Achayan

Achayan (അച്ചായന്‍) is a term commonly used to address elder males belonging to the Christian community of Kerala irrespective of denomination, hailing from central and southern parts of Kerala corresponding to the former Travancore kingdom. Though, the term is coined from the Travancore region of Kerala, at present it is a common word used among christians of Kerala to address elder males..
== Origin ==
The term Achayan came from the way elder males were addressed in the Christian community of southern kerala.Economic and Political Weekly Published by Sameeksha Trust., 1973 pg 1552
http://books.google.com/books?id=d4iwAAAAIAAJ&q=achayan&dq=achayan&pgis=1Keralites in America Published by K.P. Andrews for Literary Market Review, Inc., 1983 pg 114 & 119
http://books.google.com/books?id=0CB2AAAAMAAJ&q=achayan&dq=achayan&lr=&pgis=1 Later with the migration of people from the region to different parts of Kerala including the northern region, the word gained popularity among all christians in the state. This term corresponds to "elder brother" in Malayalam.Human Resource Development: The Indian Experience
By D. M. Silvera
Published by Newsindia Publications, 1988 pg 172 http://books.google.com/books?id=VGctAAAAMAAJ&q=achayan&dq=achayan&lr=&pgis=1 
== Contribution ==
Achayans are traditionally employed the agriculture sector (especially rubber) and trade. From the time of their settlement in the region, Achayans used to be painstaking and family oriented. They are pretty much far-sighted and modern. The enthusiasm they possess in acquiring knowledge and education paved way for numerous institutions for elementary as well as higher education in the region.
== Educational institutions ==
Many prominent educational institutions in the region are run by Syrian Christians. Some of them are listed below:
*St. Antony's Public School and Junior College, Anakkal, Kanjirapally
*Nirmala Higher Secondary School and Public School, Muvattupuzha
*Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha
*St. Berchmans College, Changanassery
*Assumption College, Changanasserry
*Alphonsa College, Pala
*St. Thomas College Pala
*St. Dominics College, Kanjirappally
*Marthoma College, Thiruvalla
*BCM College Kottayam
*Baselius College, Kottayam
*St. Thomas College, Kozhencherry
*Amal Jyoti College of Engineering, Kanjirappally
*Vishwajyothi College of Engineering, Muvattupuzha
*Pushpagiri College of Medical Sciences,Thiruvalla
== Current status ==
A new generation of professionals and NRI's are now the new dominant group among Travancore Christians now. They are one of the most educated and prosperous Christian communities in India. A large number of expatriate communities are found in the Middle East, Europe and the USA.
== Eminent personalities ==
*K.M.Chandy
*K. M. George
* Dr. Sibichen K Mathew IRS (Author and Commissioner of Income Tax Bangalore)
*C. M. Stephen
*P. C. Thomas, former Muvattupuzha M.P.
*K. M. Mani
*A. K. Antony, Defence Minister of India
*Oommen Chandy, C.M. of Kerala
*T. M. Jacob, Kerala Congress (Jacob) leader
*Johnny Nellore, former Muvattupuzha M.L.A.
*P. J. Joseph
*Francis George
*P. C. George
*Mathulla Mapillai (Kandathil Family, Malayala Manorama)
*K. C. Mammen Mappillai (Malayala Manorama)
*K M Mathew (Mathukuttychayan, Malayala Manorama)
*K. M. Mammen Mappillai (MRF)
*Babu Antony
*Lalu Alex
*Kunchacko Boban
*Ponkunnam Varkey
*Jimmy George
==References==
Category:Saint Thomas Christians
Category:Christian terms