Established in 1981, the Greater Atlanta Malayalee Association (GAMA) is not only one of the oldest and largest Indian expatriate organizations in the United States but also one of the oldest 501(c)(3) organizations. Through its programs and initiatives, GAMA works diligently to preserve and promote the social, cultural, educational, literary, and artistic heritage of the Malayalee community.
Dear GAMA Family,
Greetings from the GAMA 2026 Executive Committee.
As we reach the midpoint of 2026, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our members, volunteers, sponsors, well-wishers, and community partners. The success of GAMA is built on the passion, generosity, and participation of our community, and the first half of this year has been a wonderful reflection of that spirit.
Strengthening Our Foundation
One of the first initiatives undertaken by the 2026 Executive Committee was the formation of the Independent Constitution Review Committee (ICRC), as mandated by the General Body. Comprising of seven elected General Body members who are independent of both the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees, the committee is in the process of reviewing GAMA’s Constitution and Bylaws to identify opportunities for greater clarity, consistency, and alignment with GA non-profit governance best practices.
Nurturing Our Roots Through Malayalam Academy
GAMA Malayalam Academy, affiliated with the Kerala Government’s Malayalam Mission, continues to help our children stay connected to the Malayalam language and culture. The 2026 academic year began with Praveshanolsavam and orientation sessions, and the Academy now supports 75 students across multiple levels with 10 dedicated volunteer instructors.
Celebrating Community
GAMA Inauguration 2026 – Back to College
Our year began with an unforgettable celebration – The “Back to College” themed inauguration, transformed the venue into the “University of GAMA,” bringing together nostalgia, friendship, music, and family fun. With over 430 registered members and nearly 1,150 attendees, the event showcased the remarkable growth and vibrancy of our community.
→ Relive the Inauguration event here
GAMA Gramolsavam – Family Picnic 2026
Our annual family picnic brought together more than 750 members for a day filled with food, games, music, sports, and fellowship. What made the event truly special was the spirit of volunteerism. From serving breakfast and lunch to organizing activities and cleaning up, members stepped forward at every stage, proving once again that GAMA’s greatest strength is its people.
Sports & Wellness
Sports continues to be a powerful way to connect our community. The Badminton, Rummy, Volleyball tournaments and Cricket Tournament saw enthusiastic participation and healthy competition. We have several other sporting and family-focused events planned for the remainder of the year.
Giving Back to the Community
Community service remains at the heart of GAMA’s mission. This year, our members came together to:
- Serve hot coffee to homeless individuals at Atlanta’s Gateway Center.
- Support refugee and underserved families through a Ramadan Food Drive in partnership with ICNA Relief Georgia.
- Participate in our Adopt-A-Road cleanup initiative on Bagley Road. This is a quarterly endeavor. The next one will be completed by the end of the month.
These efforts reflect our commitment to making a meaningful difference beyond our own community.
Learning Together
We are proud to have launched a series of monthly educational webinars covering topics ranging from Heart Health and Student success to Immigration and legal awareness. These sessions provide valuable information and resources to our members.
FOMAA & FOKANA Delegation
The GAMA Executive Committee 2026 successfully completed the selection of delegates for FOMAA and FOKANA 2026 in a fair, transparent, and constitutionally compliant manner. The process adhered strictly to the governing GAMA resolutions and eligibility requirements, while ensuring equal opportunity for all qualified members. Delegate opportunities were extended according to the constitutional priority structure, and where applications exceeded available positions, selections were determined on a first-come, first-served basis.
FOMAA 2026 Convention Delegates:
Jaymon Nedumpurathu, Mini Nair, Aboobacker Ziddhique, Biju Thomas, Deepak Alexander, Binu Kasim, and Thomas Eapen.
FOKANA 2026 Convention Delegates:
Subi Babu, Thomas Rajan, George Benoy, Jacob Varghese, Manu K. Sunny, Bineesh Raghavan, Sajeev Vijayan, Jayakanth P. V., Divyarani Sasikumar, and Jissy Varghese.
Investing in the Future
The continued development of the GAMA Member Portal marks an important milestone in our digital transformation journey. Members can now access digital membership cards, event registrations, sponsor discounts, polls, and household information through a single platform. At the same time, enhanced administrative tools are helping streamline operations and improve service to our community.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors and partners whose continued support enables GAMA to deliver meaningful programs and experiences throughout the year.
Board of Trustees 2026
During the first half of the year, there was uncertainty regarding the inclusion of Ms. Sathi Nagarajan as the 5th member of the Board of Trustees due to differing interpretations surrounding the completion of her presidential tenure. In the interest of transparency and due diligence, the Executive Committee sought an independent legal opinion to provide clarity on the matter.
Based on the legal opinion received, the GAMA website has been updated to reflect Ms. Sathi Nagarajan as the 5th member of the Board of Trustees, bringing closure to the issue and ensuring alignment with the organization’s governance process.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the second half of the year, preparations are already underway for our upcoming programs and signature events, including Onam celebrations on Aug 8th, sports activities, educational initiatives, youth engagement programs, and community service projects.
Our focus remains unchanged: strengthening connections, creating opportunities for engagement, supporting families and youth, and building a vibrant, inclusive community that every member can proudly call home.
