It is often observed that a privileged few largely shape the mainstream and elite strands of feminism and tend to overlook the voices of women at the grassroots. The struggles, contributions and lived realities of the Adivasis, Dalitand landless women are often left out of dominant feminist narratives. Yet history presents a different story, in which the most courageous and revolutionary movements were often led by these very women. Their feminism is not shaped by theories or institutions, but in an open field, which was unconventional for such movements.
V. Janamma, also known as Poyikail Ammachi, is one of those pioneering personalities in India. She was born in Kerala in 1910 and received her early education up to fourth grade in a Christian school. After that, her formal schooling ended early. In 1925, at the age of fifteen, she married Poikayil Appachan, a well-known social and spiritual reformer. After marriage, her life was not limited to being a housewife or mother.
Source: Swatantryavaadini
Together with her husband, she actively opposed caste-based discrimination in Kerala and sought the spiritual liberation of the oppressed community. Their mission was to build an equal and inclusive community. Janamma’s contribution is not widely documented, but she still lives in the hearts of marginalized women as she brought about a transformative change in their lives. By remembering Janamma, we revive feminist stories buried in time.
Janamma: Leadership and Growth of PRDS
Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha (PRDS) was not only a religious movement but also a powerful socio-cultural revolution for the Dalit community initiated and founded by Poykayil Sree Kumar Gurudevan, also known as Poykayil Yohanan and Poykayil Appachan. The basis of the movement was the creation of a space free from Discrimination based on caste and to promote a life based on self-respect, spiritual equality and social transformation.
Although historical records rarely highlight them, much less is written about their contributions. Janamma Ammachi (Ammachi means “mother figure”) played a prominent role in the field of social justice. Appachan died in 1939, after which she assumed responsibility for implementing PRDS’ spiritual vision and was formally accepted as president in 1941. At a time when women, especially widows from Dalit communities, were expected to stay in their homes, Ammachi broke barriers. She took on a leadership role in a male-dominated society and became the spiritual mother and leader of the community.
Janamma’s presence helped to strengthen and support PRDS, and especially among women, she became a source of spiritual guidance and the epitome of courage and compassion.
Janamma’s presence helped to strengthen and support PRDS, and especially among women, she became a source of spiritual guidance and the epitome of courage and compassion. She launched the movement for 46 years, helping to spread its message of equality and liberation beyond Kerala to places like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Their impact was quiet but far-reaching. Janamma’s activism, coming as a woman from the Dalit community, was groundbreaking in itself.
Janamma’s work for justice and change
It would not be wrong to see Janamma as an early intersectional feminist, even if she was never called that in her time. She stood up against all injustices based on gender, religion and caste with her strong leadership in PDRS. As widow Many tried to suppress her voice, especially as a Dalit woman, but she moved with grace and courage. Her role redefined what leadership looked like. She condemned patriarchy and the savarna ideas, which explicitly state who has the right to assume leadership roles. As a woman of strong faith, dignity and vision, she continued her fight against patriarchy and prevailing religious beliefs, turning her fight into a path of hope for others.
Source: PRDS College of Arts & Science (supported), Amara
Under the visionary leadership of Janamma Ammachi, the Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha (PRDS) witnessed a major revival. She founded Adiyardeepam, a publication that promoted social reforms, highlighted the daily struggles of Dalits and was based on the PRDS values of equality, dignity and self-respect. Under Janamma’s leadership, women began to actively participate in the political activities of the PRDS, from formally appealing for the right to have a say in legislative assemblies to demanding equal civil rights from the government of Travancore. Through their actions, they courageously challenged the deep-rooted injustices based on gender and caste differences.
Janamma founded youth and women’s wings within the PRDS, which opened up even more active leadership positions to those who had long been excluded. These were not symbolic additions; They were part of a broader redefinition of who could lead, speak and shape community life. These institutions represented a bold departure from traditional gender roles; These platforms for ideas became a space where women were encouraged to speak, lead and make decisions.
Exclusion from history
Exclusion from history is a common fate for women like Janamma, who come from a marginalized community. It is often observed that pioneering revolutionaries like Janamma are rarely remembered or celebrated due to the dominance of upper-caste and male-centric discourses. Michel Foucault theorizes how those who have power in society can also influence the knowledge system. Because of this, Janamma, like many other women from marginalized communities, remains unrecognized, resulting in a form of historical subjugation.
Exclusion from history is a common fate for women like Janamma, who come from a marginalized community.
This historical subjugation limits our collective understanding of social movements, which are often shaped and promoted by women from marginalized communities, and perpetuates inequality by hiding the efforts of people at the grassroots. Although challenging in current social and political structures, it is necessary for an unbiased presentation. This revival of history will certainly lead to a fair and comprehensive understanding of history
Janamma’s legacy today
Janamma, who died in 1985, dedicated nearly fifty years of her life to shaping the social and spiritual vision of the PRDS. She carried a movement that not only gave the oppressed dignity, but also a voice to fight back against oppression. Janamma’s work is not well known, but it is full of courage and conviction.
The shrine where Poykayil Appachan is buried. By Anandu Raj. Source: Outlook
Janamma not only preserved her husband’s legacy but also became the spiritual mother of PRDS, where she also created her own identity within the movement. Her fight against caste-based oppression has not only led her community through difficult times but is also full of inspiration and resilience. She played a central role in the lives of Dalit women and widows in Kerala, which, like other parts of the country, was deeply rooted in patriarchy and rigid caste hierarchy.
The spiritual centers of PDRS spread across Kerala and Tamil Nadu are examples of her contribution through which she still lives on in the hearts of the people. Although Janamma and her work do not receive literary recognition, they still inspire people. She promoted intersectional resistance in Kerala, making her not only a true leader but also a loyal leader and compassionate mother to her community.
Women leaders like V. Janamma represent the voices of the minority, which is why it is important to write history that is inclusive and respects the activism of these forgotten figures.
References:
https://alablog.in/issues/74/womens-leadership-kerala-renaissance/?utm
For Dalit Women’s Representation: Women of Pratyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha
https://www.casemine.com/judgment/in/56b49659607dba348f01857a
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Poykayil_Yohannan
Himani is a graduate of Political Science from Ramjas College, University of Delhi with a strong academic focus on gender, culture and social justice. Her academic and practical experience includes research and project coordination in areas such as tribal entrepreneurship, environmental advocacy and community service.