Introduction

I came to the Netherlands in 1968, with the financial support of the Dutch Ministry of Education, for orientation in advanced linguistic theory and methods of analysis. I received excellent guidance from two top internationally renowned specialists: Prof.Dr.F.B.J. Kuiper and Prof.Dr.E.M. Uhlenbeck. I am a Linguist and obtained a Ph.D. in Linguistics. I served the Leiden University, one of the best universities in the world, till my retirement in 2005. Thereafter, I served the Engineering College of the Amrita University as Professor of Linguistics in the Centre of Excellence for Computer Engineering and Networking, and my specialisation was Natural Language Processing and Machine Translation. I served also as Honorary Professor of Linguistics in the International School of Dravidian Linguistics, Trivandrum. My wife joined me in 1970 and we are blessed with three sons.

Interests, Activities and Associations with NIA and the Indian Diaspora

There were few Indians living in the Netherlands when I arrived here and I first attended a NIA meeting in 1969. NIA provided a platform for meeting compatriots. Memories of excellent cultural activities and lectures still come to my mind. My association with NIA, first started as a guest and in the following half a century, it grew into a loyal membership, member of audit committee, elected member of the Executive Board and as Treasurer. It provided a platform for cooperation with both Indian and Dutch members in organizing many cultural programmes and a seminar. I cherish the concept that NIA hails Indo-Dutch friendship and cooperation. Best Indian cuisine is another attraction. In past years, NIA has reached thousands of people through the first ever cultural programmes of its kind in The Netherlands. It is a great privilege and honour to be a part of NIA.

The Indian diaspora in the Netherlands is growing every day and as a result many Indian associations based on regions, languages and professions have come into existence. They celebrate interesting festivals of a region followed by ethnic food. Our activities for these associations have increased considerably. We are active members of two such associations. Because of the vibrant character of these associations and their focus on specific areas and culture, we could often help India, whenever there was a need, such as the devastating floods and Covid-19. Contribution for rebuilding Kerala after the flood and helping children with their online education are some of the specific examples. They provide a suitable platform for disseminating deeper knowledge of Indian culture and civilization while emphasizing the need to understand Dutch language and culture. For example, teaching the fundamentals of the Dutch language by comparing and illuminating them with the mother tongue. Involvement of more community members is relatively easier in these organisations.

Achievements: I am proud of my contribution to the Malayalam language. With an important publication (1972) of mine, Malayalam received the classical status. Along with the students and colleagues, we, at Amrita University, built a first ever computer assisted analyser for Indian languages. I made a presentation of this engine at the Google office in Bengalure. Without my training in Trivandrum and Leiden, it is impossible to envisage such a project to serve the society. One of the heartfelt services to the Dutch society was the preparation of a small dictionary to help the Dutch parents to communicate with their young, adopted children. India invested in my education up to my Ph.D., and in return, during my post-retirement period, I am still rendering services in the field of teaching and research. “Dutch for Malayalis” is another recent initiative.

My Advice:

I have a few practical advises to Indian diaspora. Start learning Dutch as early as possible. Try to understand the Dutch culture. Do not hesitate too long to send your children to Dutch schools. Work hard and produce results. If necessary, fight for your rights. Have some good and reliable Dutch