"Expats crave for recreation of imaginary homeland in their hometown while they return after excruciating years abroad," commented Benyamin, in the light of his book Aadujeevitham, in the session, The City of the returning Kerala diaspora at the SPACES Fest.
"Reverse nostalgic adoption fostered major architectural evolution in the construction of houses. This commenced from late 1970s and continues till now," added Benyamin. T.T Sreekumar, the co-panelist, gave political perspectives of an expat's concept of building construction by maintaining the greenery of abode simultaneously building up skyscrapers.
N. Nandakumar moderated the session by picking up pivotal points of this wide yet complex topic which guided the session conventionally. "Double home concept is a novel idea developed in the mind-set of an expat. This is because of the latest political and economic norms adopted in foreign countries" said Benyamin. He also talked about how expats adopt their culture and traditions in lifestyle while living abroad. T.T Sreekumar compared the Tamil Nadu and Kerala diaspora by pointing out a stark contrast between them. "While Kerala expats chose to live in their imaginary homeland peacefully, Tamil expats always made efforts to establish their sociocultural identity in whichever country they worked."
The session concluded by discussing a Kerala expat's questionable dual attitude, in a foreign country and his/her hometown, with the audience.