Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church –29
Advocate K. P. Devassi
Advocate K. P. Devassi was a frontline fighter in the liberation struggle, a brave leader in the fight for minority rights protection, an early activist in the anti-communist front, and a captain of the Social Scouts organized to confront communist attacks. He earned the respect and recognition of the people through his various roles. Born on May 2, 1922, as the son of Porrinju-Kathrina couple from Kannanaykkal Kanjirappadam, Thrissoor, Devassi received his education at Thrissoor St. Anne’s School, Thrissoor St. Thomas College High School, and Thrissoor St. Thomas College.
In 1942, Devassi was the only Christian student to study Sanskrit as an elective subject for his B.A. After passing his B.A., he joined the Royal Indian Air Force in Bangalore. He participated in World War II and traveled across India, including Burma and Rangoon.
During his time in detention, Devassi, who was driven by nationalistic fervor, managed to meet and assist Captain Lakshmi, a Malayali minister in Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s cabinet. He provided letters and financial assistance to Captain Lakshmi, who had long lost contact with her family. Devassi also helped Kannampilly Karunakaran, a Malayali civilian officer in the Indian National Army who was in detention.
In 1945, Devassi, along with Menon, visited the grave of Bahadur Shah, the last Mughal ruler who fought in the First War of Indian Independence of 1857, located in Rangoon. After returning to India in 1946, Devassi utilized the educational benefits for ex-servicemen and pursued a law degree at the Trivandrum Law College. His classmates included Malayattoor Ramakrishnan, Justice Fatima Beevi, and former Minister M. P. Govindan Nair. Devassi practiced as a lawyer in Thrissoor from 1997 but had to stop due to health issues.
Devassi served in various capacities, including President of the Thrissoor Bar Association and member of the Collector Soldiers-Sailors-Airmen Board. After the war, he was temporarily appointed as a clerk in the Cochin Collectorate in 1947 as part of ex-servicemen benefits. In 1949, he declined permanent clerk appointment and police sub-inspector training to continue practicing law in Thrissoor based on his family’s advice. Alongside his legal career, he continued his public service, engaging in political activities through the Indian National Congress and cultural activities through the Appan Thampuran Reading Room and Ayyanthole Service Co-operative Society.
As a founder of the Appan Thampuran Reading Room, Devassi served as its President for 17 years and played a crucial role in acquiring land and constructing a building for the library. He was also a life member and President of the National Reading Room in Puthoorkara, contributing to its building efforts. Devassi served as Secretary of the Appan Thampuran Cultural Committee and was an active member of the Puthoorkara Sreenarayana Sabha.
Devassi served as President of the Ayyanthole Service Co-operative Bank from 1945 for an extended period and worked on acquiring land and constructing a building for the society, achieving success. In 1953, this society was the first to build its own building in the Thiruvananthapuram-Cochin area. Devassi also contributed to organizing the joint secretary position for the Appan Thampuran-Attoor Centenary and other significant events.
In 1968, when the Pastoral Council was established in the Thrissoor Diocese following the Second Vatican Council, Devassi was appointed as the first Joint Secretary. He held this position for 15 years, from 1968 to 1983. Devassi was the Diocesan President of the Vincent De Paul Society from 1972 to 1977 and held several other positions, including Particular-Forana President and Parish Council President. He also served as the Managing Director of the Thrissoor Diocesan Leadership Training Center for four years starting in 1968.
Devassi was nominated to the AKCC Working Committee during Rev. K. C. Chacko’s presidency. He participated in the 1972 college education struggle, got arrested during picketing, and faced legal consequences. Devassi was also the flag bearer for the renewal procession led by five bishops. He was actively involved in the liberation struggle, and was arrested and punished for participating in the 139 lawyer-led liberation march. Under his leadership, the Congress Party established its own office building in Puthoorkara in 1959, inaugurated by Mrs. Indira Gandhi. This building was the first Congress Party office building of that era. After the Congress split in 1969, Devassi retired from active politics. He was appointed as Treasurer of the anti-communist front’s Thalassery conference and was the Captain of the Social Scouts organized by Fr. Vattakunnu Thrissoor to confront communist attacks. The Social Scouts’ trainer was Sardar Chandroth Kunjuraman Nambiar.
Devassi, a Sanskrit scholar, and others like Mr. P. Thomas, poet C. A. Jose, and Adv. A. S. Divakaran published a magazine called “Kaala” with Devassi writing a series of articles titled “Kalla Naanyam” (False Currency). The aim was to highlight grammatical errors in articles by prominent figures like Sukumar Azhikode, former Chief Minister C. Achutha Menon, former Minister Prof. N. K. Sheshan, and Prof. M. Achuthan. This series garnered significant attention, and Devassi aimed to publish it as a book.
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