Shri. D C Kizhakemuri
A freedom fighter and a social activist who was incarcerated for his beliefs, DC Kizhakemuri started his career as a teacher, pushing a reading culture among his students. In 1942 he was instrumental in starting a library in Kanjirapally, a passion which continued throughout his lifetime. His passion was a catalyst for the Kerala Library Movement in 1945 initiated by P N Pannikker which resulted in creating over 8,000 rural libraries and reading rooms in Kerala – a feat that is yet to be replicated anywhere in India.
A man of the masses, D C Kizhakemuri was the first columnist in Malayalam. He was the pioneer for the paperback revolution in the country which became a model all across the nation in bringing books to the masses. His thirst for imparting knowledge led him to drive and inspire many novel movements, including the achievement of his hometown – Kottayam becoming the first 100% literate district in the nation. He prompted the then Government of Travancore to abolish taxes on books for the first time in India. This prompted the then Prime Minister Shri. Jawaharlal Nehru to remove taxes imposed on books pan India. DC Kizhakemuri’s vision was also a major force in recommending a Cultural Department for the erstwhile State of Travancore, which once again became a popular suggestion that had a national impact.
A visionary, thinker, writer and publisher Shri D C Kizhakemuri has left an indelible mark in the modern literary history of Kerala.
The DC Kizhakemuri Foundation ( DCKF)
The DC Kizhakemuri Foundation (DCKF) conceived in 2001, as a tribute to the late Shri. D C Kizhakemuri, a doyen of publishing in India. The DC Kizhakemuri Foundation (DCKF) today is one of the most proliferant bodies that promote a wide range of activities including art, education and various cultural activities. An active catalyst in promoting reading and education across various bodies and institutions, the DC Kizhakemuri Foundation (DCKF) constantly strives to achieve the principles by which DC Kizhakemuri lived.
Today the foundation conducts many philanthropic activities aimed at nurturing society through art, culture and education.
