History of Grama Panchayat

History of Peringara Grama Panchayat

During the period 1945–1950, there were no organized social or cultural organizations functioning in Peringara. Although a few local leaders undertook welfare activities in the name of their respective communities, these efforts lacked a common public vision and were largely centralized in nature.

Recognizing the need for a unified local administration, prominent social reformers and public-spirited leaders such as P. N. Namboothiri, Raman Kutty Vaidyar, Raghavan Pillai, and Rev. Zachariah initiated efforts to establish a Village Union. As a result, in 1948, the Peringara Village Union was formed by integrating the regions of Peringara, Karaykkal, Nedumbram, Kavumbhagam, Naduvilemuri, and Kuzhivelippuram.

The Village Union facilitated the delivery of essential public services through departments such as Public Works, Health, Revenue, and Electricity. Development initiatives included clearing roadside and riverside vegetation, constructing roads, and installing streetlights, laying the foundation for the area's future growth.

In 1953, based on criteria such as population, revenue, and geographical area, Peringara Grama Panchayat was officially constituted. The first Panchayat office was established on a 10-cent plot of land donated by local benefactors.

The first Panchayat Committee comprised the following members:

  • P. N. Namboothiri
  • Thomas Joseph
  • P. G. Purushothama Panicker
  • K. R. Raman Nair
  • M. P. Raghavan Nair
  • Iype Punnoose
  • Thomas Koshi
  • Sankaran Kankali
  • Koshi Mathew

The present-day Peringara Grama Panchayat was formed by combining the village areas of Peringara and Kavumbhagam within Thiruvalla Taluk. It is located approximately 5 kilometres west of Thiruvalla town.

In its early years, the Panchayat had only two or three roads, and transportation in most areas depended on country boats (ferries). Over the years, significant progress has been achieved in the fields of education, infrastructure, and industry.

Agriculture has also undergone considerable change. Paddy cultivation, once the principal occupation, is now largely limited to a single crop season each year.

Based on its geographical characteristics, the Panchayat can be divided into three distinct regions. The eastern part consists mainly of elevated plains, while the southern region is dominated by low-lying paddy fields below sea level. Although the Panchayat is generally surrounded by water, it continues to experience shortages of potable drinking water, as water from open wells is often unsuitable for consumption during both the monsoon and summer seasons.

Educational and Cultural Heritage

The foundations of formal education in Peringara were laid during the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal Maharaja. The first Lower Grade Elementary (L.G.E.) School was established in 1914 with four classes, followed by the establishment of the first Government School in 1915, marking an important milestone in the region's educational development.

Today, Peringara Grama Panchayat is recognized for its high literacy rate and vibrant cultural heritage. The Panchayat continues to preserve the simplicity, purity, and values of traditional rural life while embracing social progress.

The V. P. Memorial Library stands as the village's first cultural institution and remains an important centre for learning, literature, and community activities.