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The First Knanaya Catholic Association formed outside India.
Knanaites had made their presence in Kuwait since 1949 onwards. They used to have unofficial gatherings including members from Kanaya Catholics and Knanaya Jacobites together once in every 4 months, mostly at the residence of Late Mr. Joseph Madathilettu (who was also known as "Dental Joseph"). They continued to have these unofficial gatherings for more than a decade. A greater demand for giving a formal name for such unofficial gatherings became paramount at the beginning of early Seventies, and accordingly they named it "Kuwait Kananya Cultural Association", (which included members from Kannaya Catholics and Knanaya Jacobites) and elected Mr. Joseph Madathilettu as its first President.
By 1975, the number of the Kanaya Catholics increased comparatively in Kuwait and there aroused a greater demand for a separate association for the Knanaya Catholics alone. Accordingly Knanaya Catholic Association came into existence within the same year and Mr. P.C. Mathew Poozhikunnel became its first President, under the full support and guidance of Mr. Joseph Madathilettu. Formation of KKCA was considered as a big inspiration and model for formation of various other Indian Associations in Kuwait including Kuwait Malayali Catholic Association, at a time when there were restrictions in formation of associations by Kuwait Government.
