By Elisha Pulivarti – Special Business Correspondent, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. / Bangkok – The World Malayalee Council (WMC), the largest global organization representing people of Kerala origin, has elected Dr. Babu Stephen as its new Global President during its 14th Biennial Global Conference held in Bangkok.
Joining Dr. Stephen in the new leadership team are Thomas Mottackal as Chairman, Shaji Mathew as Secretary General, and Sunny Veliath as Treasurer.
A First-Generation Community Builder
Dr. Stephen, CEO of DC Healthcare Inc. and President of SM Reality LLC in Washington, D.C., is a first-generation Indian-American leader who arrived in the United States nearly four decades ago. Since then, he has been at the forefront of community building, entrepreneurship, and cultural diplomacy, establishing strong political and professional connections both in Washington and in Kerala.
Known for his involvement in media, philanthropy, and business, Dr. Stephen has been recognized for his commitment to the Indian-American community, receiving the NAMAM Excellence Award in 2018 for his contributions to business and community service.
In his acceptance speech as WMC President, he highlighted the Indian diaspora’s achievements:
“We have accomplished so much in every sphere—business, politics, medicine, science, and the arts. But this is just the beginning. Our shared heritage and unity will take us even further.”
₹1 Crore Scholarship Initiative for Nursing Students
One of the highlights of the Bangkok conference was the announcement of a ₹1 crore scholarship program for female students from Kerala pursuing nursing studies abroad.
The initiative, announced by Dr. Stephen, will initially benefit 100 students, selected by a committee representing Kerala’s 14 districts. Application guidelines and eligibility details will be released shortly.
Outgoing Global Secretary General Dinesh Nair described the program as “a landmark step in empowering young women through education and strengthening Kerala’s global healthcare footprint.”
Global Conference Brings Together the Malayalee World
The Bangkok conference brought together over 565 delegates from countries including the U.S., Canada, Australia, several Middle Eastern nations, and India.
Prominent attendees included MP John Brittas, former MP K. Muraleedharan, MLA Saneesh Kumar, actress Sona Nair, and poet Murugan Kattakkada. The multi-day event featured cultural performances, leadership summits, and networking forums, all aimed at strengthening global Malayalee unity.
About the World Malayalee Council
Founded in 1995 in New Jersey, WMC is a non-sectarian, non-political organization with a presence in over 53 countries. Its mission is to unite Malayalees worldwide, preserve cultural heritage, and foster mutual cooperation in economic, cultural, and social spheres.
The organization operates through:
- A Global Council for strategic leadership.
- Six Regional Councils – covering America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, India, Far East, and Australia.
- Provincial Councils serving local communities.
WMC also runs the Indian Worldwide Chamber of Commerce, connecting Malayalee entrepreneurs worldwide, and maintains a Global Office and Pravasi Service Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Looking Ahead
With Dr. Babu Stephen’s election, WMC is set to expand its reach, enhance educational initiatives, and strengthen cultural bonds among Malayalees across the globe. His vision promises to blend business expertise with cultural leadership, ensuring that WMC continues to be both a global networking hub and a catalyst for social good.
“This is a new chapter for WMC,” Dr. Stephen said. “Our heritage is our strength, and our unity is our future.”
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