
