Sahodaran Ayyappan

Sahodaran Ayyappan was one of the outspoken followers of Narayana Guru. Ayyappan was born on August 21st , 1889 as the son of Kumabalathuparambil Kochavu Vaidyar in Cherai, Ernakulam. Because of bad health high school education was disrupted. Later higher studies were continued on the advice of Narayana Guru and Ayyappan took B.A. from Maharajah's College in 1916.

In 1917 Ayyappan conducted a "misra bhojanan" (Feast with participation of lower castes) under the auspices of "Sahodara Sangham" (Brotherly organization) which was attended by about 200 people including the so called untouchable 'Pulayas'. Opposition was tremendous. Enemies sarcastically called him "Pulayan Ayyappan". But Ayyappan took it as an honour!

Ayyappan took law degree from Trivandrum and continued to publish the journal "Sahodaran". Thought provoking articles and poems inspired the readers. Ayyappan was very much against the caste system and all the rituals and superstitions of the then Hindu religion. Soon it was clear that Ayyappan was a rationalist who didn't believe in any religion. K.Ayyappan was person of great integrity and backbone (which we seldom see nowadays!) and in his entire life, he bowed his head in front of no one, except Narayana Guru!

In 1928 Sahodaran was elected to Cochin Legislative Council. He continued this role for the next 21 years. In 1946 he became minister in Panampilly's cabinet. Ayyappan was also minister in the Ikkanda Warrior ministry of 1948. Then Travancore-Cochin fusion happened. Ayyappan was minister for a brief time in the Paravoor TK ministry, but soon resigned from active politics and concentrated his energy into social and cultural activities.

K Ayyappan died on 6th March 1968.