Date:20/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/20/stories/2004092003940300.htm

Kerala - Alappuzha

D. Pankajaksha Kurup cremated

By Our Staff Reporter

ALAPPUZHA, SEPT. 19. The body of D. Pankajaksha Kurup, the founder of the `Ayalkoottam' movement, who passed away at his residence at Kanjippadam near Ambalappuzha in the district was cremated at the premises of his home at around 11 a.m. today. He was 82.

A large number of people from various walks of life attended the funeral ceremony. His son, Radhakrishnan, set fire to the pyre. The Tourism Minister and Devaswom, K. C. Venugopal, laid wreaths on the body on behalf of the State Government.

Mr. Kurup who was attracted to social work at the age of 10 was inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. He became a teacher at the age of 21. Mr. Kurup continued his social work during his career as a teacher and in his retired life. In 1973, he started the Darshanam magazine to spread his ideas on community life. In 1976 he founded Ayalkoottam movement in Kanjippadam village as an experiment in community life.

The motto of the movement was `Undallo Kondupokam' which meant willing sharing of their resources by villagers. Around 15 houses in a neighbourhood formed an Ayalkoottam. Several such Ayalkoottams formed a Tharakoottam and several Tharakoottams formed a Gramakoottam.