HISTORY
History
Social Development History
Poothrikka Grama Panchayat was formed during 1953–54. Before its formation, a people’s organization known as the Gramodharana Sabha functioned in the area. Development activities were led by freedom fighters such as N.V. Chacko, who later became a member of the Legislative Assembly, and S. Sankara Warrier, who later served as a Public Service Commission member. An Ayurvedic dispensary was established in Poothrikka. Under the leadership of Thenungal Achan of Kolenchery Church, several primary schools were started in different parts of the region, improving the educational sector. Later, St. Peter’s School at Kolenchery was upgraded into a full-fledged high school.
The region was once under the control of various landlords, temples, churches, and royal families such as Manas, Pazhoor Mana, Padakur Mana, Thrippunithura Devaswom, Pariyaram Devaswom, Ramamangalam Devaswom, Perumbadappu Swaroopam, Kochi Amma Thampuran, Kolenchery Church, and Kurinji Church. Large landowners leased land to small farmers under tenancy systems. Farmers were required to provide various forms of produce and taxes such as paddy, arecanut, betel leaves, bananas, coconut, coconut oil, hay, and other agricultural products as rent. However, the farmers’ movements that spread across Kerala also influenced this region. As a result of agrarian struggles, cultivators gained ownership rights over the land they cultivated, and most people eventually became small-scale farmers.
Cultural History
Poothrikka Panchayat does not claim a highly distinct cultural identity, yet it possesses a heritage rooted in traditional agrarian and feudal systems. It is believed that the name “Poothrikka” originated from the ancient Poothrikkovil Temple located in the area. The major religious communities in the Panchayat are Hindus and Christians.
Important Hindu temples include Poothrikka Sreekrishna Swamy Temple, Pariyaram Mahavishnu Temple, and the temple at Vadayampady. The flag-hoisting festival at Pariyaram Vishnu Temple is especially famous. Major Christian centers include the centuries-old St. Peter’s Church at Kolenchery and the churches at Kurinji and Poothrikka. The annual feast of Kolenchery Church is widely celebrated and also serves as a marketplace for agricultural tools, seeds, and plants.
People from all religions and communities participate together in these festivals and celebrations. Libraries and arts & sports clubs are the major cultural institutions in the Panchayat. A Central Library operated by the Panchayat functions actively at Kolenchery. Clubs organize Onam celebrations, Christmas programs, and medical camps. The Panchayat also conducts sports festivals during Onam and Kerala Utsavam programs with active public participation.
Educational History
The history of education in Poothrikka Panchayat is closely connected with St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Church at Kolenchery. The first school in the Panchayat was the Kolenchery L.P. School, established in 1910 under church management and later handed over to the government. Around the same period, six more lower primary schools were established and subsequently transferred to government control.
St. Peter’s Middle School was established in 1919 and upgraded to a high school in 1937. In 1995, it was elevated to a Vocational Higher Secondary School. St. Peter’s College, established through the efforts of prominent personalities associated with Kolenchery Church, remains a valuable educational institution for the Panchayat.