K. P. Vallon

Kolote P. Vallon (2 January 1894 – 14 April 1940) was a social reformer and leader of the Pulaya community in the Cochin State of Kerala. Along with Pandit Karuppan and Chanchan, he played a transformative role in the upliftment of the Pulaya community in Cochin.[1]

Early life and education

Vallon was born at Mulavukad in the Kanayannur taluk of Ernakulam in 1894. His father Kolote Pizhangan was a native physician. Vallon received no formal education but taught himself to read and write.[2]

Social reformer

Vallon was influenced by Pandit Karuppan and was a founding member of the Cochin Pulaya Mahasabha along with Karuppan. Vallon served the sabha as its secretary and president in its later years. Vallon was the organiser of a satyagraha of the dalits that sought for them the right to use the roads and thoroughfares of Ernakulam, a right denied to them until then because of their status as a low caste. He was also a participant in the Vaikkom Satyagraha that sought the right of lower caste Hindus to access the public roads surrounding the Vaikkom temple.[2]

He championed the cause of education among the Pulayas and was opposed to the caste system and caste based discrimination in Hinduism. In 1935 he converted to Buddhism and tried to propagate the religion in Cochin.[3]

Member of the Legislative Council

Vallon was a two time member of the Cochin Legislative Council, the Maharaja of Cochin having nominated him in 1931 and 1939. He used the platform to champion the cause of the Depressed Classes and labourers. He introduced a resolution seeking government help to students of the Depressed Classes, which the government accepted.[4] His efforts led to the establishment of a government hostel for dalits in Ernakulam in 1938.[2]

Family

He was married to Thara and the couple had three children.[3] His sister Dakshayani Velayudhan was elected to the Constituent Assembly of India by the Cochin Legislative Council and remained its only dalit women member between 1946- 1952.[5]

Death and commemoration

Vallon contracted small pox while working among the dalits of Mala and died of the disease in 1940. He was 46.[3] The K P Vallon Road connecting Kadavanthara Junction to Kochu Kadavanthara, in Ernakulam is named after him.[6]

References

  1. ↑ "APPENDIX XV'. Note by Pandit K. P. Karuppan" (PDF). GIPE, Pune. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 Encyclopaedia of Dalits in India: Leaders, Volume 4. New Delhi: Kalpaz Publications. 2004. p. 208. ISBN 9788178350332.
  3. 1 2 3 Encyclopaedia of Dalits in India: Leaders, Volume 4. New Delhi: Kalpaz Publications. 2004. p. 209. ISBN 9788178350332.
  4. ↑ "CHAPTER - VI STRUGGLE FOR RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT AND SAHODHARAN AYYAPPAN" (PDF). Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  5. ↑ Kshirsagar, R K (1994). Dalit Movement in India and Its Leaders, 1857-1956. New Delhi: M D Publications. p. 363. ISBN 9788185880433.
  6. ↑ "HUDCO project: trial run likely this month-end". The Hindu. 6 May 2007. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
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