Paliyam struggle leader K Rama Thampuratti of the Chirakkal Kovilakam in Kodungallur passed away on Wednesday. She was 83. Rama was being treated at a private hospital for the last two days. She died at 3 am on Wednesday.
She had participated in the famous Paliyam struggle for gaining rights to use the road in front of the main residence of the Paliath Achan, the then hereditary chief minister of Cochin state, at Chennamangalam. Entry to the road was forbidden to Dalits and non-Hindus.
She, along with Indira Thampuratti of the Puthan Kovilakam and others from the royal families of Cochin and Kodungallur, had taken part in the struggle to force the Paliyam family to throw open the road to all people, irrespective of caste or religion. She is survived by her daughters Malini Varma (Retd senior superintendent of High court), Shalini Varma (GVHSS, Arppukkara), Geetha Varma (SCHS, Mala) and son Jayarama Varma (Chennai).