The Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) is the first indigenous religious congregation of the Catholic Church in India. Founded on 11 May 1831 at Mannanam by Malpan Thomas Palackal, Malpan Thomas Porukara, and St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the Congregation was established to provide spiritual guidance, foster unity, and promote education, social welfare, and faith.

Rooted in Indian, Oriental, and Carmelite traditions, the CMI Congregation has expanded its mission across India and internationally, with 15 provinces and priests serving in various parts of the world. The Central Administration is headquartered at Kochi, Kakkanad, and is led by the Prior General along with his councillors, who guide its global ministries and apostolic activities.

Chavara Cultural Centre is a venture of the CMI St. Thomas Province, Kozhikode. Members of the Province are actively engaged in pastoral, educational, and social service ministries across the Malabar region of Kerala, as well as in mission centres at Gundlupet, Gudallur, Jammu and Kashmir, Australia, America, Peru, and other parts of the world, continuing the legacy of service and community development envisioned by the Congregation.