Although many non-resident Indians spend the most productive years of their lives outside their motherland, pursuing professional opportunities and enjoying a higher standard of living, their emotional and cultural bond with India remains deeply rooted. That enduring connection was displayed vividly during the election process that concluded in April 2026. Despite living thousands of miles away, countless members of the Indian diaspora followed the elections with intense interest, traveled back home to participate, engaged in political discussions, supported campaigns, and contributed their time and resources to the democratic process.
One cannot help but wonder what motivates these individuals to immerse themselves so passionately in the political life of a country they no longer permanently reside in. For many Keralites in particular, political awareness and civic engagement are almost part of their cultural DNA. Politics is not viewed merely as an occasional exercise during elections, but as a continuous public responsibility and an integral part of everyday conversation and social consciousness. This deep-rooted political culture keeps them informed, emotionally invested, and ever ready to participate when the future of their state and nation is at stake.
The Indian diaspora, by and large, wishes to see India remain a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving democracy. Having experienced the benefits of democratic institutions, civil liberties, and freedom of expression—especially those living in Western democracies—many overseas Indians have developed an even greater appreciation for the importance of safeguarding democratic values in their homeland. Their involvement is therefore driven not only by nostalgia or emotional attachment, but also by a genuine desire to see India persevere, progress, and uphold the principles of democracy, pluralism, and constitutional governance for future generations.
The Indian Overseas Congress USA (IOCUSA) was represented in a significant and visible manner during the recently concluded Kerala Assembly elections. Led by George Abraham, a strong contingent of overseas Congress leaders and volunteers participated actively in the campaign across multiple constituencies, demonstrating remarkable passion, dedication, and commitment to the democratic process. Paul Karukapallil, chairman, Kerala Chapter, Santhosh Nair, former General secretary of the Kerala Chapter, Prof. Thampy Mathew , former president of Chicago chapter, John Varghese, Executive committee member from Atlanta, Georgia, Raju Varghese Abraham, New York and many others joined the campaign and active in many constituencies. 
Their efforts were further strengthened by the participation of hundreds of volunteers arriving from Gulf countries under the banners of the Indian Overseas Congress, Overseas Indian Cultural Congress (OICC), and INCAS. A major gathering of these overseas volunteers was organized in Kayamkulam under the hospitality and leadership of Mahadevan Vazhassery. The event was attended by prominent dignitaries including Deepa Dasmunsi and Arathi Krishna, both of whom acknowledged and appreciated the growing involvement of the overseas Indian community in strengthening democratic participation in Kerala.
Dignitaries included Smt. Deepa Das Munshi, the AICC Secretary-in-charge of Kerala, Smt. Arathi Krishna, AICC Secretary-in-charge of IOC.). Notable NRIs who participated in the campaign included Raju Alampura (OICC Bahrain), Shaji Shamshudeen (Dubai), KTA Muneer (Saudi Arabia),  A.P Shajahan, Sreejith Pathiyoor, Sainulabdeem Thaha, Ameer, and Manikandan (INCAS OMAN), Sunil Aziz (INCAS, DUBAI) and Y.A. Rahim (Dubai) among others.
Their collective participation reflected the deep emotional connection that overseas Indians continue to maintain with Kerala and India, as well as their enduring commitment to democratic values and public engagement.