Thrissur: The All Kerala Catholic Congress (AKCC), which has contributed immensely to the social and cultural growth of Kerala, has completed 100 eventful years.
The four-day centenary conference in Thrissur will conclude on Monday.
The Catholic Congress, considered to be the political arm of the Catholic Church in the state, was at the forefront of many historic agitations and social reform movements such as the ‘Vimochana Samaram’ or ‘liberation struggle’ and in the formation of Malayali Memorial, that are placed on record in golden letters in Kerala’s history.
History
The All Kerala Catholic Congress, previously known as ‘Keraleeya Catholic Mahashabha’, was formed in 1918. The idea of establishing a community organisation for Kerala Catholics took shape during the ‘Nalpathumani’ ritual held at Mannanam in Kottayam in 1905. The demand was put forth by Nidhiry Mani Kathanar, a significant figure in the history of the Syrian Malabar Church, and senior clergies of the Karmalita Missionary based in Mannanam.
Subsequently, in 1907, a meeting of Syrian Christian community members belonging to the Vadakkumbaga quarter was organised in Alappuzha. The 11th edition of the congregation held in Athirampuzha reached a decision to float a community-based organisation to promote social transformation and welfare of community members.
On April 30, 1918, All Kerala Catholic Congress was formed at the 12th congregation held in Changanassery. Mar Luis Pazhayaparambil was the founder president. John Nidhiry took over as the first president of the Almaya Forum at the great convergence held in Athirampuzha in 1929. The collective started to function under a new name - All Kerala Catholic Congress - in 1931.
Taking active role
With the change in the name, the organisation’s approach too changed as it began to take an active role in social issues. AKCC had a role in organising the Malayali Memorial - one of the first steps in the social transformation of Kerala, apart from spearheading agitations including Utharavada Bharana Prakshobham (Protest for responsible governance), Pourasamathwa Prakshobham (Protest seeking citizen equality), etc.
The organisation also strived hard to ensure representation of community members in government administration and in the legislative assembly. It was also the moving spirit behind the separation of revenue and Devaswom portfolios as well as the amendment of certain laws that prevented construction of churches and cemeteries.
When Sir C P Ramaswamy Iyer mooted the scheme of nationalisation of private schools, the AKCC opposed the move by joining hands with the Travancore State Congress. It was the AKCC which led the community in the ‘Vimochana Samaram’, which led to the dismissal of the EMS government in 1957.
Stance
The All Kerala Catholic Congress is a community-based organisation under the Syro-Malabar Church. During its formation a century ago, its founder members pledged to strengthen unity and harmony and to uphold secular values. The organisation still stands by these values. The AKCC has been maintaining a safe distance from political parties, and that could be the reason why the AKCC still continues to be a force to be reckon with in Kerala’s social and cultural landscape.