ASree Narayana Guru
BKuriakose Elias Chavara
CChattampi Swamikal
DNone of the above
Answer:
B. Kuriakose Elias Chavara
Read Explanation:
Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara is widely regarded as the Father of Literacy in Kerala.
He was a Catholic priest and social reformer who made significant contributions to education in Kerala during the 19th century.
Some of his key initiatives include:
Starting schools: He established the first Catholic Sanskrit School in Kerala (Mannanam, 1846) and encouraged the establishment of schools attached to every church, making education accessible to a wider population, including marginalized communities.
Promoting education for all: He was revolutionary in admitting "untouchables" to schools and even providing them with Sanskrit education, which was forbidden to lower castes at the time.
Midday meals: He introduced the concept of midday meals in schools to encourage poor students, especially Dalits, to attend.
"Pidiyari" scheme: He started a charity initiative where people would set aside a handful of rice daily to help feed poor students, supporting the midday meal program.
Printing press: He established St. Joseph's Press at Mannanam in 1846, which was instrumental in publishing books and the first Malayalam newspaper, "Nasrani Deepika," contributing to the spread of knowledge.