OUR
IMPRINT
Over the years, NBKL has organized various cultural events, educational programs, and felicitated many artists of Malayalee origin, solidifying its status as a prominent Malayalee entity in Singapore. Our deep connections with the community and exceptional programming have made us a strong pillar of cultural heritage and support.
Over the years, NBKL has organised various cultural events, educational programs, and felicitated many artists of Malayalee origin. Renowned for our exceptional programming, deep connections with the community, and organisational versatility, we stand amongst the most prominent Malayalee entities in Singapore.
The Malayalam Talentime, organised yearly identifies the top singers in junior and open categories. This competition provides a pedestal for budding talents, and the winners have gone on to triumph in many national-level competitions run by Vasantham TV.
Onaravu, our signature show since the 50s, showcases local talents and celebrities. Known for its production standards and quality of artists, Onaravu has been performed in top venues across Singapore, including Victoria Theatre, Esplanade, and Kallang Theatre. Each Onaravu, we present the Simhapuri Award to an outstanding movie artist from Kerala, honouring their artistic contributions. Previous recipients include Jayaram, Mukesh, Siddique, Balachandra Menon, and Jagadish.
Since its inception, NBKL has been an integral part of its vicinity and community. At an individual level, It has stepped in during times of need, to raise funds, ease the recovery and lend moral support.
We worked with like minded community and national organisations to spread its outreach. These include pitching in fund raising projects, raising language awareness, joining hands in multicultural initiatives and sports endeavours.
NBKL Chronicles.
Gayathri Gopal,
Participant since 2006
"When I was new to Singapore in 2006, NBKL offered me a place to first try out as an MC. Ever since then, I have had numerous opportunities to take the stage in Singapore as an MC. Through my involvement in NBKL, I have experienced multiple roles, from organising shows to being a choreographer. Now, as I look into the rebranding efforts in 2024, I reflect on how my journey with NBKL has been rewarding, nurturing, and consistently pushing me to bring my best over the last 18 years. NBKL has always connected me deeper to my Malayalee roots."
Dev K Menon,
Participant since 1978
With a legacy spanning seven decades, Naval Base Kerala Library has played a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of our Malayalee community in Singapore, fostering artistic expression, and providing a platform for cultural exchange. For me, NBKL holds a special place in my heart, as it is filled with fond memories of my childhood - memories of vibrant festivals, mesmerizing performances, and cherished moments with family and friends. I practically grew up watching my parents perform on stage and later was personally involved in various programs and in the production myself. Today, I am so happy to see NBKL continuing to thrive, inspiring future generations to embrace their cultural identity and celebrate the vibrant heritage that defines us as Malayalees unique to our Singaporean culture.
Greeshma Chandran,
Participant since 2003
"Growing up as a second-generation Malayalee, the NBKL played a significant role in my childhood. Months-long dance practice sessions for the annual Onaravu provided time and opportunities to reconnect with friends from similar backgrounds, serving as a welcome respite from the routine of weekend homework. My first opportunity to perform on stage was during the 2003 Onaravu held at the Esplanade. Two decades later, the grandeur and excitement of that event remain vivid in my memory. The friendships forged through NBKL have endured, becoming cherished aspects of my life. Presently, I am an associate at a private psychology services clinic. The passion for dance that was ignited during my first Onaravu has remained constant over the years, enabling me to explore various styles and opportunities for personal and artistic growth."
Aathira Unnithan,
Participant since 2003
"My earliest memory of performing with NBKL was in 2003 during Onaravu at Esplanade. As a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed 7-year-old, the exhilaration of performing for such a huge audience was unforgettable. This performance marked the beginning of many opportunities with NBKL, where I forged lifelong friendships and bonds. NBKL has provided a nurturing environment for exploring my strengths and interests in the arts and Malayalee culture. It has allowed me to deepen my understanding and appreciation of my Malayalee roots, as well as my identity as a Singaporean Malayalee, alongside friends who also grew up with NBKL.."
Meenakshy,
Participant since 2004
"When we first came to Singapore as a family, I was only 9 years old, and NBKL was the first ever Malayalee family I was part of. The newness to Singapore was soon forgotten because of the many friends I found during the practice sessions of Onaravu 2009. Onaravu was also my first time performing in such a huge stage before so many people. As an aspiring singer, Onaravu kickstarted my journey of performing first through NBKL Talent time, and then through Onaravu, and this stage would always be special in my heart. My sister Pallavi also went on to win Talentime years later, and all of this also led to us going for Yaar Antha Star and winning there as well. So thank you so much for the memories and support throughout."
Sreevardhanan,
Participant since 1961
"I used to live in the Naval base from 1961 to 1964, and every year my brother in used to take me out the the Onam celebrations by NBKL at at the open field (Padang). When I was there I felt that that I was in “Kochu Keralam “ There were hundreds of people gathered and they bring their mats and sat down on the ground to watch the Onam variety show which includes songs dances, villu pattu with the Katha Kali being the finale
The atmosphere was amazing and it feels like you are in Kerala and everyone was conversing in Malayalam. The show can even go past midnight. We just stayed to enjoy."
HIGHLIGHTS.
Here are some highlights of our past events!
