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13th February 2019Universal Records Forum – World Records Award
The Kandathil Kudumbayogam is the oldest existing Family Association of its kind in the world. Sri Kandathil Varughese Mappillai, Former Chief Editor of Malayala Manorama founded the Kandathil Kudumbayogam in 1892 as the 3rd Public Limited Company in Kerala (The Ist was the Punalur Paper Mills and 2nd is Malayala Manorama). The family has grown to 10th generation. URF is privileged to record this first and unique achievement in its Book Of World Records on 10th October 2016, conceding the 126th anniversary of the family get together. URF award was given to our family by URF Chief Editor Dr. Sunil Joseph for conducting Kudumbayogam for 125 years continuously. President K. C. Eapen, Secretary K. M. Cherian and General Convener Eapen Mathew received the certificate and memento.
Documentaries about three inspiring leaders of our family
1. K. C. Mammen Mappallai (Kunjuchayan)
K. C. Mammen Mappallai took charge as the Chief Editor of Malayala Manorama on the sudden demise of the Founder and Chief Editor Kandathil Varughese Mappallai on July 1904. He was not only a prominent figure in the newspaper industry, but also in various other industries like banking, insurance, agriculture and trading. He had a major role in social, political, literary and educational development in Kerala.
2. K. C. Chacko (Kuttychayan)
The Saint of Kandathil family. He is one of the founders of The Union Christian College and Fellowship house of Alwaye. An old age home started in memory of Kuttychayan – Chacko Homes – may be the first in Kerala of its kind.
3. K. E. Mammen (Babenchayan)
A true freedom fighter and Gandhian, he is a one man army against any evil in society and a crusader against drugs and alcohol. When we think of Babenchayan the picture comes to mind of his simple attire – jubba and dhothi, Gandhi cap, a stole around his neck and clothbag on his shoulder. He loved everyone especially the weaker section of society. He used to visit houses of troubled families and would do whatever he could to solve their problems as long as his health permitted him. [...]
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10th February 2019111 th DEATH ANNIVERSARY – Commemorative Service of Kandathil Varghese Mappilla and Release of (English Version) at Thirumoolapuram Thiruvalla.
Conducted a memorial Service in the name of Kandathil Varghese Mappillai. The holy Qurbana was conducted by his holiness Mar Baselius Paulose II, Dr Babu Sebastian gave the key note address. English version of our family history was released by H.H. Baselius Marhoma Paulose II.
Catholicos of the East H.H. Baselius Marthoma Paulose II offering prayer at the Tomb of KVM
Release of Kudumbacharithram by Catholicos, Bavathirumeni handing over the book to K.C.Mathew, Koyickal [...]
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15th January 2019Quasquicentennial Celebration
A family meeting transcends a century and celebrates its quasquicentennial get together. This is the first of its kind in the whole history of Kerala. It was this rare achievement that the Kandathil Kudumbayogam achieved. It may be because of the enthusiasm funneled from the centennial celebrations, that elaborate pre – arrangements were made for the quasquicentennial jubilee. Manorama hosted the celebrations at Kandathil Varughese Mappila Nagar in Kottayam (Hotel Windsor Castle). It is recalled that this was the third family gathering hosted by Manorama. The first took place in 1952 according to the wishes of K. C. Mammen Mappilai and the second in 1990 under the leadership of Mathukuttichayan (K. M. Mathew)
It was with the accompaniment of pancha vadyam that family members were welcomed to the meeting hall, which was designed in a traditional style with jute and bamboo. In the background was the song “Valamerum vayalil ninnoru nooru meniyai” (a sumptuous reap from the fertile fields) The family members after breakfast stepped into the hall through the arch adorned with pictures of eminent personalities of the Kandathil Family. It seemed that dignitaries like Kandathil Varughese Mappilai, K. C. Mammen Mappalai, K.M. Cherian, K. M. Mathew, K. V. Koshy, Dr. K. V. Mathew were gazing at the family members who assembled for the 125th family get together. Arrangements were made to broadcast the programmes to various parts of globe through internet. The words of anchor Shiney Rockie, General Convener, Koshy K. Cherian (Anil) and Secretary, K. C. Eapen weretransmitted to those happily viewing the programmes from various parts of the world. I recall the words of President – Bapuchayan, “This is really a great occasion – the 125th anniversary of the founding of Kandathil Kudumbayogam by our forefathers” and of Secretary K. C. Eapen “125 years… thanks to the Almighty for having made it to stand together for all these years.”
President K. C. Mammen hoisted the family flag. In the words of program anchor, Sherin Kakkolil “This was the day when the history of Kandathil Kudumbayogam was written in golden letters. The melodious voice of Pazhayaparambil Dhanya and Puthenparampil Meenu rendered the prayer song.
The eldest members of the different branches were escorted to the stage by Sara Kakkolil, Deepu Veettil, Navya Veetil, Kevin Puthuppally, Sonia Kakkolil, Rohan Plamoottil, Ann Kakkolil, Monu Puthen Parampil, Akhil Moolamuriyil and Rohith Elanjimoottil. Family pledge was led by Ayna Kavungaparambil.
Lighting the lamp
The traditional lamp was then lit by senior members of each branch of Kandathil family.
1. Karthalil – K.C Verughese Mappila(90)
2. Vilakkupattathil branch- K K Cherian (87)
3. Veetil Branch – K.C Mathew (90)
4. Puratheparambil – K.O Mathew(70)
5. Monoth Branch – (89)
6. Nedumbroth Branch – Ammini Mathew (88)
The main lamp was then lit by the President and Secretary. Special welcome was accorded to the members of the Pulickal and the Moothedathu families.
Remembering the members
Kakkolil Aswathy presented the Necrology, recording the memories of dear departed members. Along with celebrations of togetherness, this was a reminder of those loved ones who departed from us. 20 dear members had bid adieu to us in the past one year. The entire family stood up in silent homage to their memories. The offerings of respect was followed by a song by Dhanya and Meenu. Chief Guest and Nobel Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi and Dr. K. M. Abraham, family member and Additional Chief Secretary to the Kerala Govt. were escorted to the dais by Chief Editor of Malayala Manorama, Mammen Mathew, General Convener, Koshy K. Cherian and Nivedita and Aswira who were in traditional Chatta and Mundu. 22nd October, 2015 will be imprinted in golden letters in the history of our
Kudumbayogam.
The short yet relevant welcome speech by General Convener Koshy K.Cherian was followed by the presidential address by Dr. K. C. Mammen. He said “History recreates history. This is a momentous occasion, a major milestone in the history of the Kandathil Kudumbayogam.” Chief Guest Kailash Satyarthi then unveiled the quasquicentennial display stone of the Kandathil Kudumbayogam.
Additional Chief Secretary and member of the Kandathil family, Dr. K. M. Abraham said Kandathil family has spanned over four centuries, while out of the 166 empires of the world, only 163 have spanned over four centuries. He said dynasties have come and gone, empires have risen and fallen, but God’s grace has made our family stay together for four centuries. In Vicar ofWakefield it is quoted that happy families are alike and unhappy families are different.
The institution of family is under threat. We have to design tools that connect us across the world and unless we innovate and adopt new methods we will not stay connected . Family values are a matter of legacy and we are the torch bearers of that legacy.
In his speech Chief Guest Kailash Satyarthi said “I have never seen such a celebration. I will not forget this family gathering. We are the greatest democracy in the world but our children are not free. Children working to produce coco – beans do not have a chance to taste chocolates. Children making toys cannot play with them after completion. When I freed those children I was freeing myself. The world is facing so many problems, climate change, global warming, terrorism, intolerance, fear, etc. but education is the key to these problems. Keralites have shown the value of education and investment in education is the best investment to fight terrorism. We are in a globalized world – connected by economy. We cannot live in isolation. We must have globalization of human compassion also. I love to be connected with your family.” The public meeting came to an end by the Vote of Thanks by Secretary K. C. Eapen. The Guests were honored and gifted Aranmula Kannady.
Honoring achievers & newly wedded couples
The newly wedded couples were introduced and welcomed Members who made special achievements in the past year were honored. The session was conducted by Planthottathil Jacob George. This was followed by Family Session.
Chapter Programmes
In the afternoon as usual Trivandrum, Ernakulam, Thiruvalla and Kottayam Chapters staged different entertainment programs.
Valedictory function and prize distribution
It was planned to take a complete picture of all the members who participated in the 125th family programme, but this could not be achieved due to the heavy rain in the final session of the meeting. Prize distribution took place before this.
The ideas, suggestions and moral support of our members enabled us to conduct the 125th Kudumbayogam excellently after days of expectation and preparation.
Photo taken with all family members during the 125th Kudumbayogam, at Windsor Castle Convention centre, Kottayam
Special postal cover
The Postal department made necessary arrangements to release Special Cover in connection with quasquicentennial celebration of our Kudumbayogam. Postal department Official Sri. P. George handed over the cover to President Dr. K. C. Mammen, Secretary K. C. Eapen and convener Rockie George. Arrangements were done to post the special cover in the hall itself. Special thanks to Rockie for the effort he had taken to release the cover. [...]
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6th January 2019Kandathil Kudumbayogam was established by Late Sri. Kandathil Varghese Mapillai in the year 1892. It was started as a Joint Stock Company – the 3rd Joint Stock Company and 1st Kudumbayogam Company in Travancore. The two other companies are The Punalur Paper Mills and then The Malayala Manorama. Kudumbayogam Company under the leadership of Kandathil Varghese Mapillai flourished well and there were Board of Director to administrator the affairs of the company. Though the company was registered in 1892 activities commenced in 1890. When Land Reforms Act came into being the company opted for voluntary liquidation and started Kudumbayogam Association in 1965.
Kudumbayogam and other activities continued and 1990 Kudumbayogam with all the pompness celebrated the Centenary. It was a two day function 27th and 28th of September 1990. The first day celebration was at Kandathil Tharavad Vallankulam and the second day at The Malayala Manorama , Kottayam.
As it is customery and traditional the function started with Holy Encharist (Qurbaene) at Kaviyoor Sleeba Church where many of our forefathers are laid to rest. Qurbaene was attended by a large number of members.
Kandathil Tharavad was beautified and decorated for the unique function. Arches were built.The entire activities were organised by the Governing Council with Sri. K.M.Mathew (Mathukuttichayan) as President , Sri. K.C. Mathew (Mathukunjachayan) as Secretary, Sri.K.C.Varghese Mapillai (Kunju) as Convenor and Mr. Eapen Mathai (Mon – Nedumbroth) as Joint Convenor.
Big Pandals were erected on the Northern and Southern side of Tharavadu. Family tree was depicted with seven lamps at the entrance decorated with tender coconut leaves. A decoratedPhotograph of Kandathil Varghese Mapillai was placed on the stage. Mathulla Mapillai, Mariamma and Varghese Mapillai would have been enjoying this from the other world.
Ladies who were married out of the family gave a pleasant surprise. They dressed in typical Syrian Christian style with Chatta , Mundu , Kavani and Vilikka brought varieties of home made ‘ Palaharams’ in Bamboo Container. Elders of the family and the ladies married into the family received them in the traditional style. A symbolic demonstration of unity in the family . Lighting of the lamp – A big Nilavilakku with six branches – decorated – were lighted by senior members of each branch. The big decorated lamp at the centre was lighted by President and Secretary.What a wonderful sight it was !!
Distinguished guests Sri. K.M. Chandy former Governer of Madhya Pradesh , Mahakavi Sri.Puthenkavu Mathen Tharakan , Prof. S.Guptan Nair were received at the entrance and escorted to the dias by Kudumbayogam President Sri. K.M. Mathew , Secretary Sri.K.C.Mathew , Convenor Sri. K.C. Varghese Mapillai and Joint Convenor Sri. Eapen Mathai.Prayer song highlighting the charity service of Varghese Mapillai ‘’ Valamerum Vayalininnu Vilakoyyon Vithitte Karshakanaro Varghese Mapillai ’’ was sung by famous playback singer Ambilikuttan. This was followed by the symposition ‘Kandathil Varghese Mapillai and the Cultural field ’’. Sri. K.M. Chandy inaugurated the symposition in the absence of Sri. T.K.Ramakrishnan , Minister for cultural affairs and his message was read out.
Sri K.M. Chandy in his inaugural speech highlighted Varghese Mappillai stating that he was the one who brought the Christians out of the situation of singling out from the cultural field with no exposure to literature by the Portugese Metropolitan Menesis in Udayamperoor Synod in 1950.
In his talk, Prof S. Guptan Nair exalted Varghese Mappillai, founder of our Kudumbayogam that his birth, which, in 1857 had much coincidence with the ‘Great Indian Mutiny’ which was also in the same year and the establishment of three major Universities. He added that Varghese Mappillai was the one who brought honour to prose writers also of that era because of which Kottarathil Sankunni is remembered now for his prose (Ithihya mala). In fact the Sahitya Parishad in 1927 is a mere continuation of the ‘Bhashaposhini’ established in 1891.
The great poet Puthencavu Mathen Tharakan in his speech assessed Varghese Mappillai in another angle. What Varghese Mappillai did through journalism is the task of a University,(when Christians were not allowed to study in Hindu tradition, Varghese Mappillai’s father sent him to Kunjanassan, a Hindu guru, to study). He did a great service to Malayalees by familiarising them with western books. Varghese Mappillai translated many of Shakespeare’s Dramas (eg. Kalahani Damanakam – Taming of the Shrew) prior to which only Kalloor Oommen Philipose tried a translation.
Among many prominent Nair families who were invited for the Celebration was the Kunnathettu Family who gave the plot for establishing the Kandathil Family. Kandathil Kudumbayogam President Sri K.M. Mathew honoured Kunnathettu Sri Thankappan Pillai representing Kunnathettu family by presenting him with a Nilavilakku.
The present heir of Kandathil Tharavadu Sri V. M Thomas (Babu) and the mother of the Tharavadu Kochumariamma Kochamma also were honoured. The formal function came to a close with the Vote of Thanks by the Committee Convenor Sri K.C. Varghese Mappillai. The family members and the guests of honour had a sumptuous lunch delighting the original Kerala Vegetarian dishes by the famous Culinary Specialist Hari Thampan from Tripunithura. Ofcourse the family members must have reminisced the nostalgic moments of a father and mother with eight children having food inside the house, 180 years back.
The family members assembled in the main pandal after lunch and had business meeting, the main agenda of which was the venue of 101th Kandathil Kudumbayogam and to pass the Income and expenditure Account and to give away the prizes for those who had scored highest marks in various public examinations followed by entertainment programmes (Mimics Parade by Cochin Harisree).
The Second Days’ Celebrations were at ‘Malayala Manorama’, Kottayam, the name which carries the family name ‘Kandathil’ worldwide. The magnanimous venue decorated and named as that of Vallamkulam itself, Kandathil Varghese Mappillai Nagar.
The main entrance of the ‘Malayala Manorama’ was made the main entrance to Kandathil Varghese Mappillai Nagar too. Varghese Mappillai’s garlanded photograph was placed at the entrance arch near K.C. Mammen Mappillai’s bust statue.
From the very early morning family members started flowing into the ‘Manorama’ from Vallamkulam, Tiruvalla, Kuttoor and Niranam by video coaches and cars. Those who came by rail were also directed to the venue by special transportation arrangement.
Separate badges were arranged for each branch and detailed programme cassettes were also supplied in order and in different counters.
The Kudumbayogam President and the Chief Editor of Malayala Manorama Sri K.M.Mathew (Mathukuttychayan) was at the entrance, receiving family members with his wholehearted smile.
The chief guests – Sreeramakrishna Mission Chief Swami Ranganadhananda. His Grace Mar Coorilose The Catholicos designate, the former Principal Secretary to Prime Minister and Tamil Nadu Governor Dr. P.C. Alexander, Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University Dr. U.R. Anandamurthy were received and led to the dias with the accompaniment of our traditional percussion instruments – Chenda. “Ulakinnadeesanam Udyana Palakante – Malarvadiyanee Maha Prabanjam….. beautiful lyrics by P. Bhaskaran was the Prayer Song sung by Rev. Fr. M.P. George and his team. In the Necrology conducted by Sri K.C. Varghese Mappillai, Mathulla Mappillai founder of Kandathil Kudumbam and Varghese Mappillai founder of Kandathil Kudumbayogam were fondly and reverently remembered.
In the proud welcome speech delivered by Kudumbayogam President Sri K.M. Mathew, he said that the respected guests had given a new meaning, fame and pride, to such a meeting of the family. He added that 28 September 1990 is to be recorded in golden letters in the family history. Head of the Sreeramakrishna Mission of Hyderabad and chief Leader of Sreeramakrishna Mission Centres all over the world, the Great Acharaya who is a shining star in the line of generations of Sreeramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, and who was the only one keen to be heard by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru even at the age of 82 years, came to bless the family with his presence.
He said that spiritually, he is bonded to Kandathil Family, as the whole world is to be like a bird’s nest where familyhood is the best ashram. “Nithyolsavam bhava thwaesham Nithyashree, nithyamangalam”
In the Presidential Address His Grace Mar Coorilose The Catholicos designate, described K.C. Mammen Mappillai as a man who had ardent faith in God, even when National and Quilon Bank was wound up and Malayala Manorama was sealed and that the famous traditional Kandathil family comprising of such eminent personalities is an asset to the Orthodox Church.
The Catholicos designate released the Kudumbayogam cassette go ahead, march ahead by giving a copy to Sri K.K. Abrahan, Maniyanettu Kandathil.
The programme was formally inaugurated by lighting the lamp placed in front of the photograph of Kandathil Varghese Mappillai by Dr. P.C. Alexander and other Chief Guests.
Dr. P.C. Alexander, in his inaugural speech remembered his closeness with Mammen Mappillai and said that if Mammen Mappillai were not born in a small town like Kottayam,he would have become a Tata or a Birla.
Dr. U.R. Anandamurthy, in his felicitation speech said that modern city culture has become a threat to family as an institution.
Kudumbayogam Secretary Sri K.C. Mathew ,Koickal delivered the vote of thanks. Later based on the family history Sri K. Ubaidulla conducted a quiz competition which was very interesting and knowledge oriented. Finally everybody dispersed for lunch.
After the lunch the first programme was a Kathaprasangam by V. Sambasivan. May be because, this is a family get-together, he selected the family story ‘Anna Kareena’ by world famous Tolstoy. When this was over, it was time for a tea break.
Family members presented some simple programmes connected with the family greatness. As inscribed on the logo of the Centenary Celebrations, ‘Faith, Hope and Love,’ the Kandathil Family members when celebrated the Centenary, proclaimed to the world that they would ever be the Ambassadors to spread these values.
Even today we the member of Kandathil family cherish the love , affection and unity demonstrated. Let us take the family torch forward. We have one blood one voice. As extract from the speech of Swami Ranganadhananda.
The Kandathil Kudumbayogam is certainly a unique institution which , unlike some others in Kerala which got started and later disappeared , has continued to flourish as a growing family unit in spite of two or three minor changes in its legal status. During the past one hundred years. it has grown from a nuclear family of a few members to a vastly extended family of about a thousand now. This family has thrown up two outstanding personalities in Sri. Varghese Mappillai and Sri. Mammen Mappillai, besides a number of distinguished members, both men and women, who have held, and are still holding, responsible postions in various fields of human endeavour in India and abroad.
The Two Kandathil Pioneers
The two pioneers of your Kudumbayogam and of the Malayala Manorama were upholders of Christian spirituality. They had the blessings of such a religion in the love of God in Jesus Christ. That love being universal, it made them the friends and servants of all communities and groups in this beautiful State of ours. They achieved greatness by yoking efficiency to service. The beauty of the Kerala landscape found its complement in the beauty of their hearts and minds;and that made them draw the hearts and minds of the people of Kerala. [...]
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