Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church –30
Vargheese Kanjirathunkal
Vargheese Kanjirathunkal, who has authored over sixty books across various branches of literature in the past six decades, was born on June 15, 1922, in Kadathuruthi Thazhathupalli, as the son of the late Avira Annamma couple. He received his primary education in government schools in Pallippuram, Kadathuruthi, and Muttuchira. He passed the Malayalam main examination from Kottayam Thiruhidayakunnu.
While still a high school student, he showed a keen interest in literature. Vargheese won first prize in district-level speaking competitions and served as the Secretary of the School Literary Society. At the Katholika Congress’s Athirampuzha conference, he won a prize for a speech contest and was awarded the “Kunjithomman Medal.” After his education in schools in Njeezhoor, Ezhupunna, Mampuram, and Poozhikkol, he passed the R.R.R. from the Ambalappuzha Kakkazham Training School in 1944. He joined as a teacher in a government school in 1955 and retired from Muttuchira Government U.P. School in 1977. In 1973, he was awarded for an essay competition conducted for teachers and received the Teacher Award for distinguished service in 1974.
Professor Matthew Ulakamthara wrote in Deepika that Vargheese Kanjirathunkal was a highly distinguished writer who appeared in Christava publications between 1940 and 1950. His youthful appearance and constant quest for new knowledge impressed many. Vargheese’s literary contributions included works such as “Kusumam,” which was published in the Kusumam Series and sold out a thousand copies in one day. He also wrote and published about ten other works, including “Boating Trip,” “Atomic Bomb,” “Diplomat’s Meeting,” “Drenched Eyes,” “Car and Blackness,” and “Death Certificate.”
He also authored plays such as “Jai Chuppayi” and “Punnaramon,” published by Mannanam Press. Vargheese wrote stories like “Thallak,” “Crying World,” and “Dark Days” and was noted for his exceptional talent as a storyteller, as mentioned in Cardinal Mar Parakkattil’s autobiography. In line with the interest of the Vice Postulator of the Chavara naming process, he wrote a research paper titled “Chavarayachan Mannanathum Kunammavum” and a screenplay based on Chavara’s life.
He wrote biographies of C.M.I. founders Palakkal, Perookkara, and Chavara, as well as of Br. Kaniyanthara, and compiled them into a single volume. He was entrusted with preparing a complete directory of Christian writers by the K.C.B.C. Media Commission. Following suggestions from Alappuzha Metropolitan Dr. Peirra Chenappadom, he wrote and published several pamphlets on various social issues. He translated two books from English for Justice Joseph Thaliyath’s “Pushpanchali” series, and translated two English novels, “Seven Friends” and “Manavatti,” for the monthly book club started in Ernakulam. As the General Editor for the eleven-volume translation of Vasulagri’s famous book “True Life in Good,” Vargheese himself translated the eighth volume.
Among his notable works are “Samskaramadhuri,” “Red Cross,” “Thengu and Muthil,” “Vargheese Mappila,” “Pirthyathkan’s Progress,” “Cheriyavaru,” “Valiyavaru,” “Thiruhidayadoothan,” “Cardinal Parakkattil’s All for You,” “Sparshamapini,” “Frederick Ossanam,” and “Yugapravahanya Mar Mathai Makil.”
Vargheese was a member of the editorial committees of “Vishwadeepthi” and “Karmalakusumam” magazines. He translated the Vatican document “Church and Class Distinction” into Malayalam. He collaborated with the Alloor BLM established by Fr. Jose Akkarakaran and the Kerala Sabha Monthly. His published works include five one-act plays and “Through Families,” which were released by Alloor B.L.M.
He served as a committee member for numerous commemorative publications, including the Palai Diocese Golden Jubilee Souvenir, and wrote historical articles for various memorial publications. He also edited works by renowned religious preacher and Bible restater Fr. Matthew Nattakali, including “Ente Ottam” and “Church’s Fundamental Teachings.” Vargheese was involved in editing manuscripts and works of various authors, as well as correcting and refining their style.
He compiled several family histories, including “Chettal Green Garden History,” “Mookannur C.S. Rari History,” “Periyappuram Family History,” “Kunnassery Family History,” “Kuzhivel Family History,” and “Maniyangatt Family History.” Vargheese has led various social activities in his parish and community, and has served as a board member for several cooperative societies and as a committee member for various cultural organizations.
As a founding leader of the anti-communist front, he played a significant role in establishing the Janakeeya Sahithya Munnetta and served as its first Secretary. Vargheese also held the position of President in organizations such as Kadathuruthi Vishwadeepthi Kalabhavan, Saharidya Samithi, Kulashekharapuram Navajyothi Library, Marthoma Das Youth Association, and many others. He was involved in the Amalapuram Cherthala, Kayar Industrial Workers Union Organizer, Teacher Union Officer, and the Palai Diocese Religious Advisory Board and Pastoral Council.
In 1981, he received the Catholic Congress Literary Award, Prakasham Publications Award, K.C.B.C. Certificate of Appreciation, Benjamin B Award, A.K.C.C. Siriyak Kandath Award, and the Maitri Award among others. His spouse is Elyamma, a member of the Kuzhivel family
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