Pallikkoodam

Who is Pallikkoodam?

In Malayalam and Tamil schools are popularly known as 'Pallikkoodam'.

The real meaning of 'Pallikkoodam' is 'a place for education established by and adjacent to a holy Place'. The word "Pallikkoodam" originates from the tamil root words: Palli and Koodam, meaning "church" generally "worship place" and "Gathering or Room".

When C.M.S. Missionaries reached India, they started schools in their church itself or near by the church. That resulted in the formation of the word 'Pallikkoodam'. Till then, education was the monopolistic right of the upper castes.After independence of India C.M.S. in kerala is known as C.S.I..It is not known from when the word "pallikkoodam" started using in the language.

The word "Palli" has its root from the Budhist Era. The place were monks are gathered is called "Palli". Later this word is inherited to Malayalam and is commonly used to mention Churches and Mosques.

The struggles of Sri Narayana Guru, to open temples and schools for lower castes of Kerala, is a testimony of these hardships. From the very beginning itself these institutions have been opened for all students irrespective of religion or cast.

The opening of schools was a revolution which started even before the beginning of the British Raj. Since then, these schools are open for all students irrespective of caste and religion and it paved way for a modern and educated Kerala. Now, Kerala has the highest percentage of literate people in India.