Episodes in the Development, Formation and the Present Form of the Kudumbayogam
Padathu Mappila family from its humble origins at Padath, Meenadom, evolved into one of the largest Christian families in Kerala. It is now time for us to examine how Padathu Mappila Kudumbayogam came into being and what it has done for the family ever since it had begun some eighty years ago. The desire for an organisation to represent all Padathu Mappila family members everywhere was in the air from the start of the last century. As time went on, this desire gained momentum, and there took place several consultations in these regard among some prominent senior members of the family from time to time.
29 August 1938 (1114 Chingam 13)
The first formal meeting for the purpose was held at the house of Mr. Kurian Kurian, Mampazhakkatuppil, Thottakkad. This meeting was chaired by Rev. Deacon K.M.Jacob. Kaithalavil and attended by members from Kangazha, Manarcad, Thottakad, Pariyaram, and Vakathanam.
5 September 1938 (1114 Chingam 20)
The second meeting was held just after seven days on 5th September. This meeting, which had a wider representation than the earlier one, was presided over by Rev.Fr.V.T.Scaria, Vayalappallil. At this meeting, a Committee had elected to take the kudumbayogam forward and to prepare the history of the family for eventual publication.
The year 1968 saw the revival of the Kudumbayogam in full force. A well-attended meeting was held at the residence of M.M.Itty Mecheril, presided over by Rev.Fr.V.T.Scaria. Similar meetings were conducted at various family houses.
The first major step in the history of the Kudumbayogam was a large gathering of family members from all parts of the state held at St.Thomas L.P. School, Kangazha on 10 October 1971.
In 1976, a 25 member committee was elected with Rev. Fr.K.M. Jacob as president. The first volume of the history of Padathu Mappila Family was brought out in 1987. Second volume was published in 2004, edited by Sri.V.C. Chacko, Vandanathuvayalil.
A comprehensive constitution of the Kudumbayogam was drafted and brought out on 1st December 1988. The smooth functioning of the Kudumbayogam owes a lot to this carefully drafted Constitution.
Padathu Mappila Charitable Trust came into being in October 2010, a well-conceived venture. Snehatheeram ensures the orderly functioning of the Kudumbayogam at all levels.
Padathu Mappila website "www.padathumappila.family" was launched on 11th February 2017. The aim of our family website is to throw light on the rich legacy of Padathu Mappila Family, which spans five hundred years.