Kochupurackal Family

The Kochupurackal Family is one of the oldest Catholic families in Athirampuzha, Kerala. The family's lineage traces back to Eepan Kochupurackal, who settled in Athirampuzha during the eighteenth century. Over the generations, the family expanded into several branches, including Pazhayapurackal, Vellimangalam, Kuzhupil, Manakkadavil, Pallippattu, Nadamukhath, Uppootunkal, Thekkecheruvil, Kandathiparambil, and Illathuparambil. Throughout its long history, the Kochupurackal family has made remarkable contributions to the growth of the Catholic Church and the social, educational, and economic development of Athirampuzha.

A significant milestone in the parish's history was achieved by Rev. Fr. Jacob Kochupurackal, who served as the Vicar of Athirampuzha Church from 1858. During his tenure, he prepared the parish's first official Baptism Register, an invaluable historical record. Another distinguished member of the family, Rev. Fr. Cyriac Albert Kochupurackal, CMI, played a prominent role alongside Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara in the establishment and early development of the CMI Congregation (Carmelites of Mary Immaculate). He was also a courageous leader who actively opposed the Roccos Schism in Athirampuzha.

During the construction of the Mannanam Church, Saint Chavara is traditionally believed to have stayed at the ancestral Kochupurackal residence, from where he supervised the construction activities. Members of the Kochupurackal family also stood alongside him in the development of the Athirampuzha–Mannanam Road, contributing significantly to the region's infrastructure. In recognition of the family's service and the association of Saint Chavara with their ancestral home, the house was later relocated near Athirampuzha Church during the tenure of Rev. Fr. Cyriac Kottayil as parish priest and was renamed Chavara Bhavan.

Following Rev. Fr. Jacob Kochupurackal, Rev. Fr. Mathai Pazhayapurackal served as the Vicar of Athirampuzha Church. Other notable members of the family include Rev. Fr. Cyriac Albert Kochupurackal (Jr.), one of the early priests of the CMI Congregation; Rev. Fr. Devasia Kuzhupil, MSFS, who played a leading role in establishing the Athirampuzha Charis Bhavan Retreat Centre; and Rev. Fr. Isaac Kochupurackal, who dedicated his life to the growth of the Itava Mission. Their contributions to the Catholic Church continue to be remembered with gratitude.

The Kochupurackal family has also produced several distinguished women religious. Sr. Angela SC (Pazhayapurackal) is regarded as the first missionary sister from Athirampuzha Parish. Sr. Concepta SABS (Kandathiparambil) served three consecutive terms as the Provincial Superior of the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (SABS). Today, numerous priests and religious from the Kochupurackal family and its various branches continue to serve the Church in different parts of the world.

Beyond its ecclesiastical contributions, the Kochupurackal family played a pivotal role in the economic development of Athirampuzha. Their ancestor Eepan Chacko Kochupurackal is remembered as one of the visionaries who helped transform Athirampuzha into a thriving commercial centre. The famous Athirampuzha Market once flourished as one of the major trading centres in the region, comparable to the renowned market of Changanassery. Traders from the eastern high ranges, including Idukki, Pala, Erattupetta, and Poonjar, travelled by bullock carts, while merchants from Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Vaikom, Ullala, and Kochi arrived by boats to conduct business in Athirampuzha.

The senior members of the Kochupurackal family laid the foundation for this commercial growth by constructing rows of shop buildings extending from the present-day culvert near the market pond to the main junction. The area where the residence of Varghese Eepan Kochupurackal now stands once served as the Bullock Cart Station, where traders parked their carts during market days.

The family has also produced several distinguished personalities in public life. Among them are Shri Itticheri Ouseph (Kuzhupil Kunjachan), a respected social worker; Shri V. J. Itticheri (Kuzhupil Kunjariyachan), who served as a member of the Athirampuzha Panchayat for sixteen years; Shri K. J. Kurian Kochupurackal, a freedom fighter honoured with the Tamra Patra Award by the Prime Minister of India; Shri J. Joseph Uppootunkal, former President of Athirampuzha Panchayat; and Colonel Sunny Kurian Manakkadavil, the first military officer from the Kochupurackal family, who served in the prestigious 52 Special Action Group (SAG). Many other members have also earned distinction in public service and various professional fields.

To strengthen the bonds among the descendants of the family and its branches, the Kochupurackal Family Association was first established in 1935 by Shri Ouseph Itticheri (Kuzhupil Kochetan). Following his passing in 1954, the then Secretary Shri Mathai Varkey Pazhayapurackal assumed the presidency and continued the activities of the association. Although its activities became inactive for a period, the Family Association was successfully reorganised in 1986 under the leadership of Shri K. J. Kurian Kochupurackal. Subsequent Presidents Shri P. V. Varkey Pazhayapurackal, Shri Varkey Mathai Vellimangalam, Shri K. M. Joseph Manakkadavil, and Shri Joseph Antony Nadamukhath continued to strengthen and expand the organisation.

Today, the Kochupurackal Family Association continues its mission under the patronage of Rev. Fr. George Pazhayapurackal and Rev. Fr. Mathew Nadamukhath, with Shri Varghese Eepan Kochupurackal serving as President and Shri Shaji Joseph Manakkadavil as Secretary, supported by an active executive committee. The Association remains dedicated to fostering the spiritual, social, cultural, and material well-being of its members while preserving the rich heritage and legacy of the Kochupurackal family for future generations.