FIRST EZHAVA COMMUNITY MAN JOINED AS KAZHAKAM IN KOODALMANIKYAM TEMPLE

Описание: Irinjalakuda: After prolonged controversies, community protests, and a long legal battle, K.S. Anurag, a member of the Ezhava community from Cherthala, has finally taken charge as Kazhakam staff at the centuries-old Koodalmanikyam temple.

Anurag received his appointment order through speed post on Sunday evening and reported for duty at 4 p.m., accompanied by his parents Sunesh and Sheeba, well-wishers, and representatives of various socio-political organizations. “This has been a long wait. I thank everyone who stood by me during the struggle,” Anurag said after assuming duty.

Earlier, the temple had witnessed a major row when Balu, from Aryanadu in Thiruvananthapuram, became the first non-savarna appointed as Kazhakam staff through the Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board (KDRB). Facing caste-based discrimination and stiff opposition from a section of traditional stakeholders, Balu was forced to step aside, sparking widespread protests and legal action.

The opposition, led by local resident T.V. Harikrishnan and sections of the Warrier community claiming hereditary rights to the post, argued before the Kerala High Court that the Kazhakam duties were their traditional preserve. Meanwhile, progressive organizations and rights groups rallied in support of inclusivity, demanding justice for both Balu and Anurag.

The Kerala government backed the appointments, but the matter dragged on in court. Last week, the High Court cleared the way for Anurag’s appointment, following which the Devaswom Board convened an emergency meeting and expedited the procedures.

With Anurag’s entry, history has been made at the Koodalmanikyam temple — for the first time, a member of the Ezhava community has formally taken charge as Kazhakam staff, overcoming caste barriers that stood for centuries.

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