St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, founder of CMI Congregation was born in 1805 at Kainakary, Alleppey. He was a pioneer in several fields of activities with a multifaceted personality. He is called the father of literacy in Kerala. He established the first printing press in Kerala and oldest daily, Deepika. He started the first Sanskrit School at Mannanam in 1846 and it was a time when education was not accessible to all. His great contribution to the society of Kerala is his decree to start pallikoodam (school) with all palli (church) in 1864.

We have decided to constitute a Chavara Chair in Santhigiri College to commemorate the magnificent contributions St. Chavara has made in the field of education. The Chavara Chair in Santhigiri College will elicit further research and study about the history and society contributing to the furtherance of our academic pursuit. Chavara Chair is the deep-felt expression of our reverence and tribute to this great educationist, social reformer and spiritual master.

To read more about St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, visit
Chavara Library
Carmelites of Mary Immaculate