HISTORY OF KUWAIT KANANAYA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION (KKCA), The First Expatriate Knanaya Catholic Association.

Kuwait Knanaya Cultural Association is the first Knanaya Catholic Association formed outside India and is one of the pioneer active Malayalee Association in Kuwait.
Knanaites had made their presence in Kuwait since 1949. They used to have unofficial gatherings which included members from Kanaya Catholics and Knanaya Jacobites once in every 4 months. A greater demand for giving a formal name for such unofficial gatherings became paramount at the beginning of early Seventies, and accordingly they named it “Kuwait Kananya Cultural Association”, which included members from Kannaya Catholics and Knanaya Jacobites and elected Mr. Joseph Madathilettu as its first President. (The term “Cultural” was used to connote both Knanaya Catholics and Knanaya Jacobites).
In 1984, Kuwait Government gave official permission for formation of associations but continued its restrictions for religious ones. In March, 1984, a committee was formed to draft a constitution for an association that belonged to the members from Kottayam Archdiocese alone. Three months later, in June, 1984, KKCA’s constitution was finalized and approved. Hence the current “Kuwait Knanaya Cultural Association” came into existence on the 1st of July 1984. Mr. P.C. Mathew Poozhikunnel continued to be its president until he returned to India in 1987. Mr. T.P Jacob (Thodukayil Chakochan) became the next president in 1988 and he continued until the Iraqi invasion in 1990.
KKCA was re-established after the Iraq war by the end of 1993. Since then, the strength of association continued to grow bigger. In 1995 KKCA got the approval of Indian Embassy as a Cultural Association. The Emergency relief fund was established in 1996. Mar Abraham Viruthikulangara, the then Archbishop of Nagpur visited Kuwait as the guest of KKCA in May 1997. The visit of Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt to Kuwait in 2001 was a big motivation for the association members. The first directory of KKCA Members was published in 2001. Onam was celebrated with the presence of MP Sri Francis George in 2006. Professor George Kanattu, President of Knanaya Catholic Congress visited Kuwait on 26th June 2006. His Lordship Mar Joseph Pandaraseril, the Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam Archdiocese visited Kuwait during the Onam celebration in 2007 and released a new directory of KKCA.
Currently, KKCA consists of 15 Koodarayogam Units and is serving all its fellow Knanaya members. KKCA got an elected Committee every year with President, Secretary, Treasurer and other Executives, Advisory Board, Conveners & Committee Members from all units including Lady Representatives and KCCME Representatives. Also it got a Family Suraksha Scheme with an FSS Convener. Kuwait KCYL for the Youth and Kuwait KKCL for Children functions under the patronage of KKCA President. KKCA conducts Cultural programs, Knanaya & Malayalam classes, Charity Works etc every year.
KKCA stands out as a major Malayalee Christian Association in Kuwait, a concrete symbol of the unity and cultural identity of the Knanaya Catholics. KKCA also shines as an inspiration and model for the formation of various other Knanaya Associations throughout the world. KKCA through its activities, works hard to strengthen the bonds of unity that already exist among its members and as well as to rejuvenate, present, sustain, preserve and pass it on to our new generations, the rich cultural heritages and customs that, the community has been following since AD 345 while upholding the Catholic Faith.
KKCA is privileged to have the blessings and guidance of its Patrons His Lordship Paul Hinder, the Vicar Apostolic of Northern Arabia and His Grace Mar Mathew Moolakkatt the Archbishop of Kottayam Archdiocese. The Auxiliary Bishops of Kottayam Archdiocese His Lordship Mar Joseph Pandarasseril and His Lordship Geevarghese Mar Aprem are always supporting KKCA at all times.