Home away from home: How this ‘Corp Mallu’ group is uniting youth of Hyderabad

Hyderabad: In a bustling city like Hyderabad, where thousands of professionals move for work, finding a sense of belonging can be a challenge.

Bridging this gap is ‘Corp Mallu,’ a community-driven initiative that has evolved from a small group of friends into a massive network of over 50,000 people.

How did the community start?

What started two years ago as a small group of colleagues from Deloitte, has transformed into a decentralised platform for people across the city. While the community carries a ‘Malayali touch,’ it is open to everyone, regardless of their background. Now we have members all around Hyderabad from different job streams and companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, Apollo etc.

“Our main motto is to be like a home for all the people who are staying away from their families,” Minu Maria, a spokesperson for the community said.

“It is like a flavour; if you enjoy it, come and join us. We are a very open community. People come to Hyderabad from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and different states and even from foreign countries. They don’t have families here; we are like a family to them.”

How does the community operate?

The community operates through various chapters, including Secunderabad and Hitech City, with an expansive reach that includes over 22,000 followers on Instagram and 5000+ active members on WhatsApp and Discord.

The group is highly dynamic, hosting more than 20 types of events every weekend, ranging from hiking, runs, meetups festivals and sports like badminton and football to singing jam sessions, ‘no filter’ nights, concerts, yoga, art events and food-tasting events. Not just fun events they also cover charity and giving back to society by doing orphanage vists, gift distribution drives and charity events.

“Variety is our key,” the spokesperson added. “We are not just a running club or a dance club. We do everything under the sky. Whatever is happening, we try to incorporate that.”

‘Not a business, but a passion’

A defining characteristic of Corp Mallu is its commitment to remaining non-profit. The group does not view community building as a source of revenue.

Fees for events are kept minimal, typically between Rs 200 and Rs 400, strictly to cover operational expenses.

Minu Maria explained. “We don’t put anybody on a job; people participate because they are interested. It’s a place for them to grow and to be seen.”

The initiative thrives on volunteerism. From content creators and reel-makers to photographers and event hosts, members contribute their talents voluntarily for different events we host. The Key mantra they believe in is "We rise only by lifting others"

This transparent, community-led model has allowed Corp Mallu to sustain itself without the need for a formal corporate structure.

By prioritising inclusivity and providing a space for people to connect, Corp Mallu has successfully created a ‘home away from home,’ helping thousands of out-of-town professionals navigate life in a new city through shared experiences and collective passion.

Forums to assist

Beyond social gatherings, the community also provides essential support through various free-of-cost forums designed to assist newcomers in Hyderabad.

These include a 'Flat and Flatmates' platform to help people find accommodation without paying brokerage fees, and a 'Jobs and Careers' portal for job seekers. Additionally, the group runs 'BIC' (Business, Influencer, and Creator network), which focuses on promoting content creators across the city.

“We aim to be a comprehensive support system for our members. Whether it is finding a home, a career opportunity, or a platform to showcase creative talent, our forums ensure that our members have the resources they need to thrive in a new city," explained Minu Maria, a spokesperson for Corp Mallu.