Poonjar
Thekkekara Grama Panchayat

Institutional History

Poonjar Thekkekkara Grama Panchayat is a local self-government institution in Meenachil Taluk of Kottayam District, within Erattupetta Block, comprising the Poonjar Thekkekkara and Poonjar Nadubhagam Villages. The Panchayat has an area of 60.86 square kilometres. It is bounded by Theekoy Panchayat to the north, Parathode and Kootickal Panchayats to the south, Kootickal Panchayat to the east, and Poonjar Panchayat to the west.

Poonjar Panchayat was established in 1953. On 12 June 1969, the Poonjar Thekkekkara areas were separated and the Poonjar Grama Panchayat was reorganized. The separated areas subsequently became Poonjar Thekkekkara Grama Panchayat. The first President of Poonjar Panchayat was K. C. Kurian Kattarath.

Poonjar Thekkekkara Grama Panchayat is situated in the easternmost part of Meenachil Taluk, in the eastern region of Kottayam District, extending towards the foothills of the Western Ghats and the western parts of Peerumade and Kanjirappally Taluks. It is a fertile and scenic region characterized by hills, streams, and natural springs. Due to its distinctive topography, there are no extensive paddy fields in the area.

Located in the eastern part of Kottayam District, the Panchayat belongs to the highland (Malanaad) region of Kerala, which is broadly classified into highland, midland, and coastal regions. The area is predominantly hilly, with small and large hills, mountain slopes, and undulating terrain. Only about five percent of the total land area consists of level plains.

Rubber is the major agricultural crop and an important source of livelihood for the people of the region. Poonjar Thekkekkara is a cluster of nine beautiful villages. Agriculture is the principal source of income for the hardworking farmers and agricultural labourers who inhabit these mountain valleys. Coconut, often described as the Kalpavriksha of Kerala, rubber, the major commercial crop, as well as tea, coffee, and black pepper are commonly cultivated in the region. Among these, rubber is the predominant crop.

The Panchayat is also the proud inheritor of a rich cultural heritage. Several distinguished personalities who have made their mark in political, cultural, and artistic fields have their roots in this Panchayat. Poonjar SMV High School, Cambridge School, and Peringalam School had been functioning even before Indian independence.

The Poonjar Thekkekkara Panchayat Library is the only library under the local self-government institution. Poonjar Natakavedi, Peringalam New Arts Club, and Sree Narayana Vilasam Kathakali Group are among the well-known cultural and artistic organizations in the area. Likewise, Poonjar Nrithabhavan, which has been active in the field of classical dance and performing arts for nearly a quarter of a century, is a valuable cultural asset of Poonjar and of Kerala's wider artistic heritage.