Within the vibrant members of our Syro Malankara Catholic diaspora in Kuwait, a shining light of dedication and artistic brilliance has been recognised. Shri Babuji Bathery, a valued member of the Kuwait Malankara Rite Movement (KMRM), has been awarded the prestigious Artist Keshavan Smaraka Puraskaram, an accolade that honours his remarkable contributions to the world of stage drama and cultural enrichment.
This esteemed award was conferred in recognition of Shri Babuji’s exceptional translation, scriptwriting, and direction of the celebrated Shakespearean plays Othello and Macbeth into Malayalam, a creative feat that has deeply resonated with Malayali theatre enthusiasts abroad. His mastery extends beyond the written word; his direction of light and sound shows such as Governor Peelathose, Neethimanthesimhasanam, Oru Vadakkan Veerakatha, Santa Redeemer, alongside the aforementioned classics, stands as a witness to his creative vision and unwavering commitment.
Babuji’s journey from Vaduvanchal in Wayanad to the heart of Kuwait’s cultural scene reflects a profound love for humanity and an ardent desire to nurture the spirit of our community far from home. Since his arrival in 2000, he has not only flourished as a logistics professional but also as a philanthropist, visionary, and a cornerstone of socio-cultural initiatives. His founding of “Thanima” — The Human and Nostalgic Interaction of Malayalis Abroad — embodies his commitment to preserving and celebrating our cultural identity amidst the diaspora.
The award ceremony, held on 22 June at the K.P.S. Menon Hall, Kottayam, was presided over by the Hon. Minister for Co-operation, Ports and Registration, Mr. V.N. Vasavan, whose presence underscored the importance of recognising artists who enrich Kerala’s cultural heritage even from afar. Alongside Shri Babuji, playwrights Meenambalam Santhosh and Ansar Ibrahim were also honoured for their exceptional contributions.
His contributions during challenging times, notably the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, reveal a compassionate leader who mobilised aid through the Alternative Integral Initiative for Mutual Support (AIIMS), touching thousands of lives with relief and hope. His efforts in securing rent reductions, organising food and medicine distributions, and coordinating medical support showcased a spirit of solidarity deeply in harmony with the Christian call to serve ‘the least of these.’
Beyond his artistic and philanthropic pursuits, Shri Babuji is also a gifted orator and organiser, known for training leaders and nurturing community spirit through quizzes, cultural programmes, and professional anchoring. His work stands as a beacon of unity and hope within the Gulf Malayali community.
The Syro Malankara Catholic Church and KMRM take immense pride in Shri Babuji Bathery’s achievements. His life and work exemplify the faithfulness and zeal that define our community’s presence across the world. We pray that his journey continues to inspire, and that his talents remain a gift to the Church and society alike.
Subscribe to WhatsApp News Updates:
