Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church –22
Mrs. Thangamma Anthrappur
Prominent social worker Mrs. Thangamma J. Anthrappur was born on September 4, 1920, at the family home of Puthenveedu in the village of Ezhupunna Parayil. Her father was Mr. Aviratharakan, and her mother was Mrs. Aleshwa, from the Arangamparambil family. She married Mr. A.M.J. Anthrappur, the son of Mr. A.C.M. Anthrappur, in 1939. Thangamma was actively involved in social welfare and women’s welfare activities, demonstrating special attention to these causes.
Her husband, Mr. A.M. Joseph Anthrappur, was a freedom fighter. He was arrested and imprisoned for ten days for his participation in the independence movement. During this period, Thangamma, who was in Bombay, immediately returned home. She organized women along with Devaki Krishna and led the first women’s procession. Thangamma also participated in the Raj Bhavan March during the freedom struggle. She was one of the closest friends of Mannathu Padmanabhan.
In 1975, in connection with the Year of Women, Mrs. Thangamma established the Cherthala Women’s Welfare Co-operative Society and served as its President until 1981. The organization evolved into an independent institution providing employment to 500 people. Mrs. Thangamma also served as the President of the Kerala Region of the Council of Catholic Women of India. Additionally, she served as Vice President of the Guild of Service, a social service organization, and as President of the Lion Ladies in the Patanamthitta Region.
From 1963, Thangamma was an Executive Member of the Women’s Welfare Service and led numerous religious and social activities at parish, archdiocesan, and state levels. She also served as a long-term member of the Catholic Congress Working Committee and chaired several women’s conferences related to the annual events.
Thangamma Anthrappur is known for her exemplary leadership in organizational and women’s welfare work, her commitment to serving both the poor and the wealthy beyond caste and religious distinctions, and her willingness to collaborate on any good cause without hesitation. For her exceptional contributions, the All Kerala Catholic Congress honored her with the Ashirwad Award in 1998.
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