Educational and Cultural History
The roots of education in this region can be traced back to the Gurukula system of education that existed in the Namboothiri households. Education was prohibited for the lower castes. About a hundred years ago, the school established by Ramar Guru, now known as R.G.M. School, became the first educational institution in the area. It was one of the 24 schools recognised by the British Government in Malabar. In those days, writing on palm leaves using a stylus was the common method of learning and writing.
In 1940, formal schools were established at Kappattukunnu, followed by schools at Chooliyad and Chedichery. The Kolanda School was established in 1958. Until Malappattam High School was established in 1981, students from the area depended on high schools in Mayyil, Sreekandapuram and Irikkur for their secondary education.
CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
As a centre of cultural activities, the first reading room was established at Pookkandam in 1936, under the leadership of the Farmers' Association. It functioned initially as a night school. Theatre groups, Kolkali groups and singing groups were important means of promoting social transformation.
Malappattam is one of the smaller Grama Panchayats in Kannur district. The reading rooms, libraries and other local arts and cultural centres that emerged from the 1930s onwards played a significant role in improving the cultural awareness and educational outlook of the people.
There are currently 18 reading rooms functioning within Malappattam Grama Panchayat. A Cultural Centre is also functioning under the Panchayat. In addition, nine arts and sports committees are active in the Panchayat.
The contribution of the educated youth of the Panchayat in securing employment in various sectors, including government service, has been commendable.
In earlier times, agriculture and cattle rearing were the main sources of livelihood. With the establishment of educational institutions and libraries, the number of people securing employment in government service increased steadily. Eventually, most families in the Panchayat came to have at least one government employee.
Today, many people from the area are employed in other states of India and abroad.
HISTORY OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
The divine mantra that Ramar Guru, revered as a great teacher, used for the emancipation of the oppressed was the power of literacy. After working throughout the day and returning to their humble homes in the evening, the oppressed labourers were invited by him to the courtyard of the Naduvilekkandi Tharavadu to learn to read and write. For them, that was the only opportunity to study.
By the dim light of an oil lamp, learning took place with the use of sand, palm leaves and writi
