Keralite, who spent 51 years in Gulf helping Indians, given rousing reception on return

Sunday 17 August, 2025 | 3:24 PM READ MALAYALAM VERSION

A Malayali expat, returning home after spending over five decades in the Gulf, was given a rousing welcome at the airport. The video of it has gone viral on social media. 64-year-old Thayyil Abdul Gafoor lived in the UAE for 51 years.

Gafoor had helped many from his hometown to secure jobs in the Gulf. Due to this help, expatriate Malayalees have special respect for him. He is known as Gafoorka, which reminds us of the movie Nadodikkattu. However, he is not a fraudster like Gafoor in the film, he is fondly called Gafoorka for his genuine support to the people.

Upon arriving at the Karipur International Airport, Gafoor was given a rousing welcome. Many came to the airport to receive him and rented a KSRTC bus to transport him to his village Maruthinchira in Malappuram. Many shouted slogans praising Gafoor.

The video was posted with the caption, 'This is the first time such a welcome has been given at the airport.' ‘Ghafoorka ki jai, Gafoorka ki jai... The jewel of our hometown has arrived, friends. No one can claim for the reception given. The entire hometown has come in KSRTC bus to receive him.’