ISSN-0970-9045 147 Vol 44, Issue 1, No. 2, 2024 UGC Care Group 1 Journal | Peer-Reviewed Journal URBAN INDIA FROM KERALA TO GLOBAL NORTH: EXPLORING THE TRAJECTORIES OF MALAYALI STUDENT DIASPORA Dr. Binumol Abraham Associate Professor, Department of History, Assumption College Autonomous, Changanasserry Kottayam, Kerala, Email: binuhcu@gmail.com Dr. Neethu Tessa Baby Assistant Professor, Department of English, Assumption College Autonomous, Changanasserry Kottayam, Kerala, Email: neethu.tessa@gmail.com Abstract This paper seeks to explore the phenomenon of international migration among Malayali students from Kerala, India. In recent years, a large number of students have started migrating to foreign countries of the global north for their undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This migration was driven by various factors such as the pursuit of higher education, the possibility of part-time income, and the possibility of permanent residence abroad. A significant portion of these immigrant students come from low socio-economic backgrounds and use overseas education as a pathway for social mobility. In addition, there is a growing trend of female students studying abroad, reflecting changing societal norms. The study aims to analyze the push and pull factors driving this migration, challenges in the higher education sector in Kerala, problems faced by overseas Malayali students, their impact on the home country and possible policy implications. The present study mainly focuses on the socio-economic and political factors that lead Malayalee students to pursue their education abroad. The findings highlight the shift from traditional Gulf migration to student migration to Western countries, resulting in both 'brain drain' and 'brain waste' phenomena. An in-depth analysis of push and pull factors, trends and patterns of migration and potential trends in diaspora is intended in this study. Keywords: Migration, Diaspora, Education, Unemployment, Brain waste Introduction The international migration of students from Kerala to different parts of the world, in search of greener pastures is a booming phenomenon, all the more in the Post-pandemic scenario. Many factors are responsible for the exponential rise in number viz. international education, the possibility of part-time incomes and most importantly, as a channel for stay-back and subsequent settling abroad. Other major reasons include limited focus on practical education and skills, outdated curricula, rote learning, inadequate industry integration, and employment challenges back home. Dwindling employment opportunities, lack of industries and establishments, lack of dignity of labour, and the alarming number of educated unemployed population in Kerala are reasons that motivate the Malayali youth to cross the seas. Mushrooming educational intermediaries and agencies, as well as the availability of student loans have eased this process to a large extent. While, previously Malayali students chose to go abroad after graduation or post- graduation, the latest trend is to migrate soon after school education. The age of migration is dropping significantly every other year. An interesting phenomenon, as surveys point out is that, the greatest segment of such migrant students come from families with comparatively lower socio-economic backgrounds. Student migration thus serves as the easiest route for social mobility, including gaining a better socio-economic status in Kerala. Also interesting is to note