KAVYARCHANA – EENIYUM MARIKKATHA BHOOMI (13 February 2026)
Presented by renowned dancer Ardhra in memory of O. N. V. Kurup, held at Chavara Cultural Centre, bringing together lovers of poetry and dance in tribute to the legendary poet. q
Fr. Justine Koyippuram CMI
Founder & Provincial
Fr. Job Myladiyil CMI
Founder DirectorDirectors
Fr Jolly Allavalil CMI
Fr Anil Puthuparambil CMI
Fr Jacob Moorikunnel CMI
Fr Joseph Edapadiyil CMI
Fr Martin Valiyamanackal CMI
Fr George Punchayil CMI
Assistant Directors
Fr Pradeep Padettu CMI
Fr Jerin Pendanath CMI
Fr. Jithin Kuroor CMI
Fr Roji Kazhukanolickal CMI
Fr Emmanuel Ponparackal CMI
HISTORY
On 7 October 1996, the CMI St. Thomas Province, Kozhikode envisioned the establishment of a non-sectarian and non-political cultural centre in the city, inspired by the vision of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara to promote dialogue, unity, and cultural growth across all sections of society. Chavara Cultural Centre was officially inaugurated on 3 January 1997 by Alphonse Kannanthanam, marking the beginning of a vibrant cultural initiative in Kozhikode. Fr. Job Mayiladiyil served as the Founder Director of the Centre under the leadership and administrative approval of Fr. Justine Koyippuram, who was the Provincial of the St. Thomas Province at the time.
The establishment of the Chavara Public Library and Reading Room on 6 April 1999 by V. R. Krishna Iyer marked a significant milestone in the Centre’s journey, strengthening its commitment to education and public engagement through access to books, periodicals, newspapers, and reference materials for learning and research.
Programmes
Book Release – Chavara: Lodestar of Kerala Modernity (10 February 2026)
The book by veteran journalist Maleeha Raghaviah was released on 10 February 2026 by Prof P. Vijaya Kumar. Speakers highlighted the transformative role of Kuriakose Elias Chavara in shaping Kerala’s educational and social modernity.
Snehaagamam – Interfaith Dialogue (6 January 2026)
Faith leaders from diverse communities gathered to promote mutual understanding and shared values. The inaugural address was delivered by P Abdusamad Samadani.
Debate on Science & Literature (20 October 2025)
Featuring V. J. James and Dr Anand K, followed by a felicitation of former ISRO Director Dr E. K. Kutty.
Gandhi Memorial Programme (5 October 2025)
Observed in honour of Mahatma Gandhi, with Shri Aflatoon Desai delivering the keynote address and releasing his book Lokathe Swadheenicha 50 Jeevithangal.
Vidyarambham & Inauguration of Chavara Kalakendra (1 October 2025)
Marking the launch of a new centre for training in dance, music, drawing, and instrumental arts.
Increasing Criminality Among Students (16 August 2025)
Keynote address by Devan Ramachandran, Judge of the Kerala High Court, highlighting concerns about rising violent tendencies among youth.
“Love Overrules Hatred” – Solidarity Meeting (30 July 2025)
Organised by the Conference of Religious India (CRI) Kozhikode–Malappuram units in solidarity with detained Keralite nuns.
Tribute to Sam Thomas (18 July 2025)
A cultural evening honouring eminent theatre artist Sam Thomas, inaugurated by V. M. Vinu.
Mystic Minstrel (4 July 2025)
A soulful Baul evening led by singer Santhipriya, featuring verses of Kabir, Meera Bai, and Narayana Guru.
Keralapazhama Hermann Gundert Smrithi (13 June 2025)
Organised by the Dr Hermann Gundert Educational Foundation, reflecting on the contributions of Hermann Gundert.
Harmony in Rhythm and Verse (25 March 2025)
Led by Paul Poovathingal (Padum Paathiri), presenting interfaith songs celebrating harmony through music and poetry.
Bridges Across Cultures (7 March 2025)
Hosted in association with All India Radio Kozhikode, featuring Olga Pardo (Spain), Mellanie Marquez (Philippines), Anne Mary (Belgium), and Li Taiying (China).
World Music Day – Naadavum Jeevithavum (20 June 2024)
A musical celebration featuring reflections by writer Shoukath and musician V. T. Murali, with performances and an orchestral presentation by Doremi Academy.
Celebrating 50 Years of Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil
The Chavara Cultural Centre marked the 50th anniversary of Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil on 26 September 2024, with author M. Mukundan sharing reflections, and critic P. K. Rajasekharan highlighting the novel’s depiction of French colonial history in Kerala.
Lecture Series: The Shifting Sands of Our Secular Republic
As part of its lecture series, the Chavara Cultural Centre hosted journalist Aakar Patel on 18 May 2024 for a talk titled “The Shifting Sands of Our Secular Republic."
Youth: Shaping the Future of India
On 28 April 2024, Devan Ramachandran delivered a lecture titled “Youth: Shaping the Future of India” at the Chavara Cultural Centre, inspiring young people to pursue education, remain rooted in their homeland, and transform challenges into opportunities.
2001: Expansion of Activities
The Centre expanded its programmes to include children’s camps (Kaliveedu and Kaliyarangu), youth development workshops, health and eco-awareness initiatives, and the Learning Space, providing a quiet and modern environment for study and self-improvement.
2001 : Women’s Cultural Forum Established
The Chavara Women’s Cultural Forum, inaugurated by Justice D. Sreedevi on 21 October 2001, provides a platform for women’s empowerment through skill development, education, and community service.
2000 : Launch of Discourse Series
The Centre inaugurated the Discourse Series on ‘Eternal Values in a Changing Society’ on 15 July 2000, with Sidhinadhananda Swamy. The series has since featured scholars and thinkers addressing ethics, spirituality, and societal values.
1999 : Chavara Public Library and Reading Room Opens
The library and reading room, inaugurated on 6 April 1999 by Justice V. R. Krishnaiyar, became a cornerstone of learning, housing rare books, periodicals, newspapers, and reference materials for competitive exams.
1997 : Inauguration of the Centre
The Chavara Cultural Centre, Calicut was officially inaugurated on 3 January 1997 by Alphonse Kannanthanam IAS, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Kozhikode’s cultural life. Fr. Job Mayiladiyil was entrusted with guiding the Centre under the supervision of Fr. Justine Koyippuram, then Provincial.
1996 : The Vision is Born
On 7 October 1996, the Kozhikode CMI St. Thomas Province decided to establish a non-sectarian, non-political cultural centre in the city. Inspired by St. Chavara’s vision, the initiative aimed to promote dialogue, unity, and cultural growth across all sections of society.