Araya Samajam

K.P. Karuppan, a great scholar, is famous as a poet, leader of the Dhivara community, and a social reformer among the Arayas. The first social reformer in the Cochin princely state, Karuppan founded the 'Araya Samajam' in 1907 to protect the rights of the communities. He later worked to spread the activities of the Araya Samajam. His works 'Jathikummi', 'Udyanavirunu' and 'Balakesham' were successful in raising public sentiment against caste-based injustices. He was elected to the Cochin Legislative Assembly in 1924. The Maharaja of Cochin honored Karuppan with the degree of 'Kavithilaka' and the title of 'Vidwan' by Kerala Varma Valiyakoithampuran.

Organisations founded by Pandit Karuppan for the upliftment of the Araya community

■ Kochi Pulaya Mahasabha (1913)

■ Kalyanidayini Sabha (Anappuzha, Kodungalloor)

■ Jnanodayam Sabha (Idakochi)

■ Vaala Seva Samiti (Vaikom)

■ Samudhaya Sevini (Paravoor)

■ Sanmarga Pradeepa Sabha (Kumbalam)

■ Prabodha Chandrodaya Sabha (Vadakan Paravoor)

■ Sudharma Suryodaya Sabha (Thevara)

■ Vaala Samudaya Parishkarani Sabha (Thevara)

■ Araya Vamsodharani Sabha (Engandiyur)