P. C. Mathew (Dallas), Global President of the Global Indian Council (GIC), along with Sudhir Nambiar (New Jersey), General Secretary, and Tara Sajan, Treasurer, in the presence of global cabinet members Tom Kolath, Santy Mathew, Goodwill Ambassador and retired Karnataka Director General of Police Jija Madhavan Hari Singh, Prof. Joy Pallattumadom, Adv. Susan Mathew, Adv. Yamini Suresh, and Dr. Mathew Joys, announced in a special news communiqué that the Global Indian Council will celebrate Indian Republic Day on January 24, 2026, with a series of innovative cultural and educational programs.
As part of the Republic Day celebrations, the Global Indian Council will officially release the award-winning short film “The Footprints” (Pairon Ke Nishan), inspired by the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, on the GIC YouTube channel.
The Footprints presents a powerful narrative based on real-life events associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Kerala. The film highlights incidents that took place during his brief stay at Elamon Mana, a traditional house in Thiruvalla owned by one of his admirers. Through this portrayal, the film conveys enduring Gandhian values of simplicity, truth, compassion, and moral leadership.
The short film is produced under the banner of the Global Indian Council, sponsored by Dr. Babu Rajan, one of GIC’s Ambassadors. It is directed by Thulasidas and scripted by Prof. K. P. Mathew. The role of Mahatma Gandhi is portrayed by Mr. George, a native of Alappuzha, whose striking resemblance and compelling performance leave a lasting impression on audiences.
The Footprints has won six awards at the Mumbai International Film Festival and has received numerous accolades at other national and international film festivals. The film continues to gain recognition for its artistic excellence and socially relevant message.
In addition to the film release, the GIC Cabinet has approved the launch of the “Shreshta Bhasha Malayalam Project,” an initiative aimed at promoting Indian languages among individuals interested in acquiring reading and writing skills. Malayalam will serve as the pilot language for this global initiative.
The project is led by Prof. Joy Pallattumadom, Vice President of GIC and a renowned educator who has authored several books on learning Malayalam. Over the past two years, Prof. Joy has developed a comprehensive 50-episode digital learning program, with each episode approximately 18 minutes long. The curriculum includes structured lessons, 36 short poems, and additional learning materials contributed by Prof. Joy Pallattumadom, Prof. K. P. Mathew (President, GIC Central Travancore and noted novelist), and Mr. John Pattarkuzhi.
Prof. Joy Pallattumadom has generously dedicated the completed project to the Global Indian Council for its distribution, promotion, and copyright ownership.
The Global Indian Council (GIC) is a fast-growing global organization of the Indian diaspora, committed to promoting artistic, cultural, educational, occupational, and charitable initiatives worldwide.
For more information, visit www.globalindiancouncil.org.
