SahodaranAyyappan was a great social reformer from Kerala who played a significant role in the cultural renovation of Kerala in the first half of 20th century. He was an ardent follower of SreeNarayana Guru. A great radical activist and thinker belonging to the Ezhava community,Ayyappan took initiatives to break the caste discrimination and division that existed in Kerala in the early 20th century. He arranged the historical community feast in Cherai of Kochi in 1917, where people belonging to different castes were allowed to participate. Though he received several opposition for the conservative Ezhava community to which he belonged to, he was warmly welcomed and supported by Narayana Guru.He stood as a rationalist who didn't believe in any religion.No caste, no religion, no god - was his slogan.
Sahodaran Ayyappan was born on August 21, 1889 into a traditional Ezhava family. His parents were Kumabalathuparambil Kochavu Vaidyar and Unnuli. The birthplace of Ayyappan was Cherai in Vypin Island in Ernakulam district in Kerala state. Since he lost his father earlier in his life, he was brought up and educated by his elder brother Achuthan Vaidyar. After the initial guidance in education by his elder brother, young Ayyappan was enrolled in a local school for his formal education. On successfully completing the formal education, he got himself enrolled in Kozhikode-based Malabar Christian Collage for his pre-degree course.
Later Sahodaran Ayyappan joined a college in Madras to do a degree course. However, he had to discontinue his studies over there due to his persistent illness. After a while, he decided to do a B.A. course in literature after accepting a friendly advice from the Sage Sree Narayana Guru. Accordingly, the young Ayyappan completed his B.A. degree from the Maharajah's College in Ernakulum. Continuing his interest in studies, he also took a B.L. degree from Thiruvananthapuram-based Law College.
Sahodharan Ayyappan died on March,6 1968
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