Sadhu Kochkunju Upadesi (born Muthampackal Itty Varughese) (1883 – 30 November 1945) was a famous Malayali Christian preacher, poet and composer.

His saintly life, self-control, self-denial, and commitment towards social issues made him a unique person.

During his missionary work in Tamil Nadu, India, they called him Sadhu meaning, holy man.

M. I. Varughese was born on 29 November 1883 to Itty of Moothampackal and his wife Mariamma of Perangattu Padickal, in Edayaranmula, a small village near Aranmula in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.

[citation needed] When he was 14 years of age he stopped his formal education to help his father in farming.

Sadhu Kochkunju Upadesi at the age of 11 accepted Jesus as his personal saviour during a meeting held in his home parish.

When the Indian Brethren movement gained momentum in Kerala, Sadhu Kochoonju Upadesi decided not to join that church even though his friend and classmate K V Simon (later Mahakavi, poet laureate) who was also a paternal cousin of his wife's father joined the movement.

So later in life he gave leadership for the formation of organizations like the YMCA, the Anti dowry movement, the Free School for the Poor Children, Bible School to train evangelists and a prayer hall for conducting meetings and also as a guest house for traveling evangelists on the Kozhencherry – Chengannur roadside.

At Kalayapuram near Kottarakara he started Bible study classes and open air meetings where people gathered to hear his messages.

He not only spoke of spiritual things, but also talked about social issues which attribute to loose morale and religious right.

He used a wide range of stories, examples, experiences and humour liberally throughout his messages to add colour to his speeches.

His modus operandi brought revival to many parts of South India which opened the doors to many future Christian missions.

In 1915 then Mar Thoma Metropolitan gave him the authorization to preach and to do gospel work in all the Parishes of the Church.

In 1930s he had a very hectic schedule and at regular intervals conducted parish conventions from Thursday to Sunday.

Sadhu Kochoonju Upadesi was a headstrong individual, He believed requirement of lifestyle for being a good gospel bearer.

[2] Following are the principles he strived to achieve:- Kochoonju Upadesi was the General Secretary of the Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists' Association from 1924 to 1945.

These include: He was burdened by the death of his second son, poverty, responsibility of caring for his wife and children, illness in his own life and inward conflicts regarding different types of Christian faith and practices among the contemporary believers.