New memoir captures four decades of expatriate life in Kuwait
Sam Geevarghese Daniel chronicles the history, hardships and human stories behind Gulf migration
A remarkable new Malayalam memoir chronicling four decades of expatriate life in Kuwait is winning praise for its authentic portrayal of Gulf migration and its insightful reflections on the historical, social and cultural developments that have shaped both Kuwait and Kerala over the past forty years.
Titled ‘Pravasathinte Nalpathandukal’ (Forty Years of Expatriate Life), the book is authored by veteran journalist, writer and community leader Sam Geevarghese Daniel, popularly known as Sam Pynummoodu. Drawing on more than four decades of life in Kuwait, the memoir blends personal experiences with historical events, offering readers an intimate account of the expatriate journey while documenting an important chapter in the history of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf.
Rather than simply recounting his own life, Sam presents a broader narrative of the dreams, sacrifices and resilience of thousands of expatriates who left Kerala in search of better opportunities and, in the process, helped build both Kuwait’s economy and their homeland’s prosperity.
A former member of the Lok Kerala Sabha and Kuwait correspondent for the Malayalam daily Deshabhimani from 1992 to 2022, Sam witnessed many defining moments in Kuwait’s modern history. His firsthand experiences lend credibility and depth to the memoir, providing readers with a unique perspective on the country’s transformation and the evolving role of the Indian community.
Spread across forty chapters, the book begins with ‘Migration in the Bible’ and concludes with ‘Arab Literature Enriched by Occupation’, weaving together history, politics, literature and culture. Along the way, it traces the changing relationship between Kerala and the Gulf while reflecting on events that profoundly influenced expatriate life.
Among the many subjects explored are the Iraqi invasion and liberation of Kuwait, post-war reconstruction, the preservation of Malayalam language and culture among overseas Indians, the evolution of community organisations, literary movements, the Lok Kerala Sabha, India-Kuwait relations, and the immense contribution of expatriates to Kerala’s economic and social development.
One of the memoir’s most memorable passages likens expatriate life to the rooftop television antennas of the Doordarshan era:
“Expatriate life is like an old Doordarshan antenna. You keep turning it this way and that, hoping the picture will become clear. By the time it finally does, the programme is already over.”
The evocative comparison captures the emotional reality experienced by generations of expatriates who spend their lives balancing professional aspirations abroad with an enduring attachment to home.
The memoir also recalls Sam’s encounters with several leading political, literary and cultural personalities from Kerala while highlighting Kuwait’s role as a vibrant centre for Indian cultural activities. His long association with the Kerala Art Lovers Association (KALA), one of the Gulf’s oldest and most respected cultural organisations, provides valuable insight into the flourishing cultural life of the Indian community in Kuwait.
Beyond personal memories, the book offers thoughtful reflections on significant historical events, including the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, the humanitarian challenges that followed, the plight of Palestinian refugees, the devastating Kerala floods of 2018, and the enduring friendship between India and Kuwait.
The book was formally released during a literary gathering organised by the Progressive Arts and Literary Association at the A.R. Rajaraja Varma Memorial, where acclaimed novelist Benyamin presented the first copy to MLA M.S. Arun Kumar.
Describing the memoir as “an important record of Kuwait’s cultural history,” Benyamin said the work captures the true essence of Gulf migration its sacrifices, resilience, solidarity and hope. He observed that while the narrative is rooted in one man’s experiences, it ultimately reflects the shared journey of millions of expatriates whose contributions have transformed both Kuwait and Kerala.
Born in Thazhakara, Mavelikkara, in 1960, Sam migrated to Kuwait at the age of twenty and spent more than forty years in the country before returning to Kerala. Throughout his career, he successfully combined journalism with active involvement in literature, cultural organisations and community service.
His earlier works include Reading a Foreign Land, Perspectives on Survival, The Promised Land, and History of Indian Migration to Kuwait. He is currently working on books exploring the literary legacy of renowned writer Parappurath as well as his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of his contributions to journalism and the expatriate community, he received the 2006 Swaralaya Award for Best Expatriate Malayali.
More than a personal memoir, Pravasathinte Nalpathandukal stands as a lasting tribute to the generations of expatriates whose dedication, perseverance and sacrifices helped shape Kuwait’s multicultural society while contributing immensely to Kerala’s economic and social progress. Rich in history, emotion and lived experience, the book preserves a legacy that will resonate with readers for years to come.
