Sahodaran Ayyapan

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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. Due to his bad health, his high school education was disrupted. He later continued his higher studies 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.This was opposed bitterly by conservative sections of society. Enemies sarcastically called him Pulayan Ayyappan which Ayyappan took it as an honour!

Ayyappan took law degree from the Government Law College,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 existing in the 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 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.