Koode
Community Update
Update on Japan Malayalee Communities' (Nihon Kairali and WMF Japan) Support to Devika's Family
Devika Vengalon, a 22-year-old native of Kannur district, Kerala, arrived in Japan on March 2, 2026, to work as a caregiver. On September 2, 2026, Devika tragically lost her life in a train accident in Gifu Prefecture.
Following a request from the Embassy of India, Tokyo, Japan Malayalee community representatives Mr. Ajay Peethambaran and Mr. Anil Raj stepped forward to coordinate with local Japanese authorities, the Indian Mission, NORKA, and Devika's family in Kerala.
Honoring the wishes of Devika's father, our community organized a traditional Hindu cremation ceremony in Tokyo. Community members Ajay Preethambaran, Prajilal KP, Anil Raj, Divya Prakash, Jishnu Madhavan, A. J. Joy, Babu Koshy, Sinbo-san and two members from the funeral company attended and participated in the service, with Prajilal performing the sacred last rites on behalf of the family. The entire ceremony was livestreamed, enabling her grieving parents, relatives, and well-wishers in Kerala to attend and pay their final respects remotely.
Formation of a Joint Action Committee
To ensure sustained, transparent, and coordinated assistance for Devika's family, Nihon Kairali (NK) and the World Malayalee Federation (WMF) Japan have formed a Joint Support Committee.
This joint committee is actively liaising on multiple fronts:
- Liaison with Indian Embassy: Ensuring proper disclosure of official findings, securing pending salary settlements, and coordinating the transfer of statutory benefits and personal belongings.
- Direct Support to the Family: Providing continuous emotional, logistical, and legal guidance to her parents in Kannur during this difficult period.
Urgent Fundraising Appeal: Target ¥1,800,000 (1.8 Million JPY)
Devika's family comes from an impoverished background and incurred heavy debt at high interest rates to finance her overseas deployment. Her sudden demise has left them carrying immense grief alongside severe financial distress.
Our community stands united with Devika's family. We have launched a coordinated fundraising campaign with a target of ¥1,800,000 (1.8M Yen) to provide immediate debt relief and essential financial security for her parents. In order to achieve the target we are extending the campaign till 25th October, 2026.
Nihon Kairali and WMF Japan Joint Committee members to Support Devika's Family
- Ajay Peethambaran
- Anil Raj
- Babu Koshy
- Biju Paul
- Binu Thomas
- Divya Prakash
- Joy AJ
- Nasee Melethil Seike
- Prajilal KP
- Sunish Parakkal
- Udaykumar Nair