History of Thrikkodithanam Grama Panchayat

Thrikkodithanam is a rapidly developing Grama Panchayat situated adjacent to Changanassery Municipality. It is one of the prominent Grama Panchayats in Changanassery Taluk.

On 3 September 1976, a new nine-member Administrative Committee was nominated by Government Order. Shri. P. K. Divakaran served as the President of the Committee.

The first elected governing committee of Thrikkodithanam Panchayat was formed through a general election held on 29 September 1979. Shri. C. K. James served as the President and Smt. K. Pankajakshan as the Vice President.

Thrikkodithanam has been associated with several prominent personalities who contributed to the freedom movement and social reform. Shri. Devassy Kaniyamparambil participated in the freedom struggle and the Vaikom Satyagraha. The late Shri. Kondoor Krishnapillai and Shri. Pallippuram Narayanapillai participated in the freedom struggle and the Abstention Movement and underwent imprisonment. They were also notable social and community reformers.

Shri. Aramala Sreekutty worked for the emancipation and advancement of Scheduled Caste communities. In 1937, responding to Mahatma Gandhi's call to promote vocational education, Shri. Krishnapillai took initiatives to establish educational institutions including V. B. U. P. School and C. B. U. P. School.

Professor N. Gopalan Nair was a distinguished historian. Gopinathan Nair, who served as the President of Thrikkodithanam and Paippad Panchayats, was also a poet and social reformer.

The Amara region of Thrikkodithanam has been blessed by the activities and legacy of Poikayil Sree Kumara Gurudevan, the founder of the Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha.

Economic Profile

The economy of Thrikkodithanam has traditionally been based on agriculture. Agricultural labourers, construction workers, Non-Resident Keralites, traders and industrialists play an important role in sustaining the economic activities of the Panchayat.

The Thrikkodithanam Service Co-operative Bank, State Bank of India, and Union Bank provide various banking and credit facilities to the people of the Panchayat.

Kudumbashree neighbourhood groups and other self-help groups have also played a significant role in improving the economic and social well-being of the people of the Panchayat.

Physical Features and Geography

Located in the south-western part of Kottayam District, Thrikkodithanam Grama Panchayat is an agricultural village with a rich and renowned cultural heritage. The region, characterised by extensive paddy fields and wetlands, is known for its peaceful and scenic environment and stands as an excellent example of religious harmony.

Thrikkodithanam Grama Panchayat has a mixed terrain consisting of small hills, slopes and low-lying areas. The general slope of the land is from east to west. Kunnumpuram, Chembumpuram, Amara and Aramala Kunnu are among the highest elevated areas within the Panchayat.

Approximately 90% of the total area consists of dry land and 10% consists of paddy fields.

The Manimala River flows approximately 9 kilometres westward along the boundary of the Grama Panchayat.

The terrain of Thrikkodithanam Grama Panchayat is generally situated at an elevation of about 10 to 20 metres above mean sea level. The western parts of the Panchayat are situated at an elevation of approximately 10 metres above sea level, while the terrain gradually rises towards the east, reaching elevations ranging from 20 to 60 metres.

Thus, the general topographical gradient of the Panchayat is from east to west.

Climate and Rainfall

Based on its geographical characteristics, Thrikkodithanam Grama Panchayat falls within the midland region of Kerala.

The climate is mainly influenced by two monsoon seasons:

• South-West Monsoon (Edavappathy)
• North-East Monsoon (Thulavarsham)

According to rainfall data for the past ten years, the Panchayat receives the highest rainfall during the months of June to August, while February generally records the lowest rainfall.