DC Kizhakemuri Foundation (DCKF)
Established in 2001, the DC Kizhakemuri Foundation (DCKF) pays tribute to the enduring values upheld by DC Kizhakemuri. With a vision to strengthen the nation and contribute to societal enlightenment, the Foundation aims to emulate DC Kizhakemuri’s accomplishments by enriching the realms of literature, fine art, and fostering socio-economic growth. The Foundation, headquartered in Kottayam, Kerala, has established institutions in Kottayam, Vagamon (in the Idukki District), and Trivandrum.
Founder
DC Kizhakemuri, a freedom fighter and social activist, dedicated his life to his beliefs and endured imprisonment. He embarked on his career as a teacher, passionately promoting a culture of reading among his students. In 1942, his instrumental role in establishing a library in Kanjirapally became the starting point of his lifelong passion. This passion acted as a catalyst for the Kerala Library Movement in 1945, initiated by P.N. Pannikker, resulting in the creation of over 8,000 rural libraries and reading rooms in Kerala—an achievement yet to be replicated anywhere else in India.
A man dedicated to serving the masses, DC Kizhakemuri became the first Malayalam columnist and pioneered the paperback revolution in the country, setting a model that inspired the nation in making books accessible to all. His thirst for knowledge led him to spearhead numerous groundbreaking movements, including the remarkable achievement of Kottayam, his hometown, becoming the first 100% literate district in India. He successfully influenced the Government of Travancore to abolish taxes on books, a historic moment for the country. His efforts even prompted Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to remove taxes on books nationwide. Moreover, DC Kizhakemuri’s visionary ideas played a pivotal role in advocating for a Cultural Department in the erstwhile State of Travancore, which resonated nationally.
Shri D.C. Kizhakemuri, a visionary, thinker, writer, and publisher, has left an indelible mark on the modern literary history of Kerala.
Our History
Dominic Chacko Kizhakemuri (DC), a writer, intellectual, freedom fighter, and entrepreneur, founded DC Books. Beginning his illustrious career as a teacher, DC made significant contributions to the publishing industry, leading a revolution with the establishment of DC Books in 1974. Building upon DC’s intellectual pursuits, the DC Group of Institutions was founded in 2002, revolutionizing education in Kerala.
Following the success of the MBA program in Trivandrum and Vagamon, the DC Group of Institutions expanded to establish the DC School of Architecture and Design (DCSAAD), promoted by the DC Kizhakemuri Foundation and co-promoted by DC Books, Kerala. DCSAAD, with campuses in Vagamon and Trivandrum, has emerged as a pioneering institution in the architectural and design education sector in Kerala.
