Yukthivadi

The launch of Yukthivadi marks the beginning of organised rationalism in Kerala, which is a key constituent of the Reformation Movement in the state.

Yukthivadi started its publication in August 1929 from Ernakulam under the editorial board of M. Ramavarma Thampan, C. Krishnan, C. V. Kunhiraman, Sahodaran Ayyappan and M.C.

[1] In a statement published in the first issue of Yukthivadi, Sahodaran K. Ayyappan wrote: In spite of the fact that all of the editorial board members were well known social activists, the conservative Kerala welcomed its publication with expected derision.

In July 1974, because of his failing health (he was 87 then), he handed over the magazine to Unni Kakkanad, who published it for yet another decade before it ceased publication1.

The vibrant rationalist movement that is seen in Kerala today is undoubtedly the direct consequence of the ideas spread by Yukthivadi for more than half a century.