Trending News: A video featuring a Pakistani man speaking fluent Malayalam has taken Instagram by storm, earning hundreds of likes and comments. According to the video, Jamal is from Pakistan's Punjab province, and has been working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for 10 years. He apparently learnt the language from his Malayali colleagues in the UAE.
"Meet Jamal Bhai, a Pakistani based in the UAE who is fluent in Malayalam and has a deep love for Kerala cuisine," the Instagram handle of 'RJ Sajinth Harikumar' posted recently.
"Regardless of the hate fueled by politicians of the nations and idiots on social media,this is reality,this is how we actually live in the UAE. Unity in diversity and connected by these little beautiful gestures," added the user, whose bio says he is a "digital creator".
Jamal has won hearts for his fluency in Malayalam and love for Kerala's culture. Although he has never had the opportunity to visit Kerala due to "visa restrictions", his admiration for the state and its traditions is evident.
In the video, Jamal shared his fondness for Kerala food also. He said he has tried the Kerala paratha (Malabar porotta), nei (ghee) roast dosa, and other items, but likes masala dosa the most. He listens to Malayalam songs, and watches Malayalam films too, and said Prithviraj Sukumaran's 'Anarkali' is his favourite film.
Jamal's genuine enthusiasm for the language, food, and films of Kerala has resonated deeply with viewers, sparking a wave of admiration and goodwill in the comments.
"His smile is so genuine. What a shame that some people let the politicians divide us. The British sowed the seeds of division and the politicians watered it," wrote a user.
"Language and food knows no barriers," another user posted, with yet another saying: "...so wonderful if this spirit of friendship was there between the two countries."
It is a well known fact that a large number of people from Kerala go to the Middle East, besides other countries, to work. According to a November 2023 report in Times of India, people from Kerala are working in as many 182 countries. This number was based on the Pravasi ID registration details available from 2018 to 2022 with NORKA Roots, an agency working as an interface between the Kerala government and non-resident Keralites working abroad.
While a majority of these employees are in the UAE, next on the list are Saudi Arabia and Qatar. All these countries have a thriving Malayali community, and they have had an influence on the local pupulation.
This is not the first time that a foreigner has been spotted speaking fluent Malayalam, picking up the language from the expats from Kerala.
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