One of the prominent Renaissance Leaders from Kerala, K Kelappan has left an indelible mark on the state, by virtue of being a social reformer and a freedom fighter. Born on 24 August 1889 in a small village in Calicut, Kelappen fought two battles – one for social reforms and the other against the British. Despite these tribulations, his attitude and his non-confrontational approach earned him the name Kerala Gandhi.

The 19th and early 20th centuries were a dark phase for India. K Kelappan’s initial professional life as a teacher, and then as a Principal was cut short when he decided to be a part of the Non- Cooperation movement led by Gandhiji. Ever since then, there was no stopping him, Kelappan led the Payyannur and Calicut Salt Satyagrahas and was chosen as the first Satyagrahi from Kerala in the individual satyagraha movement launched by Gandhiji. The Vaikom Satyagraha and the Guruvayur Satyagraha in 1932 brought Kelappen to the forefront of the freedom struggle in Kerala. In 1942, he was jailed for his participation in the Quit India Movement. Besides his role in India’s freedom struggle, he also strived for the upliftment of downtrodden in the society. He worked hard to eradicate untouchability and worked for the upliftment of Harijans. He also set up many Harijan hostels and schools in Kerala. He was at the forefront of the Swadeshi Movement and did his best to build up a base of Khadi and Village industries.

Apart from his selfless commitment towards the cause of India’s freedom, one of the major achievements attributed to K Kelappan is the Guruvayur Referendum. In the late 1920s, there was a movement for the right to enter the Guruvayur temple. As lower castes were banned from entering the temple at that time, Kelappen led a movement to protest against this restricted temple entry, and he also called for the abolition of untouchability. In 1931 a Satyagraha led by Kelappen began before this famous temple. Kelappen was joined by many other leaders like Padmanabhan, A K Gopalan and N P Damodaran. The movement continued for about ten months after which when seeing no progress, Kelappan entered a fast before the temple on 21 September 1932. The fast electrified the atmosphere. Leaders from all over the country implored him to break his fast, and finally, at the behest of Gandhiji, on 02 October 1932 Kelappan broke his fast. A referendum was then held amongst the Hindus to find out their views on the question of temple entry. This referendum was taken from the Ponnani Taluk where the temple is situated. The precision with which it was held, and the turnout at the referendum were historic. More than 77 percent of the regular temple goers voted in favour of temple entry for all. Though this did not immediately result in the opening of the Guruvayur temple to all the Hindus, this whole movement helped to create a strong public opinion in the country that was in favour of temple entry for all, and abolition of untouchability. The Guruvayur temple was finally thrown open to all castes in 1946. This referendum paved the way for many private temples owned by savarnas and upper caste groups to open their doors to the public at large irrespective of caste or class.

Apart from his selfless commitment towards the cause of India’s freedom, one of the major achievements attributed to K Kelappan is the Guruvayur Referendum. In the late 1920s, there was a movement for the right to enter the Guruvayur temple. As lower castes were banned from entering the temple at that time, Kelappen led a movement to protest against this restricted temple entry, and he also called for the abolition of untouchability. In 1931 a Satyagraha led by Kelappen began before this famous temple. Kelappen was joined by many other leaders like Padmanabhan, A K Gopalan and N P Damodaran. The movement continued for about ten months after which when seeing no progress, Kelappan entered a fast before the temple on 21 September 1932. The fast electrified the atmosphere. Leaders from all over the country implored him to break his fast, and finally, at the behest of Gandhiji, on 02 October 1932 Kelappan broke his fast. A referendum was then held amongst the Hindus to find out their views on the question of temple entry. This referendum was taken from the Ponnani Taluk where the temple is situated. The precision with which it was held, and the turnout at the referendum were historic. More than 77 percent of the regular temple goers voted in favour of temple entry for all. Though this did not immediately result in the opening of the Guruvayur temple to all the Hindus, this whole movement helped to create a strong public opinion in the country that was in favour of temple entry for all, and abolition of untouchability. The Guruvayur temple was finally thrown open to all castes in 1946. This referendum paved the way for many private temples owned by savarnas and upper caste groups to open their doors to the public at large irrespective of caste or class.