Shekharan Channar, Third Karanavar

(This is an article / story contributed by a member of Alummoottil® community. This is purely a work of fiction. All names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents in this article are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, and/or actual events is purely coincidental and regrettable. ആലുംമൂട്ടിൽ® കമ്മ്യൂണിറ്റിയിലെ ഒരു അംഗം സംഭാവന ചെയ്ത ഒരു ലേഖനം / കഥയാണ് ഇത്. ഇത് പൂർണമായും സാങ്കൽപ്പിക സൃഷ്ടിയാണ്. ഈ ലേഖനത്തിലെ പേരുകൾ, കഥാപാത്രങ്ങൾ, സ്ഥാപനങ്ങൾ, സ്ഥലങ്ങൾ, സംഭവങ്ങൾ, സമയകാലാവധി എന്നിവയെല്ലാം രചയിതാവിൻ്റെ ഭാവനയുടെ ഉൽപ്പന്നമാണ്. ആരെങ്കിലുമായോ, ഏതെങ്കിലും സംഭവങ്ങളായോ ഇതിന് സാമ്യം ഉണ്ടെങ്കിൽ അത് തികച്ചും യാദൃച്ഛികമാണ് എന്ന് ഞങ്ങൾ ഖേദപൂർവ്വം അറിയിച്ചുകൊള്ളുന്നു.)

In a quaint village in the 1980s, nestled amidst lush greenery, the morning sun bathed the landscape in a golden glow. Under the shade of a colossal banyan tree at the heart of the village, a retired old man sat on a weathered wooden bench, sipping on a steaming cup of black tea. He listened to a radio talk: “It is the 52nd anniversary of the Temple Entry Proclamation - a milestone in the history of Travancore and Kerala. In a society plagued by the oppressive caste system, the Ezhavas faced discrimination and injustice at every turn. They were born into a world where their very presence was considered impure, and the doors of temples remained firmly closed to them.”

A group of curious youths who were sitting nearby approached him, listening to the radio. One young man asked, “Sir, are you retired Judge M. Sudhakaran? We are so honored to meet you. We also need to know more about the news you are listening. We really don’t know how Kerala opened the doors of temples to everyone and how it is now renowned for religious harmony. We want to know the history. Could you please allow us to listen with you?”

M. Sudhakaran replied, “The history can’t be fully explained by this 10-minute radio talk. If you don’t mind, can I explain it to you?” The young group was so excited.

M. Sudhakaran continued: “I am also a proud member of Alummoottil family. You know in the early 20th century, a significant reform movement known as the Temple Entry Movement emerged in Kerala. This movement aimed to challenge the discriminatory practices prevalent within the Hindu society, particularly those that restricted the entry of lower-caste Hindus into temples. The Ezhava community played a pivotal role in this movement. “

A young man supported that: “Yes, and the Vaikom Satyagraha marked the dawn of temple entry movements across India.”. M. Sudhakaran made a thoughtful smile and replied: “Yes, but you know there were already a seed - the seed for a silent social revolution!”. “The seed?”, another young man asked. M. Sudhakaran continued: “Yes, Shekharan Channar, A karanavan of Alummoottil family who lived during 1828 – 1892. While there had been some additions to the family’s landed properties during the tenure of previous Karanavans, it was under the stewardship of Sekharan Channar that the Alummootil family’s land holdings saw a significant expansion. You know, Alummootil family was the highest tax payer among the Ezhava community, to the government. But still they were not allowed to enter temple!” M. Sudhakaran’s eyes gleamed with a profound thought as he spoke, his words weaving a tapestry of wisdom that hung in the air, drawing everyone in! “But let me take you back…It was the summer of 1860s, the time of 3rd Karanavan in Alummootil family…”, he began, his voice carrying a weight of nostalgia… He didn’t just narrate; he transported the youth around him into the real history itself… It was as if they were standing on the very precipice of his words, delving into the rich tapestry of Alummoottil family’s history… A saga of Channars…