K. Kelappan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kerala Gandhi
K Kelappan
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| Born |
Koyapalli Kelappan Nair
24 August 1889 Muchukunnu, Calicut
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| Died | 7 October 1971 (aged 82) Calicut, Kerala
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| Nationality | Indian |
| Other names | Koyapalli Kelappan Nair, Kerala Gandhi |
| Education | Graduate |
| Alma mater | University of Madras |
| Occupation | Freedom Fighter, Teacher, Editor and Founder President of Nair Service Society |
| Known for | Indian independence movement |
| Title | Kerala Gandhi |
| Political party | Indian National Congress Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party |
| Spouse(s) | T P Ammalu Amma |
| Children | T P K Kidav |
Koyapalli Kelappan (born August 24, 1889 – died October 7, 1971) was an important Indian leader. He was a politician, a freedom fighter, a teacher, and a journalist. He played a big role in the Indian independence movement in Kerala. People often called him Kerala Gandhi because he followed Mahatma Gandhi's ideas. After India became free, he continued to work for Gandhi's ideas. He also helped start the Nair Service Society and the Kerala Kshetra Samrakshana Samiti (a group that protected temples).
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Early Life and Education
Kelappan was born in a small village called Muchukunnu in Calicut, Kerala. This was on August 24, 1889.
He studied in Calicut and Madras. He graduated from the University of Madras. After that, he became a teacher at St. Berchmans High School. Kelappan was the first president of the Nair Service Society. Later, he became the principal of a school that the society ran.
Fighting for Fairness
Kelappan worked hard for two main things. He fought for social fairness and against British rule. He strongly opposed unfair treatment based on a person's birth group. He wanted everyone to be treated equally. He was one of the first in Kerala to remove his caste name from his own name. This showed his belief in equality.
Kelappan worked tirelessly to make sure all people were treated fairly. He was a major influence on the Vaikom Satyagraha movement. This was a peaceful protest for temple entry rights. Later, he led the Guruvayur Satyagraha in 1932. This protest also fought for people to enter temples, no matter their background.
When Mahatma Gandhi visited Travancore, Kelappan supported a key decision. This decision showed faith in Gandhi's leadership. It also outlined steps to achieve social equality.
After India's Freedom
After India gained independence, Kelappan left the Congress Party. He joined the Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party. In 1952, he was elected to Parliament from the Ponnani Lok Sabha seat.
After his term, he stopped active politics. He became a Sarvodaya worker. This meant he worked for the welfare of all people. He was also active in the Bhoodan Movement in Kerala. This movement encouraged rich landowners to donate land to the poor.
Kelappan helped start Mathrubhoomi, a newspaper. He was its editor for many years. He also worked to unite Kerala into a new state based on language. He led many Gandhian groups in Kerala. These included the Kerala Sarvodaya Sangh and the Gandhi Peace Foundation.
Towards the end of his life, Kelappan opposed politics based on religion. He spoke against forming the Malappuram District. He felt it would create problems between communities.
His last big effort was the 'Tali Temple Movement'. People in Angadippuram wanted to rebuild a Hindu Temple. This temple was destroyed long ago. Some people tried to stop them. The government also did not help much. Kelappan himself joined the struggle. He led a peaceful protest, a 'Satyagaraha'. Despite efforts to stop him, Kelappan's protest succeeded. Hindus were allowed to build their temple. Kelappan passed away on October 7, 1971, before it was finished. The temple stands today next to a mosque. It shows how different communities can live together peacefully.
Awards and Recognition
To honor K. Kelappan, India Post released a Commemorative stamp in 1990.
