Bhubaneswar, Jan. 24: The journey of Malayalis from God's Own Country to the land of temples has been a long one. As the Kerala Kala Samiti (KKS) completes 50 years in 2016, the community has pledged to play an active part in the development of Odisha.

The organisation has planned year-long events to promote cultural integration, peace and harmony, literacy, health and sanitation, environment, Swachh Bharat awareness and also to pledge support for Smart City.

It has its community building in Baramunda, where Malayali families meet and celebrate various festivals The warmth of the local community and pleasant climate encouraged these people to look at Odisha as a home away from homeThe community is looked upon as sincere, hard working and was an obvious choice for jobs in government as well private enterprises.

as a part of our celebrations<>. Our aim would be to involve people from other communities residing in Odisha as well," he added.