A Legacy of Advocacy, Growth, and Community Empowerment
It all started in 1980 in Ariyangaadi, Thrissur, where a strike was held between merchants and daily workers, lasting for 46 days. This strike made the merchants realise that they needed an organisation to unite all merchants, regardless of the scale of their business or where it was located. In 1981, key figures from small communities across all 14 districts of Kerala came together to hold a meeting in Ernakulam to form an organization. Sir CM George was appointed as president, Sir MO John as general secretary, and Sir Jose as treasurer. This is how the journey of KVVES began as a statewide organization that supported merchants from all 14 districts of Kerala. They formed district committees and provided affiliations, ensuring effective management, control, and assistance.
The first community meetup was held in 1981 in Calicut, and the second in 1982 in Trivandrum, continuing thereafter. The organisation later addressed numerous issues, including unemployment for daily wage workers, helping them realise that merchants and workers are two sides of the same coin. The organisation fought against unfair laws with great strength and valour, showing their power through strikes in Parliament—not once, but twice in their history.
A significant challenge arose for the merchants when the legal body of India played a major role by imposing unprecedented taxes and rules on them, including the VAT Act in 2005, which was later replaced by GST in 2017. This was met with a strike at Raj Bhavan, where courageous leaders and merchants stood together against these harsh rules. When VAT was introduced, merchants united by shutting down their businesses for three days in Trivandrum, creating a massive impact in the state, which forced the government to make changes that favoured the merchants.
Later, the association organised several charity programs in Kerala, providing food, clothes, and other necessities. They also supplied essential study materials, including uniforms, for children returning to school after the major economic crisis during the floods in Kerala. This made people realise that the organisation was not just for merchants, but also focused on the upliftment of society as a whole.
The rich history of the organisation has made it the largest merchant organization in Kerala and one of the greatest in India.
Our Mission
The main goal of KVVES as an organisation is to unite and support merchants from as low as street vendors to export and import businesses. Our mission is to unite and empower merchants across Kerala, advocating for their rights and welfare, regardless of business scale or location. We are committed to fostering a cooperative community that strengthens the bond between merchants and daily wage workers, recognising that together, they form the backbone of our economy. Through solidarity, activism, and effective representation, we aim to address the challenges faced by merchants, combat unfair regulations, and support the social and economic upliftment of society. We strive to create lasting positive impact through charitable initiatives, providing resources for education, welfare, and disaster relief, ultimately building a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Our Mission
The main goal of KVVES as an organisation is to unite and support merchants from as low as street vendors to export and import businesses. Our mission is to unite and empower merchants across Kerala, advocating for their rights and welfare, regardless of business scale or location. We are committed to fostering a cooperative community that strengthens the bond between merchants and daily wage workers, recognising that together, they form the backbone of our economy. Through solidarity, activism, and effective representation, we aim to address the challenges faced by merchants, combat unfair regulations, and support the social and economic upliftment of society. We strive to create lasting positive impact through charitable initiatives, providing resources for education, welfare, and disaster relief, ultimately building a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Our Vision
The merchants in Kerala are currently facing a significant crisis, particularly small-scale merchants, due to the rise of world-class brands dominating the retail market. Showrooms and malls have expanded into nearly every district, severely affecting the businesses of small retailers and supermarket owners. Our goal is to create a safe and effective environment that supports these merchants, offering them the guidance and strategies needed to thrive in the changing market. We aim to provide clear direction and innovative ideas for improving the business climate for all merchants. We are planning to organize a conclave where we will share technical and revolutionary ideas. This will be supported by a committee of financial experts, helping merchants stay updated on the latest technologies to shape the market. Additionally, we will conduct classes, camps, and seminars focused on using these technologies to enhance customer satisfaction, ensuring the best possible outcomes for merchants.By providing merchants with the necessary tools and expertise, we strive to build a more competitive and sustainable retail environment. Together, we will foster growth, resilience, and long-term success for Kerala’s retail community.
The merchants in Kerala are currently facing a significant crisis, particularly small-scale merchants, due to the rise of world-class brands dominating the retail market. Showrooms and malls have expanded into nearly every district, severely affecting the businesses of small retailers and supermarket owners. Our goal is to create a safe and effective environment that supports these merchants, offering them the guidance and strategies needed to thrive in the changing market. We aim to provide clear direction and innovative ideas for improving the business climate for all merchants. We are planning to organize a conclave where we will share technical and revolutionary ideas. This will be supported by a committee of financial experts, helping merchants stay updated on the latest technologies to shape the market. Additionally, we will conduct classes, camps, and seminars focused on using these technologies to enhance customer satisfaction, ensuring the best possible outcomes for merchants.By providing merchants with the necessary tools and expertise, we strive to build a more competitive and sustainable retail environment. Together, we will foster growth, resilience, and long-term success for Kerala’s retail community.
Our Vision
Our Gallery
Discover the highlights of our journey and achievements. A glimpse into the milestones that define our organization.
