The hamlet Kanam (Kottayam Dist ,Kerala,India)



The hamlet Kanam is well known in Malayalee world by the writings of popular Novelist of 1950’s and 60’s ,Kanam E.J (Philip).His neendakathasin Manorama weeklies , like “ee arayekkar nintethanu”, ”pampa nathi panjozhukunnau’,”bharya” ,”kattumanka” and films like “bharya ”,harshabhaspam”, ”chakara” ware very poular .Kanam is centrally located and this makes it easy to reach from Kochi or Trivandrum .From Kochi, one could reach Kottayam by train or car and from the e or by car to Kanam. It is 27 kms east of Kottayam town by the side of NH220(former Kottayam-Kumali or KK Road) .If one is coming to Kanam from Trivandrum he can reach Changanacherry by train or car and then reach Kanam by car. The distance is 27 kms.

Originally Kanam kara of Kangazha muri ,Vazhoor village of Changanacherry taluk in Kottayam Dist, Kerala, belonged to Edappally Swaroopam of erstwhile Princely state of Kochi. There was a Bhagavathy (Mother goddess) temple in Kanam. Edappally Thampuran (Nampoothiri) had a consort in the Parappally Kaimal’s family and when Thampuran died , she returned to Kanam with the documents relating to the properties. Therefore, the Edappally Swaroopam, the family of the Thampuran , never cared to look after the Bhagavathy temple and the properties. The temple was in a dilapidated condition. The ruins of the temple were removed by the newly came Christians from Mundakkayam and they settled in the Southern parts of Kanam. The temple tank, known as “Amrutham Chira”, which was used to irrigate the nearby paddy fields was filled up and converted into paddy field. The northern and western parts of Kanam was brought from the Kudaluvally Namboothiri by the aristocratic Vellala family of Thundathil, migrated from Kumbakonam, via Thazhathangadi , Kottayam.



CMS Church and School

Unni Kaimal the last Karanavar of Parappallil family passed away in 1935 and the properties were divided among his children and grand children. The sites of CMS Church , School and that of Jacobite church at Chettiyare were donated by Parappallil Kaimal. The Church Mission Society built a church in 1862 . At that time Henry Baker (Jr) was the Missionary. Up to 1891 A.F Painter was the Missionary. Bishop Hodgesused to visit the church on horse back. Rev P.P Joseph (Mavelikkara) was the Priest between 1891 and 1893.Rev. M.C.Chako Madavan, M.T.Chacko Mevelikkara,M.J.Chandy Olassa, C.K.Varghese,P.E.Chako Poovathoor, M.C.Chacko Modayil, W.C.Varghese ,M.P.Mathew, M.K.George, M.Sathyanathan, K.K.Thariyan, K.N.Jacob, M.J.eapen,George John, T.M.Thomas Thevarthundiyil, M.C.Mani(later Bishop), .P.M.george, K.S.John, P.I.george, ,V.E.Mathai, M.K.Kuriyan Varghese ,Samuel etc were the Priests. Now the church is called St.James C.S.I Church. Plapparamil Achan (Rev.M.C.Chacko Madavana) constructed the old Parsonage .Later it was replanted next to the church. The Balabhavan was started in 1966.The church at Kanam had sub churches in Kothala, Nedumavu, Vazhoor, Ponkunnam, Thampalakadu, Thidanadu, Chenappady, Edakkunnam, Velichavayal, Thonduvely,Kangaha North, Kovoor, Mundathanam, Ampalathanmkuzhy, and in Kulathoor.

CMS Missionaries opened the Primary School near the CMS church about 133 years back in 1873. In 1948 it was upgraded as UP. In 1968 while Rev. T.M Thomas was the Priest, it was again upgraded to High School. Rev. M.C.Mani ( later Bishop), Kanam EJ, P.T.Thomas Payyampallil and E.P Varghese had major role in the construction of the High School building.

K.C.Varghese (Padikkamannil Asan), P.V.Kuruvilla (Pazhavarikkal Asan),P.N.Koshy Pathippalathu Mankompil (Kotchasan), P.K.Cheriyan Pazhavarikal ,M.I.Abraham Madathumchalil, E.J.Philip Elavunkal (KanamE.J) K.E.George Valiya purayidathil, P.K.Mary Valiyapurayidathil (daughter of Kotchasan), Sosamma Philip Elavunkal (Mrs.Kanam E.J),T.T.George Elavumkaalayil, Mariyamma George Elavunkamalayil ,P.C.Chako Pandikkara, K.J.Elachy Padikkara. P.K.Ninan (Son of Kotchasan), K.E.Jacob Kotchikuzhiyil, P.C .Eapen Pazhavarickal, K.K.Kuruvilla Kummamkulathu , P.J.Annamma Pathipalathu,P.C.Aleyamma Pazhavaricka, .M.V.Mariaymma Chettiyara Madathil,A.V.Annamma Pallikunnel,Jessy Varghese Pulikkathekkethil were the teachers . CMSLPS grew up into Middle and later High School in course of time. These three temples of learning started by CMS produced many doctors, engineers, teachers, Government officers and defence personnel from Kanam.

CMS Missionaries converted many of the pulayas and parayas of Kanam to Christianity. The first to under go conversion was Chemmandur Thulavan and he received the name Markose. His son Gopalan receved the name Yohannan. Mathai, Chcko and Markosewere were his other sons . In 1940 Eattikal Markose Markose, later retired as HM ,SVLPS Kanam qualified to become a teacher.

The Christians colonized the Southern parts of Kanam, started rubber plantations. Late PV .Varghese popularly known as Maliyekkal Kunjoojukutty Mapilla was the first planter and it was he who built a two story building, “Payikadu” House in Kanam, popularly known as “Malikayil” near CMS School. Now the 80 year old house is a Tourist attraction Heritage building-The “Malabar Escape”. He was the first President of Kangazha Panchayat (1953)

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Shanmukhavilasom Schools (“Kotchukanjirappara Pallikkodam”)



Admissions to the CMS Primary School were given in a preferential manner to Christians and to those who were likely to be converted to Christianity. Nairs and Vellalas were admitted only as exception .As a consequence Late Shanmughavilasom Arumugham Pillai of Thundathil family, started Shanmugha Vilasom Primary School 80 years back with the support of late N.S Raman Pillai , Peshkar of Kottayam . Admissions were given to all, irrespective of caste and creed .Due to financial difficulties, later Shanmugham Pillai had to surrender the school to Government. Many of the members of Thundathil family like Cherukappallil Chellamma, Kalappurayidathil Sankara Pillai and Krishna Pillai and Shanmugha Vilasom Ammini Amma were teachers of this school.

Teachers from Kanam



Nettamplackal Aasan was the “Nilathezhasan”. Rtd Prevathicar VN.Govinda Pillai was also used to teach new students, alphabets and numbers. Among the teachers , the older generation remembers late MI. Abraham, Sankara Kaimal, Kangazhottu Paramewaran Pillai, MN.Sankara Pillai, Devaki Amma and E.M.Markose .Cherukappallil Chellamma (mother of Dr.CS.Gopinatha Pillai), Nellikunnam Sankaran Nair , Nattassery Ramakrishna Pillai, Kandamcheril KN.Panicker (“Meesa Panicker sar”) , They were very popular teachers who commanded respect from all students. Jyolsan Rama Panicker taught Astrology.

Roads

Kodungoor-Kappukadu-Kanam road was built 70 years back by Shanmughavilasom Arumugham Pillai. Ummini Kartha of Anickadu donated 4 acres of land for the road. At the starting point there was an athani hence the junction got the name “Elappunkal”. There was a way side inn neat the junction and the Karthas were distributing free butter milk to travellers during summer. A toady shop also was there in Elappunkal hence the name shappupadi.Kanam Kanjirappara road was constructed by Er.John Kurian. Later he became a priest in CMS.

Industry

An attempt was made to train weavers in the Weaving school founded and headed by late Mr. Abraham (Parappallythazhe Avarachen) in Athumpanakuzhy,which had a premature death during World war II. Small scale industries like Hand loom weaving ,cotton dyeing and printing were all attempted in Kanam but were turned out to be casualties of the War .Shanmughavilasom Arumugham Pillai started weaving factory near Kotchukanjirappara in Naithusala parambu,headed by Mr.Gopalan Nair of Nedumkunnam

Temple of worship

When the Bhagavathy temple was rebuilt in the Poduvakunnu (Elamkavil),in Kangazha North, Kanam was the only village in the neighborhood, without a temple. The only place of worship left was the Nallanikuzhy Kavu near Kotchukanjirappara Pallikkodam where annual offerings (“Vellamkudi”) was dffered during Onam and Vishu by the pulayas of Eattikal . But with the Pulayas embracing Christianity nobody came for annual offerings after the late Oman Pulayan. Now the place has been converted into an Ayyappa Temple with monthly poojas.

Vaidyas (Physicians) of Old Kanam



50 years ago there were expert Vaidyas in Kanam. Prevathicar Govinda Pillai , father of T.K.Krishnan Nair, Kamalayam ,TPPuram,Vazhoor and Grand father of Kanam Rajendran Ex.MLA, was a Sanskrit scholar, poet and Vaidyan who specialized in the treatment of jaundice. Ezhuthukallumkal Narayan Nair Vaidyan, Ipe Vaidyan ,Thanagumpothy Joseph Vaidyan, Thirummu Vaidyan Puthepurackal Parameswaran Nair, Kuttappan Nair (Visha Chikitsa) ,TK .Velayudhan Nair ( Aniyan Vaidyan), were some of the celebrities who attended the need of sick. Muthaiyya and Kochaiyya were the compounder-turned doctors who treated patients going through Kanam in their cycles from the salvation Army Dispensary at Kanjirappara. Dr.Richard aqualified English Doctor worked here in 1942 for some time.He used to conduct house deliveries.Mr.K. Gopakumar former President Anickadu Regional Farmer’s bank says that his mother used to tell that Dr.Richard attended his birth at their residence in Mukkali,Anickadu and that was a difficult forceps extraction. Her husband witnessed the procedure as she insisted his presence. Dr.Richard coined his name as Krishnankutty.Later Dr.Richard joined in CMC Velloor and married Dr.Somerwell’s daughter.Dr.Richard used to write letters enquiring about Krishnankutty for a very long time. In the veterinary field the service of Varghese Mappilla (father of Rtd HM TV.Kurian) of Thakidiyel house in Padinjattupakuthy was available at all times. Philipose Asan (Grand father of KanamEJ) was treating eye troubles and Homeo medicines were available with Mulakkakunnel Pappy Vaidyan who practiced Homeo as well as Ayurveda.



Personalities of Kanam

The first person from Kanam who took a technical degree is Er. PV. George BE, Rtd Chief Engineer, Eastern Railways (S/OMr.PV.Varghese, Payikad). His sister Accamma Varghese is the first lady graduate of Kanam and was the first Head Mistress of CMS Middle School. The first BA graduate was Late .TK Krishnan Nair, Rtd AEO and first BSc graduate is TV.Kurian,Thakidiyel



Late P.P. Sankara Pillai Pangapattu, BABL, was the first Advocate, who settled down in Kanam ,even though late Adv. Kandamcheril Sivaraman Panicker ,who had landed property in Kanam ,used to visit here once a week. Adv. Kanam Sivan Pillai was the first to take law (BL) degree and Dr. Dr Meenakshi Amma (Sathy daughter of Mrs.Thankaama,Mookkilikattu and Adv. Pangapattu Sankara Pillai) was the first person from Kanam to take MBBS(Medical College,Trivandrum 1957) She retired as Supperintenden t W&C Hospital Thycaud nad is Consultant Paediatrcian in Trivandrum .Later P.V.George Padikkamannil received MBBS (and later DLO) .Dr .K.A.Sankara Pillai is first Medical Post Graduate degree (MS-General Surgery.His son Dr. Ajesh Sankar is the first MRCOG(UK) and daughter Dr.(Mrs) Anju Devi Sreejith first MRCP(UK) recipients. Dr .Gracy Thomas (Mallappally) grand daughter of Malikayil .P.V.Varghese met with a road traffic accident in Manarcadu and had an untimely death.



Dr.MA. Arumugham Pillai (Mlakkuzhiyil)took the first BAM (and later MBBS and M.S). Dr.C.S. Gopinatha Pillai (Cherukappallil) took the fist Ph D (Marine Biology).The first Gazetted Officer and holder of a teaching degree was Payyampallil P.C.Varghese, BA.LT. Leading farmers were Mookklikattu Pappu Pillai alias Arumugham Pillai, (who started the SVLPS) Klappurayidathil Kuttan Pillai alias Chidambaram Pillai (father of Adv.Kanam Sivan Pillai) , Mlakkuzhiyil Arumugham Pillai (father of Dr.MA.Pillai), Kotchukanjirappara (later Thonduvelil) Ayyappan Pillai (father of Dr.Kanam Sankara Pillai . He is now 96 years old and is the Patron of Sree Ayyappa Trust , Kanam). Krishnavilasom Krishna Pillai alias Kappayil Kittuchettan (father of KK.Prabhakaran Nair), Peedikayil Kunjappan Mappila and his brother Daniel ,Parappallithazhe Kuttan Mappila, Thottaparambil Kotchu Mappila, Thondiparambil Kotcherukkan, Peedikayil Kunjappan Mappila, Puthuparambil Kutty Mappilla, Mankompil Kunjappan Mappila and Cherukappallil Krishnan alias Kachi .Cherukappallil Sivarama Pillai (father of Dr.C.S.Gopinatha Pillai) and Damodharan Nair were the merchants who bought their agricultural products and provided the people provisions.



Entertainments in olden days

All the Senior citizens of that time used to meet at Kotchukalappurayidam alias Prevathicar Veedu and play cards, read newspapers and hold discussions. Mrs.Govinda Pillai (Ittooli Kutty Amma was the first and only lady who took part in playing cards along with men. Younger generation took to native bale, kilithattu, chadukudu etc. Onam,Vishu and Thiruvathira were celebrated with pomp by Hindus while X’mas and Easter were observed gaily by Christians. The common celebration was held to observe the annual Thirunal (Birthday of Maha Raja).The Anniversary of the Primary Schools were observed not only by the staff and students, but also by the general public. School hall was full and at many times people had to stand outside to hear speeches and songs and witness dramas, one act plays, fancy dress etc. Public sports was the salient feature for the occasion , when non student youth also took part.

Politics & library movement in Kanam

The national movement had very little impact in Kanam, but with the banning of Malayala Manorama paper and liquidation of National & Quilon Bank ( where many farmers had deposits) feeling of antagonism toward Dewan gradually grew. The State Congress movement has spread rapidly among the Christians but spread slowly among Hindus. Students were the first to raise the banner of revolt. It may seem strange that it was among the Hindus that the Communist ideology began to spread down, even though they were reluctant to absorb the anti Dewan sentiments of the State Congress. With the advent of freedom, Mahtma Gandhi, who used to be the ideal worship by the student population began to be adored by all. Two libraries named after Gandhiji sprang up. Mahathma library under the leadership of TK .Krishnan Nair, KK.Prabhakaran Nair, KC. Sivan Pillai etc and Bapuji library near CMS Church under the leadership of Kanam EJ, Thottaparmbil Baby Perumprathazhe Vavachan etc. Both had their natural death when the workers, who were students took to job or went away for higher studies ,for want of second line workers.



Spread of Communist Ideology in Kanam



It was the Mahathma library which sowed the seed of the Communist movement in Kanam. The “Life of Karl Marx” written by Swadesabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai, “Pattabhakki” and other dramas by K. Damodharan and similar books lead to a consciousness of the evils of inequality. The second general election to the State Assembly when Mr.Kangazha Baskaran Nair stood as a candidate with Socialist party ticket, was utilized by the young students to educate the common people in socialist ideologies. Mr.TK.Krishnan Nair was the firs to become a party member and later when he returned after graduation, a group was organized with Kanam Sivan Pillai, KK,Prabhakaran Nair, KK.Raghavan Nair (Aniyan) etc. The “Janathiapathya Munnani” under the leadership of Kadayanikadu Purushothaman Pillai had its propaganda machinery working in Kanam , along with Kangazha, Kadayanikadu, Mundathanam, Nedumkunnam and neighbouring villages. The “Rationkada Samaram” which brought out people to the street against the unauthorized price hike by ration dealers by way of service charge, rounding off bill etc. During the Panchayat election ,a candidate-Perumal Pillai,(brother in law of Adv.Pangappattu Sankara Pillai) was put against Mr.PV.Varghese (Payyampallil sar) the Congress candidate , with elephant as his emblem but failed to get representation to Kangazha Panchayat .It was interesting to state that Perumal Pillai met people on the back of an elephant to canvass vote for him.

By the time , The CMS Primary School was upgraded to Middlle School, Vidyadhiraja Swamikal stated the SVRV School at Theerthapadapuram, Vazhoor in 1953. Later CMS UPS was upgraded to High School and St. Pauls UPS at Piulicka kaval was also upgraded. Education spread and every boy and girl had the facility to get general education. Till then only a few fortunate had the facility for higher education , because of its exorbitant cost. Hostel charges which accounted for the 85% of the cost of education, were rendered unnecessary, with the establishment of several High Schools and Colleges in vicinity. With the advent of higher education, facility for political consciousness began to grow and Kanam was able to offer two candidates in the Vazhoor constituency for assembly elections. Adv. Kanam Sivan Pillai (CPM) and Kanam Rajendran(CPI) .The latter won the seat twice. Now the CPM and CPI have strong hold over the village. The communists of early years are leading their retired lives and some of them had passed away. The names of Pampady Balan, ( painter of AKG portraits on the walls of Indian Coffe Houses) Anickadu PK.Sankara Pillai –(once “Stalin” Sankara Pillai,now the octogenarian is “Ganapthy” Sankara Pillai,) Elakkadu Purushan, Kadayanickadu Purushothaman Pillai Ex. MLA and Kottayam Bhasi are also associated with the spread of communist ideology in Kanam.



Co-Operative movement in Kanam



The Co-operative movement of the Vazhoor Village also had its roots in Kanam. It was Sri.MN.Sankara Pillai, HM SVLPS and Payattukala (Vellakallumkal) Chacko who took steps for the Vazhoor Farmer’s Bank.

Priests of Kanam

Pazhayamadathil Yacub Kathanar, Parappalithaze Achan, Thadathil Achan and Perumprathazhe Achan Rev.P.T.Thpmas (Kanam Achan) ,RevT.C.Varghese Thakidiyel, Rev.Johnson George Elavunkamala are prominent Priests who tried to improve the spiritual as well as the temporal lives of the people.



Some Important Personalities born in Kanam

1. Flying Officer P.V.Philipose

Front page of the Malayala Manorama dated 11^th October 1951 appeared with the news that Flying Officer P.V.George is killed in plane crash. On 6^th October in a plane accident in Turkey a Malayalee Flying officer was killed along with Air Commodore Narendran and two others. But Editor K.C. Mammen Mappila of Manorama gave importance to P.V.Philip only because he was a malayalee Flying Officer P.V. Philip was the Pilot of Prime Minister Nehru as well as Vice Marshal K.M.Kariyappa.

Philip was born on 27^th January 1925m as the second son of Varghese and Sosamma of Ponnanthanathu Ambrayil ,Kanjirappara.He was called as Kunjooju. His elder sister Annamma and younger brother P.V.Joseph are still alive to tell his story. Their father died when Philip was 5years old. The children grew under care of their uncle. Philip learned alphabet from Kudippallikkoodam an dstudied in St.Thomas LPS up to 4^th class .As there was financial difficulty he joined in Malayalam school at Pathanadu .He studied there up to 9^th.Kanam EJ was his classmate in Pathanadu.Then Philip went for Rubber trading for livelihood.It was the timeof 2^nd World war.One day he lost money got from sale of the Rubber sheets. Because he could not face the people to whom he owns money he disappeared from Kanam.After a week his brother got a letter stating that he is leaving Kerala and also send the list of people whom he own smoney. He assured that he will return their money in due course and then only he will return to home.

Philip reached Coimbatore. He met his mentor in the school Mr.C.N. Chandrasekharan Nair, who by this time was a Military recruiting officer. Mr. Nair selected him to Royal Indian Air Force. After independence he got promotions in rapid succession and became the Pilot of Comodore and PM. He was preparing to get married .But fate was against him. He was killed in the plane crash in Italy. Condolence messages flew from various quarters to Ambaryil Kanam. One of the Novels of Kanam EJ-Kuzhimadom- was dedicated to Pilot Philip, his classmate.

2.Kanam EJ (Popular Novelist & Play writter)

Kanam is well known in Malayalam literature by way of the popular writer of sixties “Kanam E J”(Philip), whose “Ee Arayekkar Nintethanu”, “Pampanathi Panjozhukunnu”, “Bharya” (based on sensational Ammalukutty murder),Kattumanga ,High Range etc were super hit Neendakathas in Manorama weekly. Kunjacko of Udaya Films,Alleppey made a super hit film “Bharya” with lyric “Periyare..peryare”( by Vayalar Rama Varma) based on E.J’s novel.

He started as a poet with “Bashpodhakam”, later became Jenapriya (popularly nicknamed as “Painkili”) Novelist and Editor who started the well known weekly “Manorajyam”. Tens of thousands of Malayalees were attracted to reading habit by E.J’s Neendakathas. Writers like M . Mukundan were attracted to writing by EJ’s Novels.

EJ was born on 13th June 1926 as the son of Elavunkal John, who was the son of Philipose Asan, the native Eye Physician of Kanam who lived in Padinjattu Pakuthy. E.J passed his Malayalam Higher from MHS Kangazha and took to Military service. On return from war service, he could have practiced as a B- Class Allopathic Practitioner, but he preferred teaching. He was assistant in CMS Middle School Kanam, later became Malayalam Pandit in CMS HS Mundakkayam, Kumpalampoika and Kottayam. Later he joined Malayala Manorama ,as a journalist .In 1967 he resigned and started famous Malayalam Weekly “Manorajyam”. Later it was transferred to Dr. George Thomas of “Keraladwani” .His wife Mrs. Rachel Thomas was the Editor for some time. After her death it was bought by Goodnight Mohan. Now the weekly stopped publishing.

Philip in 1950 as Teacher in CMSUP.Schoo,s Kanam

Even when he was a student he had very brilliant talents in poetics and had won many prizes for short stories and poems. It was Manorama weekly which brought out his talents in writing Novels.

The term “Painkili Novel” came to usage, after the birth of the popular Novel “Padatha Painkili”( later became Cinema by same name) by late Muttathu Varkey who was in the Editorial staff of Deepika the oldest Daily in Malayalam. But EJ had more readers than Varkey because his Neendakathas were serialized in Manorama weekly , which had more circulation. So , even though he was No 2 in the list of so called “Painkili Novelist”, Kanam EJ had maximum readers.

EJ had written more than 100 Novels., all appeared as Neendakathas in various Malayalam periodicals. Out of these 23 were made films.He wrote the script for seven and lyrics for five. ”Thiryayum theeravum chumbichurangi..” in “ Aval viswasthayayirunnu” was one of the a hit songs. He had published five collections of short stories, seven Dramas and two poetries.

He died on his 56^th birthday, on 13th June 1982.Late Mrs.Sosamma Philip ,teacher CMS Middle school was his wife. Sophy, Sali, Sajan, Susy and Baba are their children.

2. Late Mr.TK.Krishan Nair BA.BT ( Historian of Kanam )

Krishnankutty was born on 27.2.1929 at Puthuparambu House, as the son of Prevathicar V.N.Govinda Pillai and Sri Ittooli Kutty Amma He studied in SVPS, Kanam, MMS Vazhoor, MHS Kangazha, MT Seminary Kottayam, KVHS Ponkunnam., SB College Changanacherry , SD College Alapuzha. and Teachers Training School Trichur. He had worked in PCHS Ranni, Model School Trivandrum, GHS Thodupuzha, Aroor UPS Koothattukulam, Edamunnam UPS, GovtUPS Kothala and GUPS Vazhoor.He organized DGTA in North and Central Kerala.Founder President of Govt Graduate Teachers Association. Organized In- service training to English teachers. In 1984 retired as AEO Munnar. Married D. Kamalamma daughter of M.N.Sankara Pillai-Devaki ,Amma, the teacher couple of SVPS. Daughter Sudha is the Head Mistress of Kothala NSS School. Son Babu Kalakrishnan (1st Rank holder and Goldmedalist for Bsc Eng) is in Bangalore. Second son Radhakrishnan is the Architect of Oman Palace. Youngest son Harikrishnan (MBA Rank holder) is Head of Finance dept Ras Gas Doha .TK’s wife D.Kamalamma, Rtd Malayalam Teacher NSSHS Vazhoor, died on 18.12.1999. TK.Krishnan Kutty published an anthology of poems “Murali” with the pen name “Kanam Kuttykrishnan”. Mr.TKK .Nair expired on 28th July 2001

4.Parappallythazhe P.M. Thomas-the Food grain specialist

Thoma swas born on 6^th August 1917 a sthe son of Mathew Mathew Parappallythazhe and Mariamma .He had 11 siblings .he was the 9^th.He passed BSc(Agr) and had his MS fromCoronal University, US.He got Diploma in Journalism too. He had training in Food management fro mSs, UK and Japan .He had 36 years service in Food Corporation of India.He was regional Manager,Food Advicer to High Commissiner Dakka,Food Storage and Handling Advicer Banladesh and finally Project manager FAO/UNDP .He ha dpublishe 125 articles on Food management.He had toured in most of the foreign countries, He died on 1^st November 1990.His wife Lily (Saramma was the daughter of Mulamoottil MG Mathew of Kozhencherry. Col.P.M.ThomasM.Tech, Dr.Gerge P.Thomas (Gastro-Enterologist)and T.P.Thomas(Revi) are his sons.Revi was Councellor Indian Embassy Washington(DC).

5. Mr.P.C.Varghese BA.LT(Payyampallil sar)

He was the son of Kotchithamma, daughter of Chacko Varghese Vicharippukaranand Chacko Pillai of Kadanchira Mundakal .He was teacher in Govt HS Kanjirappally and later Head Master, Trainig School. After retirement he was member of Kangazha Panchzyt in 1953 .He was married to .Mriyakutty from Kumarakom .Baby, Philip ,Jacobkutty and Thomaskutty ( Adv.P.V Thomas BA.BL) are his children.

6. Nathan-The cartoonist

K. Somanathan Nair, popularly known as cartoonist Nathan was born on 31^st January 1944 in Panthaplakkal House, Kanam as the elder son of Mr.Kunjukrishna Panicker and Mrs. P.C.Janamma. He had his school education CMS LPS & UPS Kanam. He had his HS studies from MDS Kottayam &SVRVHS Theerthapadapuram. He studied in CMS College Kottayam for PDC. Then he studied Mechanical Engineering in Govt.Politechnic Kalamassery. He got employed in HMT Kalamassery in 1963. He took VRS in 1933.His first Cartoon appeared in Kumkumam weekly (Kollam) in 1965. After that his works appeared in various dailies like Kerala Times (Kochi) Express (Trichur) Manorama(Kottayam),Deepika (Kottayam),Kerala Kaumudi (Trivandrum) and Desabhimani (Kochi) Candrika (Calicut) and also in periodicals like Kerala Sabdam, Vanitha, Kala Kaumudi, Pakkanar, Vikada Kesari, Narmada, Manorama Comics etc . From 1971 his cartoons appeared in National level in prestigious periodicals like Sankar’s weekly, Blitz, Indian express etc. Number of caricatures of Politicians both in National and state levesl were drawn by Nathan. He used to write humorous middle pieces in Editorial pages of Manorama deepika(Idavila) and in Manorajyam (Hitlist) Marakayudham No2 was his first anthology of Political Cartoons. Cartoon History of Politics in Kerala is in preparation. For sometime he was the producer of Nest Animation-Akamporul. During the National emergency days one of the issues of Keralakaumudi daily appeared only with a political cartoon by Nathan in Editorial space . There was no text at all. This is said to be great honour for the cartoonist and no other cartoonist got this rare chance. Nathan is the only cartoonist that draws the front view of Politicians like A.K .Antoney and K.M Mani .Now he is leading a retired like near NSS Hs Anickadu in a beautiful heritage house called sagarika where there is facility for home-stay for foreigners. He is married to Geetha. His son Renjith is an Officer in Indian Navy and daughter Kavitha is an Engineer in Canada. Ponnu and Niveditha are his grand children

Address: Sagarika, Anickadu West Kottayam Dist Tele 0481-2552806

7. Parappallythazhathu P.V.Varghese (Titty ) –the Industrialist

8.Shanmugha Vilasom Arumugham Pillai –the Founder SVLPS

9. Adv.Kanam Saivan Pillai The first law graduate from Kanam

K.C.Sivan Pillai BA.BL is the 4^th son of late Kalappurayidathil Chidambaram Pillai, the elder son of Chollathu sanku Pillai .His schooldays were in Kanam and Anickadu.He had his college studies from SD College Alleppey and Law studies from Law College, Ernakulam. He was SF activist and when the Communist Party was split into Left and Right he joined the Left wing. He was DC member for a long time .He had his practice in Kanjirappally and became very popular as a Criminal Lawyer.One he was the candidate of CPI(M) in Vazhoor but failed. His son Sajithkumar is also an Advocate practising in Kanjirappally. Block Panchayath Member Mrs.Geeta Venugopal is his eldest daughter.

10.Dr.C.S.Gopinatha Pillai,MSc.Ph.D-the Scientist

Gopi is the grandson of Chollathu Sanku Pillai and eldest son of Cherukappallil Sivarama Pillai and Kunnemakkal Chellamma (teacher SVLPS,Kanam).He was born in 1936.He had both BSc and MSc from Kerala University .He was Lecturer in Mar Evaniose College Trivandrum and Thyagaraja College ,Madura. With scholarship from Govt of India he did research on Corals of Indian ocean and got Doctorate .With scholarships from Royal Society(UK)and Alexander Horn Hubert Foundation Germany he did research in Germany, US and in France .He retired as Director of Central Marine Fisheries ,Kochi. He is author of pavizhaputty kalude lokam. A large number of research papers by him is published in National and International Journals .He chaired many conferences both National and International. He is married to Leelamma (teacher,Netaji HS)daughter of Aklathu Chellappan Pillai,Pramadom,Pathanamthitta. His daughter Sylaga is research Officer in Agricultural University and son Uma Sankar a businessman

.Address Sreesylom, Pramadom,Pathanamthitta 04686-2325165

11Dr.M.A.Pillai,BAM,MBBS,MS-the integrated Physician

He is the son of Malakkuzhiyil Arumugham Pillai the second son of Chollathu Sanku Pillai .He had his school education from Kanam and Anickadu. He got admission for the newly introduced Integrated Medical course of Ayurveda College Trivandrum .Later he got MBBS and finally he got specialised I nSurgery(MS).He was working in Kerala Health Services in various hospitals in Kerala. For some time he was RMO of Dist Hospital Kottayam. After retirement he is doing private practice in Adoor (Janatha Hospital)

12. Reghu Pangapattu-the Pragmatic

Reghu (Omanakuttan) was the second son of Mookkilikattu Thankamma (daughter of Shanmugham Pillai ,Founder of SVLPS Kanam) and Adv. Pangapattu Sankara Pillai BA.BL of Kanjirappally. He was classmate of (later Chief Secretary, Karala) in MDHS Kottayam and was the best out going student. For Personal Management he was classmate of Novelist Sakharia in Pilani. Among friends Reghu was known as the Pragmatic. Being a genius he never cared to stick on to a particular post. While he was staying with his uncle Mr.PRS Pillai (Film Division of India) he made friendship with Malayalee writers like MT, Mukundan,Aravindan, Sakhraia etc .He returned to Kanam and lived in Mookkilikattu and for some time Editor of Karunalayam- the Health Magazine of KVMS Hospital. He had an untimely death at the age of 40

13.. Kanam Suku-the SFI Activist

He is the second son of Shanmughavilasom Chellamma and Valliyil Kunjoohu Pillai.He had his schooldays in Kanam and Theerthapadapuram.In 1960’s he was very popular among students as SF activist .He married Dr.Krishankumari BAM daughter of Kalappurayidathil K.C.KrishanPillai.

14. Kanam Rajendran-the Ex.MLA

Rajendran is the eldest son of Kotchukalappurayidathil Chellamma , (daughter of Prevatikar Govinda Pillai and Ittooli Kuttiyamma.) and Parameswaran Nair. He had his school studies in Kanam and Vazhoor. He became popular as a Student Union activist. He joined Right wing of CPI. Hemade an end to the kerala Congress monopoly of the constituency. In assembly discussions he shined well and was one of the best Parliamentarians of Kerala twice. Unfortunately during both terms ,while he was MLA, he was in opposition. During 2006 election he was one of the senior most member of CPI with every chance of becoming a Minister but he was defeated by the son of veteran KC leader Prof .M. Narayan Kurup of Champakkulam. In 2006 he was nominated as the Vice Chairman of Rubber Board He is married to Vanaja daughter of Assariparambil Nanu Nair .

15.Thonduvelil K.S Ayyappan Pillai-the oldest Nonagenarian

Ayyappan Pillai was born on 20.11.1910as the 4^th son of Chollathu SankuPillai and Chelakal Thilamma(Kudayathoor) .He is the grandson of Village Officer Thundathil Sivarama Pillai who bought Kanam from Kudaluvally Nampoothiri for 70 velli panams(silver coins) on ----- The nonagenarian is the Karanavar of Thundathil (Chollathu) familyof Vazhoor. He is the Founder Patron Sri Ayyappa Trust (SAT) Kanam Late Kalappurayidathil Chidambaram Pillai, Mlakkuzhiyil

Arumugham Pillai, Kompara Nallan Pillai & Cheukappallil Sivarama Pillai were his brothers.

He Studied in CMSLPS Kanam. He is a wellknown agricultrist

He got married married twice-

1. (Late) Mrs. . Thankamma RamanPillai , Kalloor Elampally (Died in 1956)

2. (Late) Mrs. T.K. Parukutty Amma,Thenganal,Vazhoor (Died on 30^th July 2002)

He has Four Children-One son & three daughters,Eight grandchildren-Two boys & six girls

And ten great grandchildren -Eight boys & two girls

1.Mrs.K.A.P.Ammal B.Sc. BEd-(married to B Raveendran Pillai)

Rt HM Netaji High School,Premadom

Panchavadi, Pramadom, Pathanamthitta 0468-2323444

B .Sunilkumar M.Sc. Ph .D-wife - Dr.Lakshmi Rekha MBBS. Dip. NB (Pead)

Aditya (Vibhu) & Sai

B. Mrs. Sunitha M.Sc. M.Ed –Husband-Jayagopal , Bcom, Gopasadanam, Mangalam Lane

Sasthamangalam ,Trivandrum

Children-Praveen & Predosh

2. Dr.K.A. Sankara Pillai, MS.DGO-(wife-Mrs.Santha Sankar, BA)

[email protected] KVMS Hospital Ponkunnam

Neelakanda Nilayam,Ponkunnam 686506 04828-221133 Mob: 94470-35416

Dr.Ajesh Sankar M.D-(wife- Mrs.Lakshmi Konoth Nambiar),MBA (UK)

Lakshmi, New castle, UK [email protected]

Abhijith Nambiar

Dr (Mrs) Anju Devi Sankar, MBBS- Now in Newcastle,UK

Married to Dr. C.S.Sreejith, MD

Chappamattom, Chirakadavu, Ponkunnam now in UK

Nayanika Sreejith

3.Mrs.K.A.Rajam-(married to K.P.Raghavan Pillai, BSc.B.Ed.)

Kalarickal, Parathodu P.O Kottayam Dist 0482-2890657

Mrs. K.R.Bindu, Bcom – (Sajukumar)

Ananthakrishnan (Appu)& Adi Sankar (Balu)

Adv.( Mrs)K.P. Babitha BSc.LLB –(Adv. Dileep. LLB), Thekkethu, Vazhoor

Gautham Sankar & Gowri

0481-2456291

4.Mrs.K.A.Sarojam BA.HDC (Krishna Pillai) , Krishnakripa, Udumpannoor, Idikki

Srikaryam Trivandrum 0471-2590615

1.Er. Lakshmi Krishna (Rakhi), B.Tech

2.Dr. Resmi Krishna (Bhulu), MBBS

Residence:

Neelakantanilayam,KVMS Road,Ponkunnam,Kottayam Dist.Kerala

Tele: 04828-219330

16.Dr.Kanam Sankara Pillai-the Health Educator

Mony was born on 27^th July 1944 as the only son of Thonduvelil K.S.Ayyappan Pillai and Kalloor K.R.Thankamma. He had school education in SVLPS,CMSUPS kanam and SVRVHS Vazhoor. For the SSLC exam in 1960 March hescored 512 marks. That school record was broken only after 25 years. He ha dhis PDC from CMSCollege,Kottayam and Pre professional from SBCollege Changanacherry.He belongs to second batch of Kottayam Medical College .In 1968 he joined Kerala Health Services as MO in PHC Mundankunnu of Pampady Block. While working in PHC Erumely he was awrded the Best PHC Medical Officer award by then health Minister N.K Balakrishnan. He specialised in Obstetriccs in 1978 from medical College Kottayam.Then he worked IN GH Vaikom and Palai.Then he took MS in Surgery from Medical College Trivandrum.Thereafter he workedCherthala ,Pathanathitta ,Kozhencherry ,Mavelikkara etc. He reconstructed the fallen Maha Raja’s ward of Mavelikara in a record time of 4 months. He was the founder Superintendent of Archana Hospital Pandalam .For 5 years he was the Senior Gynecologist In CM.Hospital Pandalam .Presently (2006) he is working in KVMS Hospital, Ponkunnam

For 25 years , between 1970-1995 ,he was busy with health education of Malayalees. His articles on health topics appeared in almost all the popular publications in Malayalam .His talks were regularly broadcasted by AIR Trivandrum .His Radio-play Irul marunnu, on the necessity of family Planning was broadcasted by AIR several Times .There are 6 popular books on Health matters by Dr.Kanam .(mangamarude presnangal ,pennai pirannal,rogangal-rogikal, rogikal sredhikkuka, kaukara prenangal,aids keralathil,seelangal-rogangal) He had also a book on famous pettathullalof Erumely in1976

Santha sankar from Punnamparambil is his wife .Dr.Ajesh Sankar MD.MRCOG(UK) and Dr.(Mrs)Anju Devi Stejith MB.MRCP(UK) are his children. Nayanika and Abhijith are his grand children. His nonagenarian father is healthy and alive at the age of 96 years

Permanent address: Neelakanta Nilayam, KVMS Road Ponkunnam Mob: 9447035416 E-mail [email protected]

15. Vettuvelil Chandy Thomas (Kunjooju) -the first owner of a car

Vettuvelil family belongs to ancient Palakkuzhy family – one of the braches ol Pakalomattom family baptized by none other than St.Thomas.96 years back they came to Kanam .Thomas Chandy was the Head of the family. He cultivated a large area on the eastern part of Kanam with Coconut trees, Arecnut trees ,Pepper and rubber. He constructed a chapel. He married from Pulikkal family of Vazhakkala, Kothamangalam. He had 4 daughters and one son. Chandy Thomas (Kunjooju) was the son. He was the person who bought a car for the first time from Kanam .(Ref: Kerala Charithra Directory 2^nd Edn.1946 Philip George Changanacherry )

17. E.M. Markose-the first Dalit Head Master

Son of Chemmandur Thulavan who received the name Markose when baptised by CMS Missionaries .He is the first Government employee from Scheduled caste .He was the Head Master of SVLPS Kanam founded by ShanmughaVilasom Arumugham Pillai

18. Kanam Ramakrishnan Nair-the Parallel Educationist

Belongs to Vattommakkal family. Established Prabhath InstituteKodungoor& Pallikkathodu for Type writing and Short hand in early 1950.A large number of youths got jobs by studying from Pabhath.He conducted Hindi & Tuition classes too .He is a very active politician ( CPM)an dpresently he is the Director of Vazhoor Farmers Bank.

19.Adv. P.V.Thomas-the Civil lawer

20. Adv. G.Raman Nair- President Thiruvitakcore Devasom Board

21. Mrs.Geetha Venugopal-the lady Block Panchayath member

She is the eldest daughter of Adv.Kanam Sivan Pillai of Kalappurayidathil.

22. Parappallil Madavan Nair-the Sarasan Magazine man

23.Chennamkulam Mohan- the President Block Panchayath

NRI Doctors

Dr.Abraham C.Kuruvilla MD(USA)

Dr.Ajesh SankarKD.MRCOG(UK)

Dr.(Mrs) Anju Devi Sankar MRCP(UK)

Panchayath Presidents,Kangazha

P.V.Varghese Payikadu 1953-58

K.S.GovindanNair 1958-63

P.K.Pankajakshan Pillai 1963-72

P.T.Abraham,Kadavumbhagom 1972-80

P.V.Jose Peedikayil 1980-84

P.K.Surendran 1987-94

Jancy Appukuttan 1995-2000

Prof .P.T. Abraham-the Principal