Elavumthitta (Malayalam:
ml:ഇലവുംതിട്ട (also Elavanthitta) is a small village in
Pathanamthitta
district of Kerala
, India
. The
majority of its inhabitants are from Hindu and Christian
backgrounds. The primary crops are rubber, coconut, black pepper
and plantain. The terrain is hilly with plenty of paddy fields in
between.
It's the commercial capital of Mezhuveli
panchayath.
COORDINATES OF ELAVUMTHITTA MARKET 9° 15′ 52″ N
76°42′ 39.34 ″E.The average height of Elavumthitta is 150 feet
above mean sea level. The low lying water shed paddy fields around
Elavumthitta is 100 feet above mean sea level. There is peak called
Namakuzhy, 387 feet above mean sea level 2 kms. North of
Elavumthitta.This peak can be considered as the highest spot in the
area. There is a legend about this peak. The pandavas in exile
visited this place and stayed here for a short while. There were
giant size foot marks imprinted on rocks scattered above the hill
believed to be of Bhima the mighty bare hand warrior of Mahabharat
epic. And also there was a pit on the rock with perennial source of
water; signs reinforcing the local beliefs.
Elavumthitta is the catchment area of two major rivers, the Sacred
Pampa and Achankovil. The abundant rainfall in the region
supplements these two rivers for keeping the river not drying in
summer season, and in return the two rivers keep this region
abundant in ground water and save Elavumthitta from draughts.Almost
every house got open wells for their water requirement. People of
Elavumthitta never experienced a drought or flood situation in
their life. Pamba river is in the north, 8 kms away and
Elavumthitta is in a much higher elevation; hence there is no flood
in this region. The same thing is with Achankovil river, which is 5
Kms away in the western side of Elavumthitta. Elavumthitta was
abundant in Streams and lush green paddy fields . There was a time;
one could stand on a higher spot and enjoy the sight of endless
coconut tree tops spreading its leaves and swaying in gentle
breeze.
RAINFALL
Elavumthitta does not have its own rain gauge, but the area is in
the close proximity of Pathanamthitta which is 11 km. away and has
a Rain gauge. The average annual rainfall of pathanamthitta can be
taken as the rain fall for Elavumthitta also; which comes to
2922 mm (The figure is of the year 2004 based on
Statistics department , Pathanamthitta. )
Elavumthitta is flanked by the area of 4 panchayats. Following data
is from the book ‘Panchayat level Statistics 2006’ published by
Department of Economics & Statistics Thiruvananthapuram.
1 Mezhuveli ......Houses.... 3734.. nos... population... 15223
literacy 95.62%
2 Chennerkara....Houses.... 4834.. nos... population... 19538
literacy 94.27%
3 Kulanada.......Houses.... 6051.. nos... population... 24493
literacy 93.58%
4 Elanthoor......Houses.... 3809.. nos... population... 15425
literacy 95.33%
POPULATION AND HOUSES
As Elavumthitta is spread in 4 Panchayats we can calculate the area
in the following manner—
70% of Mezhuveli…. ie. worked out as 2614 houses and 10656
people
50% of Cheneerkara ie. worked out as 2417 houses and. .9769
people
30% of Kulanada…...ie. worked out as 1815 houses and ..7347
people
30% of Elanthoor…..ie. worked out as 1142 houses and ...4627
people
Adding together we get
total House holds in Elavumthita is
7988 and population 32,399nos.
LITERACY
From the above table we can also find that the average
literacy of Elavumthitta area is 94.70 %
The market has 125 shops doing variety of business from pan-beedi
business to Share business. In a month average 50 tons of raw
rubber is sold in the Elavumthitta market. That is quite an
impressive figure in such a small place.
MILMA MILK COLLECTION CENTRES IN ELAVUMTHITTA-
.
- Nediyakala, Elavumthitta --The main collection centre
- Elavumthitta
- Chennerkara North
- Chennerkara East
- Kidangannur
- Kuzhikkala Punnamood Junction
In a day, when the season is favorable, up to 5,500 Litrs. of milk
is collected in the main collection centre at Nediyakala and
dispatched to Kollam Diary for processing. This centre is
collecting milk from 37 centers, even from distant place like
Mekkkozhoor beyond Kadammannitta.
Grow with the great-Mooloor the poet and social reformer of
Elavumthitta
The name of Elavumthitta is synonymous with Mooloor S padmanabha
Panicker. To People out side Elavumthitta, Mooloor was only a great
poet of his time. He was more than that, fought with the so called
elite groups of writers of his time, who thought that they were the
sole custodian of literature. Initially they even mocked at his
literary works and questioned his right to do such exercise, openly
quoting the cast he belonged. That was enough to raise the sleeping
lion –the literary genius in mooloor. Armed with his mighty pen and
charged with the divine blessings of Sree Narayana Guru, he fought
alone- it can be compared only with the legendary Abhimau the
warrior of mahabharat who was trapped and slain by the veteran
warriors. Here it was different, though he was cornered and
attacked by the conservative veterans of letters , Mooloor could
come out of every fight victorious, and in the end his rivalries
made peace with him. The poetic mind could, not only woven
beautiful poems of his time; being a visionary, he saw that
Elavumthitta is lagging behind in every social need of that time.
Be it in education, or in infrastructures, like roads or in
marketing facilities for the agricultural produce- the place was
famous for- needed immediate attention. His proximity with the
rulers of Travancore made the tough task one by one in to
realty.
In 1914 he was nominated to ‘Sreemulam Prajasabha’ by the Maharaja
of Travancore. Fourteen years he was in that position and made
dramatic changes in the society. His plea in the assembly for
social justice to everyone in the society irrespective one’s cast
and creed was heard throughout kerala. When there was taboo for
members belonging certain casts walking on public road or entering
temples, mooloor made schools to educate them, made temples for
them to worship, and made public roads for every one’s use.
He was the main architect for shaping the Elavumthitta market. Most
of the important roads in Kozhechery Taluk were made under his
leadership. He founded more than 20 educational institutions in
Elavumthitta and other parts of kerala.
He died in 1931 at the age of 62 leaving behind a great void,
difficult to fill by another one. In 1989 Govt. of Kerala built a
memorial at the place he lived in his last days, barely 3 kms. away
from the Elavumthitta market junction. The memorial and its serene
surrounding remind one, what a great soul was lived there once. The
place is a pilgrim centre for many literary luminaries . In every
year on the vijayadasmiday hundreds of parents bring their children
to get initiated in to the world of letters here. Locally the
ritual is called ‘Ezhuthiniruth’.
The objective of the memorial is to familiarize the present
generation with the rich social as well as literary contribution of
the poet and keep his memory alive. Few years ago in an interview
for the police department, one board member asked an aspiring
candidate --
“Well gentleman, your bio-data says you are a native of
Elavumthitta . I understand Mooloor the great poet was
from there. Now tell us something about him”.
It is sad that our young man had to admit his ignorance.
The young man should know that a man named Mooloor S Padmanabha
Panicker was instrumental in making Elavumthitta with the
facilities he enjoys now. Let our youngsters grow with the
memories of the great people like mooloor
Roads are the life line of a place
ELAVUMTHITTA IS GETTING GOVT TRANSPORT BUS ON GUN POINT IN
1957.
There was a time when people of Elavumthitta solely depended the
sole of their heels to travel out of Elavumthitta. Be it for
getting medical aid or attending schools or college one has to
travel miles and miles,kilometers were not heard in those days- why
even in the recent past rural elders refer distance as “nazhika.”
One “nazhika” is roughly one mile.There were students who used to
walk in the morning all the way to Thiruvalla, a place 30 kms away
to attend college and then walking all the way back in the evening.
Sure enough it was a tough task.
There were hurdles in connecting Elavumthitta with other places by
public transport system. Motorable roads were not there. Road from
Ambalakadavu Jn. in Thumpamon to Elavumthitta was very narrow. In
1950’s it was only a cart track. Similarly one has to walk all the
way to Thekkemala Jn. near Kozhencherry to board a bus.
Then in 1953-54 two bridges were made near Punnakkad on Thekkemala
Elavumthitta road. Two more bridges/ culverts were made south of
Elavumthitta near Ramanchira in 1945-53. The construction of bridge
and the road over heavy filling in the paddy field near Ramanchira
was undertaken by contractor
Mr.M.G George of Mannil,
Nellanikunnu.
Then in 1954 one Private bus service started from Kallisseri to
Omalloor. The name of the bus was“DAILY EXPRESS” . The bus with its
long front to accommodate the engine and with a handle to turn the
dynamo to start the bus reminded the first world war
scenario.
Now the stage was set to pressurize the newly elected democratic
Govt. of Kerala for public transport bus.
Kambisseril
Sankaran Vaidyan,(elder brother of Kambisseril
Karunakaran) the then president of Mezhuveli panchayat,
used his personal influence on the Transport Minister T V Thomas.
The Bus route was sanctioned with a condition that road must be
made motorable.Govt.officials surveyed the route, starting from
Ambalakadavu to Thekkemala and suggested straightening the sharp
bends and widen the road at several locations. This had to be done
by the local public at their cost.
Sri.Sankaran vaidiyan organized volunteers for
this task. The owner of the land near a stretch at Rramanchira did
not give his consent for widening the road. He feared that people
would force in to his property and widen the road. Armed with a
court stay order he sought police protection.But People were
adamant and in one fine morning, hundreds of people armed with
pickaxe, shovel, and crowbar and baskets entered the disputed site
and started uprooting trees. Owner of the land send his messenger
to the Pandalam police station requesting the police to intervene
and to prevent the encroachment of his land. The Sub Inspector
reached the site in no time. On Seeing the Inspector, people
started to disperse. Word sent to
Sankaran
Vaidyan. He rushed to the spot, and faced the
Inspector-
“Sir, we will make the road, it is a public cause, please be with
us”.
The Inspector was adamant, he drew his revolver and pointing it
to
Sankaran Vaidiyan ordered him to move
away.
Sankaran Vaidyan called the people and asked
them to continue with their works.People who were waiting this
call, with a loud cry resumed their works more vigorously. Sounds
of percussion instruments like “Chenda”, which was a must in those
days for such occasions drowned the voice of law. It was
Sankaran vaidyan’s day; Vaidyan offered a
cigarette to the sullen inspector and also helped him lighting it
.Thus in 1953-54 the long cherished dream of people of Elavumthitta
became fulfilled- they got “transport bus”!.
A road is not just a road – It is T.K Kunjumman Road
T.K Kunjumman Road(ELAVUMTHITTA – OMALOOR ROAD)
In the beginning of twentieth century there was only a foot path
connecting Elavumthitta and Omaloor. Mr. Kurien Gevarughese of
vettinilkkunnathil took the initiative in making this foot path in
to motorable condition. Stll the road was too narrow for smooth
vehicular traffic. In1948 his grand son and the CSI church member
of Nellanikunnu, Adv.V.K Varghese who was also the MLA of
Pathanamthitta constituecy brought the matter in to the notice of
PWD authorities. Later Thekkethil Sri.Kunjumman took the
leadership, and not only in widening the road: his charismatic
leadership brought bus service to this place. He was also the
panchayat president of Chenneerkkara for several terms. In 1950’s
when Govt of Kerala started establishing Primary health centre in
different localities he made frequent visits to Thiruvanantapuram
and got one sanctioned for Elavumthitta area. Sri. Kuzhimannil K.C
Kurien was kind enough to donate the land for the Nellanikkunu
Primary Health centre.
In the earlier days, most of the people of Elavumthitta, being
agricultural farmers had to keep plenty of cattle. One veterinary
hospital was a dire need for the locality. From the 2nd five year
plan onwards, govt. was keen in giving attention to such social
requirements. Under the leadership of Kunjumman Sir ,the CSI Church
members and the public impressed the authorities and succeeded in
getting a veterinary hospital for Elavumthitta. From the year 1960
people started getting veterinary services. Then a good Samaritan
Vadakkedethu Sri. V.T Chaco donated the land for building the
Veterinary Hospital. In 1960 veterinary Hospital started its
activities in its own building. In recognition of Thekkethil Mr..
Kunjumman’s selfless service, the Govt. of Kerala named
Elavumthitta – Omalloor road as
“TK KUNJUMMAN
ROAD”.
Market, nerve centre of economy
Elavumthitta market known for its cattle trading was established on
26th Sept. 1909 (Malayalam month-Kanni 11,1084). The market
celebrated its 100th year on 26th Sept. 2009. The celebration will
last for 6 months.
CATTLE MARKET
Elavumthitta market popularly Known as Elavumthitta Chandha
celebrated its 100th year in September 2009. There is an important
land mark in the middle of Elavumthitta- a huge banyan tree. How
old the tree is, nobody knows, five hundred years or more that is
anybody’s guess. Some say it is more than that. One thing is
certain, that it gave shelter to generations of weary travelers, it
witnessed the political changes of Kerala , listening fiery
speeches of politicians who make makeshift stage on its platform
now and then ; unaffected by either political speeches or religious
sermons ; stand there majestically giving shelter to birds in to
its long branches with thick green foliage and feeding its seasonal
fruits to the needy birds.
The market was very famous for the cattle trading .Traders from
faraway places like Thiruvananthapuram used to come here for either
selling or buying cattle. 9th day of every Malayalam month was the
market day exclusively for cattle trading. People from faraway
places come to the market, a day or two in advance to secure a
vantage spot to exhibit their cattle. In those days Space in the
market was very little, roads were very narrow, owners of vacant
land adjoining the market allowed the traders to occupy the land
free or by paying a small fee. Some smart local guys drive stakes
for tying the cattle and rent it for money. Suddenly the tea shops
otherwise dull throughout the month will wake up and keep open
their shop day and night. Some shop keepers hire petromax for this
special night business. The whole place will become noisy with the
loud shouting and bargaining of agents and middle men, the pitiful
frightened crying of animals especially the mournful Call of lambs.
It was difficult to pass along the narrow road in the market day,
swash! You will be jumping in fright; you got a whip of a cow with
its tail plastered with dung and urine. The whole area is covered
with dung and urine of cattle. The stink will be lingering in the
air till the next market day.
Now the cattle market is held twice in a month, 9th and 22nd of
every Malayalam month. There is similar cattle market now in many
places and the importance of the Elavumthitta cattle market is not
like the earlier days.
WEEKLY MARKET
Wednesdays and Saturdays are the weekly market days for the people
of Elavumthitta. In olden days the economy of Elavumthitta was
closely related to agriculture produces. There were no rubber
plantations then. People cultivated mainly paddy in wet land; dry
land was used for growing Coconut palm, cashew trees, Tapioca ,
Pepper, gram, horse gram, green gram, red gram, filler millet,
pineapple, mango, Plantain, bitter gourd, snake gourd, ash gourd ,
Pumpkin, lady’s finger, chilies, drumstick, yam . The foot hills
had plenty of water shed fertile land; anything sown gave a rich
return. Poor man’s staple food was Tapioca and sea fish. The weekly
market was not only for selling and buying, it was a meeting ground
and a venue for the local people to exchange pleasantries. Market
day was a reference point for the local people in their
conversation. Schedule of important assignments were changed or
shifted or postponed taking the market day in to account. Market
was also a venue for the young to develop familiarity with opposite
sex and that in course of time developed in to intimacy and then
culminated in marriage.
Fish and tapioca was the staple food for the common man. Fish
market had an important place in the market... Fish venders brought
fish from faraway places of coastal areas. The fish was brought in
huge basket on cycles in its carrier and sure enough it required
dexterity and stamina peddling miles and miles on rough roads.
Market had its full sitting from around 11AM and it continued till
late afternoon. Market day was appreciated by taking in to account
the rate of fish available on that day. People on the way to the
market would ask persons returning from the market -
“How is the fish market today”?
Weighing of fish was not heard in those days. Sardines fish was
very popular. Sometimes sardines were so cheap that one could
purchase even fifty nos. of sardines for 4 Annas, equivalent of
today’s 25 paisa.Coconut Palms were plenty in Elavumthitta. Some
family’s annual income was solely depended on coconuts. Plucking
coconuts 3 to 4 times in a year and selling it to the merchants was
a common practice in those days out of necessity. It is said that
in those days almost one million coconuts were traded in a market
day. Three to four truck loads of coconut husk-a raw material for
making coir- used to be sent to other parts of Kerala where coir
trading was active. Presently rubber is the main cash crop. Anyone
with little land have few rubber trees in it; three to four rubber
Sheets are enough to meet his immediate cash requirements on the
market day.
Seasonal crops like cashew and pepper had ready market. Merchants
sitting in a row with hand balance with cloth bags for weighing
merchandise were a common site in those days. Clay pots were
displayed in the market. Bamboo made baskets, large size mats for
drying paddy, ladle made out of coconut shells, why you name a
thing it will be available in the weekly market. Yes indeed it was
an open market, every item was kept in the open ground .
Libraries in and around Elavumthitta
- Menon Smaraka Grandhasala, Nediyakala, Mezhuveli
- Janatha Library and Reading Room, Muttathukonam North
- Sariga Grandhasala, Plamthottam, Elavumthitta
- Bapuji Grandhasala, Mezhuveli North
- Mezhuveli Panchayat Samskarika Kendram
Grandhasala,Parayankara,Ullanoor
- Gandhiji Smaraka Grandhasala Ullanoor west
- Progressive Grandhasala, Alakkod, Mezhuveli
Libraries are the learning centre of rural folks
BIRTH OF A LIBRARY
The year is 1950: Nation is yet to shake off its hangover of the
foreign rule. Reading and Sharing free thoughts were looked upon
the as habits of irresponsible youths. Most of the elders were very
un happy on seeing their young ones “idle away” their time in
reading. We cannot blame the elders for this, unlike today, the
time was hard; one has to work day and night to make both ends
meet. Watching around, One will be surprised; everything has to be
made; roads, schools, hospitals, houses, you name a thing necessary
for human society; that has to be made. One may really wonder if
the world was created only a couple of days ago!Many rural areas
were without even elementary schools. News paper was a luxury.
Malayalam weekly magazines were in great demand; people buy weekly
magazine of their choice sharing the cost by contributing each one
few paisa. The cost of a most popular malayalam weekly of that time
was only two anna per issue; equivalent of today’s twelve paisa.
There were no radio’ no cinema halls nearby, It is not that radio
was not invented then; there was no money to buy one. Most of the
rural people were depending on their meager agriculture. Cash
crunch was very evident in the day to day life style of people. For
many, even a shirt was a luxury. It was a custom to extend wedding
invitation at least 15 days in advance so that one will have ample
time to borrow a shirt from his friends; give a good wash then dry,
press and keep it ready for that grand occasion. In such
circumstances; buying books or news papers were not in the reach of
a common man. But the youths were restless; revolutionary ideas
were brought by communists. Atheists were looked upon as most
modern by the young and most wicked by the old. In this confusion
books were a solace to the young helping to drown their worries and
pandering in to their romantic world . In this backdrop, wishes of
many like minded persons of Muttathukonam crystallized in to
forming a library. Yet an external push was required to take off
the dream project. It came at last in the shape of a news that
govt. considering of sanctioning one rural library in the vicinity
of Elavumthitta. Many places near Elavumthitta, rivals of
Muttathukonam in all healthy competitions- if come to know, will
snatch it. First come first was the ‘rule of the game’ then; let us
see who will get away with the library.
One afternoon people of Elavumthitta woke up from their siesta,
hearing the continuous bell toll from the S N D P building. People
rushed in fearing a calamity. They were told that an emergency
meeting is to be held. In the closed door meeting it was decided
that within a day or two one govt. official is visiting
muttathukonam to take stock of the library activities. People were
briefed that library room with a shelf, a bench and desk and if
possible a wooden chair and a table must be arranged at least for
that occasion. Then someone posed a question: difficult question
indeed, what about the books! There was pin drop silence for a
while. Then Mr. T.M Varghese Thundiyathu got up-
“I will arrange Books if someone can give me a helping hand”
Most of the people gathered there were not sure how to react; they
know one thing, if T.M Varghese commits a thing it will be done.
Then and there Mr. Kunjukunju of Mylamootil offered his help. Sri.
Kunjukunju Thandar of Thaninilkkunnathil agreed to arrange a space
in the corner of SNDP building for the Library. Now for the
majority of the members present in the meeting, feasibility of the
library has come in the sighting distance. Some one offered a
wooden bunch, another said he has got a three legged table, another
said he can fix the fourth leg and let us make the proceeding
short; by the end of the meeting, every item required for starting
a modest -mind it please, not modern-library was offered by one or
the other from the audience.
People of Muttathukoam fondly remembers the selfless service of
Tundiyathu TM Varugheese, Mylamootil Kunjukunju and
Thaninilkkunnathil Kunjukunju Thandar in establishing a library in
Muttathukonam. They visited every house in muttathukonam and nearby
area and collected old books for the Library. Some books had no
cover -
“No problem we will make the cover”
They collected books like that and painstakingly made the library.
The inspector “came, saw, and satisfied”: and thus Muttahukonam got
JANATHA LIBRARY AND READING ROOM. Hat off to the
trio, they are no more with us, must be chuckling softly from where
ever they are.
LIBRARY IS GETTING A RADIO
1960 –Libraries in affluent areas are now bought radio’s. How can
Muttathukonam lag behind. A radio will cost minimum Rs. 500/-. That
is a huge amount for the local people. Meetings and meetings were
called but to no avail. Then someone suggested –why not have a
lottery to raise fund for buying radio. A fine idea!, everyone
agreed. So in the history of the muttathukonam , yes the first
lottery was held. Cost of ticket was 4 anna – today’s 25 paise. The
first prize was an alarm clock, a rare item then and an attraction
for a common man; only few affluent had a an alarm clock in their
house in those days. Volunteers were pressed in to action. On empty
stomachs, and parched throats dozens of youngsters were swarmed in
to nook and corner of muttathukonam with the lottery tickets. Where
ever two people met, the talk will ultimately lead to lottery. And
needless to say everyone will have a secret wish that he is going
to get the clock. It is heard that one grandmother who never saw a
clock in her life told her grandchildren-
“In case we get it where are we going to keep it; No place is safe
here; you naughty ones are definitely going to tear it off”.The
poor lady thought it is something made out of paper!
At last the day came for the lottery. Names were written on small
slips of paper and put it on a basket. One child was asked to pick
up a slip; one lucky person got it and it put a full stop to all
speculation and excitement of the past few months of who will win
dilemma. Though disappointment and disbelief was evident in
everybody’s face except the winner; when the gathering heard that
the money collected is only little short of the cost for a radio,
every one clapped.
Almanac was cosulted, a good day was selected, and Mr. Dharmapala
Panicker of Nediyakalayil was entrusrd to buy the radio from
Pathanamthitta the nearest town. A week later one Murphy Radio- a
valve set with magic eye was bought . One notice on the wall
directly above the radio was warned that no one except the person
authorized to operate; is allowed to touch it. Young and old looked
forward for the evening, film songs of tamil, kannada, telugu and
Malayalam from cylon radio will be in the air. Latest news of all
India radio will be of greater interest among the elders. Needless
to say, the radio brought a new life to Muttathukonam.
Educational Institutions
1 Sreebuddha College of Engineering for Women
2 Salvation Army L P School,Thumpamon North.
3 S N Giri SNDPHSS Cheneerkara
4 SNDPHSS Muttathukonam North
5 Padmanabhodayam HSS Mezhuveli
6 Gangadharavilasam LP School Mezhuveli
7 Teachers Training Institute Mezhuveli
8 Govt. Model LP School Mezhuveli North
9 UP School Mezhuveli North
10 S N Govt. LP School Kooduvettikal Karithotta
11 Govt. Of India,s Women's ITI Elavumthitta
12 Chandanakunnu UP School
13 Sreebuddha Central School Ayathil
14 Ambedkar English Medium School
Azad Arts and Sports Club
People of Elavumthitta had no entertainment in earlier days other
than the “ASWATHIMAHOLSVAM” celebrated once in a year. Cinema halls
were – you go in any direction- 10 to 20 kms. away. There were no
convenient bus services to reach the cinema hall in time and to
come back from there after the show. Still some really tough
adventurers ventured to trek all the way to Pathanamthitta,
Pandalam, Kozhencherry, or Chengannur whenever the popular pictures
were shown, and then stealthily came back in the early hours of the
morning after watching the movie. Surely the adventure, if detected
invited the ire of elders and scornful look of neighbors. Those
were the days everyone had a right to admonish the young, be it a
neighbor or a stranger, and the action used to get ready approval
of the parents.
The impact of KPAC dramas, which were successfully spreading
revolutionary idea among common people for social changes, were
closely watched by educated and progressive minded youths of
Elavumthitta. At the stroke of 5’o clock in the evening January
26th 1957 Republic Day, when rest of the country was celebrating
the occasion; Elavumthitta celebrated it in a unique way – They
formed a club and named it as
AZAD ARTS AND SPORTS
CLUB, reminding the world the name of the revolutionary
flame
CHANDRASEKHAR AZAD, who sacrificed his life
on the altar of Indian freedom struggle. The name was suggested by
Sri. C. Chandra
Dattan.MA. There was a meeting held in SNDP hall of
Nedeyakala, barely one and a half kms. away from Elavumthitta
market. Besides
Mr.Chandra Dattan, members present
in the meeting were;
Mr.V.R Gopinathan Nair, Mr.C .A
Gangadharan,T.K Sadanandan, P.K Gangadharan, A.D Kuttappaachari and
Mr. Satyapalan. It was decided that the club will be based
in Elavumthitta and the aim and objective of the club will have to
promote arts and sports in Elavumthitta.
Mr. C.
Chandra Dattan as president, Mr. V.R Gopinathan Nair
Secretary , and Mr. A.D Kutappanachari as Vice president
started the club activities.
The popularity of the club was such that every one in Elavumthitta
became the member of the club. Many famous and performing artists
of Kerala of those days joined our Azad Club artists and staged
several shows. Sri.Ayroor Sadasivan and Kottayam Joy were a few to
name.
Under the leader ship of Azad Club, classes for teaching classical
music, tabala, and harmoiam were conducted. Azad club had its own
gifted members like
Mooloor Balachandran,
V.R Gopinathan Nair, Salim Kambisseril etc. to
take the fame of Azad club throughout Kerala. Now It might be
surprising to many that Azad had its own troupe of ballet. Azad’s
professional drama troupe staged their drama in several parts of
Kerala; why even the remote area like Kumali was not spared. Every
month a new drama was the motto of Azad club members.
Azad was also very active in the area of Radio Drama. Almost 15
nos. of radio dramas were Performed by the Azad artists. Mr.V.R
Gopinathan Nair and Mr. Salim Kambisseril were the drama writers
and performing artists.
Mr. John Philip of
Mutathukonam was a prominent singer of the club for may
years. Mooloor Jayaprakash's contribution as a song writer is
remembered by many. Besides them
Mr.P.K Sahadevan, E.N
Gangadharan, E.R Rajan, C.A Gangadharan and P.N
Ramachandran were the permanent performing artists of Azad
club.
Dancer C.R Das, U .N Sreedharan Kutty, Peter,
Johnson, Joy, and Makeup man Mr. Mathai were the integral
part of Azad Club. The club had its own Curtain set, Artist Kesavan
was the designer of it.
Mr. K Madhavan and Kambisseril
Sankaran Vaidyan etc were the prominent Patrons of Azad
Club.
The club has its office room in its own three roomed building
situated in Elavumthitta, very close, a stone throw away distance
from our legendary
Banyan tree. Many of those
stalwarts who made this club are no more with us but the club
building stands in solitary isolation as a testimony to a glorious
past.
Elavumthitta where temples and churches coexist
Elavumthitta is known for its religious tolerance for
centuries. People celebrate annual ceremonies of
temples or churches together irrespective of the religion they
belong to. In fact A Hindu will be looking forward
for the annual function of a church called “palliperunal” and
equally a Christian will have the sweet memories of his child hood
days witnessing temple festivals of his area; and People are too
happy to contribute money liberally for this.There are
many worshiping places in and around Elavumthitta.
1 . Elavumthitta Bhagavathi Temple..Existing for ages
2. Elavumthitta Malanada—Existing for ages
3. Salvation Army Church..Established 1903
4. Christraj Catholic Church..Established 1936
5. Belthlahem Mar Thoma Church..1936
6. Ananda Bhootheswaram Temple, Mezhuveli
7. kulakkada Sree Mahadeva temple..existing for ages
7. St.Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church Prakkanam..Established in
1956
8. Bhagavathy Temple Prakkanam. Existing for ages
9. Siva Temple Chenneerkara Established in..
8. ST. paul’s Church, Nallanikunnu..Established in 1857
10.Thabore Mar Thoma Church Pullamala
19.ST. Mary’s Orthodox Church Prakkanam
ELAVUMTHITTA BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE
For the believers, Devi , popularly addressed as Elavumthitta
Bagavathy is all giving and almighty to her devotees. Devi’s temple
is guarded by four hills - Manjakkattumala, Njaranmala,
Malanthevermodi, Peruvilethumala, and also by 41 Prececptors. Devi
is stationed in Manjakkatumala where the present temple is built.
The sacred forest of earlier days called majakkatumala is the
present Elavumthitta Malanada. Devi’s “lady” in waiting is
stationed in Njaranmala.
Nobody is able to say how old the temple. It was there from time
immemorial. There is a hear say that once upon a time some powerful
land owners residing in the neighborhood brought Kadamittathu
Katthanar, the famous sooth sayer and tantric of that time to pave
way for cultivating the watershed area in front of the temple.
Katthanar performed some rituals to ward off the obstacles they
feared; and Katthanar could sense the strong presence of Bhagavathy
and left the place in a hurry. His action invited the ire of
Bagavathy; Kadamattathukatthanar and even his next generation had
to suffer for it.
The temple was controlled by Pandalam palace and in 1934 the king
appointed a Brahmin of melenikkavu as the ‘Thanthri’(an authority
for conducting all temple rituals) for the Elavumthitta temple. It
is believed that Chettikulangara deity and Malayalapuzha deity are
the two sisters of Elavumthitta Bhagavathy. The temple attracts
many devotees of far and near and one of the important temples of
the locality.
See also
Schools - colleges - History of schools and colleges are also
history of the place
SREE BUDDHA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING FOR WOMEN
The celebrated poet and legislator Mooloor S.Padmanabha Panicker
was instrumental in establishing more than 30 schools in various
parts of Travancore before S.N.D.P Yogam was formed. The Dalit
youths were educated and uplifted in the social, political and
educational hierarchy by his efforts. Kambisseril Karunakaran and
Guru Nitya Chaithanya Yati are some of the celebrated personalities
who have lineage to this place. But as the saying goes:
The lamp spreads light to its surroundings, but there
will be darkness right below the lamp. No institution
of higher learning came up in this locality while one can notice
that most of other places are studded with institutions of higher
learning especially in the changed economic scenario of this
decade. It is this factor prompted the organizers of Sreebuddha
foundation to start a women’s Eng.college in Elavumthitta.
The college is exclusively for women students. A good number of
parents of Central Travancore, working overseas are in the look out
for a quality institution to educate their daughters. The college
and its campus are planned keeping in mind this vital aspect. The
organizers plan to develop this technical institution blending the
concepts of Lord Buddha- Kindness, Humanism and Equality – with the
modern trends in the field of technology. The college has also got
hostel facility with adequate security, state of the art kitchen
& dining hall. The college started functioning from the year
2009.
SALVATION ARMY L P SCHOOL,THUMPAMON NORTH.
This is the first School of Elavumthitta, established in the year
1903. It celebrated its Centenary year in 2003. The land for the
school was donated by Sri.Neelakanta Pillai of Alakkatu.
Incidentaly he was also the first headmaster of the School. The
school is located 1 km away from Elavumthitta market on the
way side to Ramanchira.
SNDPHSS-MUTTATHUKONAM-
In the name of Sree Narayana Guru, People of muttathukonam joined
with the SNDP UNION Brn. No.80, established an L P School in the
year 1948. Sri. Neelakantan Thandar of lakshmimangalam,
Kinaruvilayil was the founder Manager of the school.Irrespective of
cast and creed , every one in Muttathukonam contributed their might
for the growth of this School.Those days were very hard, most of
the people were living in a hand to mouth situation.People who had
coconut trees willingly gave the right of coconuts of one tree for
the school fund. People who had no money and nothing to offer did
voluntery free labour for the construction of the school.The
enthusiasm and hard labour of people combined with efficient
efforts of leadership raised this L P School to U P School in 1956.
Mr. P.C. Samuel of Pulinthitta, Elavumthitta, was the first Head
Master of this Up School.
Sri. R.Shankar the then Education minister of kerala laid
foundation stone for the H S . Thus the H S becomes a reality in
1962. In the year 2000-2001 The school became HSS and Sri. P.N.
Chandran was the first principal
Students of nearby places like Elavumthitta,
Ayathil,chettiyam,Prakkanam,Nellanikunnu are the main beneficiaries
of this Institution. Nearly 1000 students are getting their
education in this School. There are nearly 50 teachers and 8
supporting staff working in this School.The School is equipped with
Computer lab, Science lab and is in the front line in imparting
education in this rural area where most of the people are depending
on agriculture.The School is very proud that in 1980's the School
was the continuous champion in women's volley ball in
Pathanamthitta District.
SNDPHSS CHENNEERKARA-
It is believed that Adhishankaran visited Chenneerkara in AD 758-
820 periods. It is also believed that during his visit to this
place he met shaktibhadran, the author of the famous Sanskrit drama
“Ascharia choodamani”. There is a belief that the name of
chenneerkara is derived from the domain of Shakti bhadran’s
“Chenneerkara swarupam”. The year 1953 is very important for the
people of chenneerkara. It was in 1953 S N Giri S N D P School
–initially that was the name given to this school-was established.
The site selected was close to the Siva temple managed by Branch
No.89 of SNDP Union.
60 years ago the site where the present school is standing was a
small hillock, scattered with huge boulders, trees and various
shrubs of native wild flowering plants. It was the hard labor of
the local inhabitants in transforming this forest like place in to
a beautiful place of learning.
The first school was a single storied tiled roof building of 130
feet long and 30 feet wide. The school was opened on June1st of
1953.Let us remember those great personalities who had taken
initiative and contributed cash and kind to this school in those
cash crunch days.
For collecting fund for the school building, a 101 member committe
was formed. Sri. N.K. Vasukutty of kanjiranilkkunnathil was
nominated as the Captain of the team
Sri.P.K. Kamalasanan of Pottanjilikkunnel was the founder member
and the first manager of the School. People of Chennerkara fondly
remember his efforts in establishing this School against all
odds.
The first donation was given by sri.Neelakandan of vadakkeattathu
Adimuriyil.
Foundation stone for the school was laid by Sri.Krishnan,
kannankarathadathil.
Timber for the school was donated from the “kochukoikal timber
depot” by Sri.T.S. Sivadas of thattupurakkal.
Tiles for the roof were supplied by Mr. Yohannan of Edayaranmula on
credit : payment was done latter by monthly installments.
Sri.Krisnan Achari was the chief carpenter of the school building,
he was known to people as “kanakkan chakkamannan”.
Kerala Kaumudi Editor late Sri.K. Sukumaran’s help in overcoming
hurdles in the beginning days is praiseworthy.
After 45 years from the humble beginning, the School was raised in
to the status of HSS in 1998.By that time the perseverance of
several dedicated and hardworking managers such as P.M.Madhavan,
K.K.Bhaskaran, V.K.Sreedharan, T.S.Purushothaman, Kunju Panicker,
N.K.Vasu, N.Chandra Panicker, V.K.Narayanan, T.N.Gopinathan,
N.D.Suresh Kumar, P.N.Thankappan elevated the noble contribution of
this School amides other exemplary Schools of the District .
Student as far as from Muttathukonam and Elavumthitta used to study
in this School in 1960’s.Total Student strength is about 1000.
Nearly 46 teachers and 7 supporting staff are managing this
School.
The school can be proud of educating people of this area for the
last three decades
Indus Valley Script Study Centre Elavumthitta
KK RAMAN THE RUSTIC SCHOLAR AND FOUNDER OF INDUS VALLEY
SCRIPT STUDY CENTRE, ELAVUMTHITTA-
Year 1985. - Place, Pathanamthitta PWD Inspection Bunglow. Sri. TK
Ramakrishnan , Minister of culture Kerala was taking his lunch; one
slip of paper was passed on to the minister by his aide an
indication that some important and intimate visitor is seeking an
audience with the minister at this odd hour . A glance on the paper
slip, Minister gave his consent. Two gentlemen entered the
room.
“Hello, Thampi how are you” the intimacy was evident in the
minister’s voice.
“Sir, please meet my friend Mr.KK Raman the Scholar from
Elavumthitta, Who is probing in to the mystery behind the Indus
script hidden within the Harappa seal. He spent almost half a
century in this pursuit incurred heavy burden on his purse, almost
40 lacks; he needs your help”.
Thus Professor KV Thampi of catholic college of pathanamthitta
introduced his friend. The obscure rustic scholar from Elavumthitta
came to limelight through this encounter.
KK Raman was born in 1914 in the padiyoor village near Kodungaloor.
He had his primary education in his village. He was fortunate that
his parents engaged a tutor in his house to teach him Latin and
Sanskrit . From his relatives he learned Tamil, Kannada and telugu.
He continued his education in Iringalakuda and Colombo. After his
matriculation he joined the British Army in the Education
Department where he could learn many languages. Also he could study
religion in depth at this time and it lead him to probe in to the
Sindu Valley Civilization. After the second world war he left the
Army and devoted his whole time for the research. He has visited
many foreign countries. He married and settled in
Elavumthitta.Minister TK Ramakrishnan heard him patiently and
told-
“Mr. Raman,why do you want to carry on with this enormous weight
alone on your shoulders. It is too much for an individual and State
has limitation in helping individuals on such projects”.
KK Raman had the tough making of a man, his stint in the army made
him even more resilient in adversities. He had no university to
lean back, no guide to shed light and lead him in the dark
Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa labyrinths. He was ridiculed by the
orthodox gangs of researchers under the UGC umbrellas enjoying fat
Scholarships. He was questioned frequently and asked his credential
for stepping in their sacred ground. The scene can be compared to
the scene of Sree Narayana Guru Swami facing the Questionings of
caste Hindu’s in Aruvippuram when he installed the Idol of God
Siva. Like Guru Swami he was unmoved and patiently worked his way
up. Armed with his knowledge of twenty languages and an inquisitive
telescopic mind he visited the sites of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro
and seen what was going around. Heaps of fire burnt bricks and
fragments of terracotta remains of what once was magnificent
artesian works were scattered here and there. The scene is like the
ground in the morning where a grand cultural program was held in
the previous night ; but no one is there to tell us what was it.
Beedi stubs and empty plastic Pouches were aplenty to tell you the
presence of a large audience. But what was the program, was it
classical dance or mimicry. You start searching the ground to find
a notice or a banner. You could see a piece of paper, a bit only
and that too bear a single alphabet, you can’t make out anything
out of it, you are frustrated. If this is the case of what happened
yesterday imagine the enormity of the problem of finding what
happened in an alien land 4000 years ago.
Many scholars worked for decoding the mystic signs and inscriptions
found at the site but failed.Mr. Raman could realize that lack of
knowledge of the local dialects and conventional approach was the
barrier in decoding the script. He started his probe in his own
way. His knowledge of several languages and his life time
interaction with the world community enabled him to accomplish his
pioneering endever. He has elaborated the methods in his two books
published in Malayalam. The first book ‘Saindhava Mudrakalil
Urangunna Charithra Sathyangal’(Historical Truth Dormant In Indus
Seals), was published in 1990 .The second one ‘Samskarathinte
Srothasukal’(Sources Of Culture) was published in 1999. These two
books were Published under the banner of Indus Valley Study Centre,
ELAVUMTHITTA .
In the year 1964-65, Sri KK Raman was teaching English in pioneer
college of Sri.KK Nair, Pathanamthitta. Later he taught in the MGS
College, Pathanamthitta for three years; that was in 1980’s. Mr. KK
Raman has visited many universities and colleges and presented his
research papers. Elavumthitta is grateful to Mr. KK Raman that he
generated scientific inquisitiveness among the young generation in
a rural place like Elavumthitta. He died in December 25th. 2001.
Let the young people complete the task KK. Raman has left behind;
let us hope the
INDUS VALLEY STUDY CENTRE,
ELAVUMTHITTA, the institution he founded will guide
them.
Major Social Institutions and Offices
- State Bank of Travancore Branch
- Pathanamthitta District Co-operative Bank Branch
- S B I Group ATM
- Diary Extension Office
- K S E B Asst. Engineer's Office
- B S N L Telephone exchange
- Primary Health Centre,Nallanikunnu (site donated by Sri.K.C
Kurien of Kuzhimannil)
- Govt.Veterinary Hospital,Nallnikunnu Established in 1967.(site
donated by Mr.V.T Chacko of Vadakkedathu, Nallanikunnu)
- Govt.Homeo Hospital, Mezhuveli.Established in 17th sept.
1994.(land donated by S Subhaga of Navaranga,Mezhuveli.)
- Govt Ayurveda hospital,Nediyakala- Mezhuveli
- Govt Ayurveda hospital,Prakkanam
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