THROUGH
THE YEARS
From our humble beginnings to establishing a rich cultural legacy, NBKL remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of Singapore's Malayalee community.
MISSION & HISTORY.
NBKL is dedicated to serving the community by fostering Malayalee culture and the Malayalam language. Our mission is to nurture Malayalee talents in the arts and sports, and to create a meaningful impact in every Singapore Malayalee's life. Through our diverse programs and events, we strive to cultivate a strong sense of cultural pride and community spirit.
Founded at the British Naval Base in Singapore in 1954, the Naval Base Kerala Library (NBKL) quickly grew from a cozy hub for Malayalee literature lovers to a library boasting thousands of books.
Known as 'Kochu Keralam' or 'Little Kerala,' NBKL became a nucleus of drama, culture, and sports for the Malayalee diaspora.
For its 10th anniversary, the marquee Ona Ravu event featured an array of cultural performances and attracted distinguished guests, including Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
However, the British military withdrawal in the late 60s led to a Malayalee migration, prompting NBKL to relocate its vibrant cultural activities to the Victoria theatre and other central venues. NBKL's pioneering spirit continued as it became the first Indian organization to host a sold-out Ona Ravu show at the Esplanade in 2003, just after the venue opened.
Our journey is marked by significant milestones that highlight our growth and impact:
1954
Founding of NBKL at the British Naval Base, providing a space for Malayalees to connect and share their love for literature.
1960s
Following the British military withdrawal, the Malayalee community's migration prompted NBKL to relocate its activities to central venues like Victoria Theatre.
1974
Celebrated our 20th anniversary with a grand Ona Ravu event, featuring cultural performances and distinguished guests, including Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
2003
Made history as the first Indian organization to host a sold-out Ona Ravu show at the Esplanade, solidifying our reputation for excellence in cultural programming.
2024
Marking our 70th anniversary with a series of distinguished events, including the National Malayalam Talentime, Sports Spectra, and the 70th Anniversary Gala Dinner.
MEMORIES.
