DCK
Writer and Publisher

D. C. Kizhakemuri

Born 12 January 1914 · Kerala — Died 26 January 1999

Founded DC Books, one of Kerala's largest and most influential publishing houses.

Dominic Chacko Kizhakemuri was an Indian writer, activist, freedom-fighter and book publisher from Kerala. He founded the book publishing company known as DC Books.

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A detail that
surprised us

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D. C. Kizhakemuri’s campaign to abolish sales tax on books in Travancore directly inspired Jawaharlal Nehru to remove book sales tax across India.

The Story

1
📚 In 1949, D. C. Kizhakemuri masterminded the merger of National Book Stall and Sahithya Pravarthaka Co-operative Society, transforming Malayalam publishing from a dismal state into a flourishing industry that covered every district of Kerala.
2
Born on 12 January 1914 in Kanjirappally, Travancore, he began teaching at age 16 and earned the nickname 'Kochusaar' meaning 'Little Teacher' before turning to activism and literature.
3✊ By 1937, Kizhakemuri was an active member of the Indian National Congress, organizing freedom struggle meetings alongside K. J. Thomas in Kerala’s hotbed of anti-colonial activity.
4💡 He played a pivotal role in abolishing sales tax on books in Travancore, a policy so impactful that it influenced Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to extend the tax abolition across India.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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Sahitya Akademi Award

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1949, the Sahithya Pravarthaka Co-operative Society that Kizhakemuri co-founded became Asia’s first cooperative publishing house, focusing on Malayalam literature and author welfare.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Kanjirappally, Travancore
Dominic Chacko Kizhakemuri was born in Kanjirappally, a town in the princely state of Travancore, which later became part of Kerala.
1914
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Career
Started teaching career at age 16
Known as 'Kochusaar', he began teaching in Kanjirappally before passing the TTC at Changanassery and teaching for 12 more years.
c.1930
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Career
Joined Indian National Congress activism
Became active in the freedom struggle, conducting meetings with K.J. Thomas and contributing to the Indian National Congress efforts in Kerala.
1937
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Career
Merged NBS and SPCS
Led the strategic merger of National Book Stall and Sahithya Pravarthaka Co-operative Society, expanding Malayalam publishing reach across Kerala.
1949
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Death
Death and Padma Bhushan award
Passed away shortly after receiving the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, recognizing his contributions to literature and publishing.
1999
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Other
Foundation of DC Kizhakemuri Foundation
The DC Kizhakemuri Foundation was established to honor his legacy and promote Malayalam literature and culture through events like the Kerala Literature Festival.
2001
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
👤PERSONAL

Kizhakemuri began his career at 16 as a teacher nicknamed 'Kochusaar', a humble start before becoming a freedom activist and literary pioneer.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

The National Book Stall and Sahithya Pravarthaka Co-operative Society merger in 1949 covered all districts in Kerala, creating the biggest Malayalam publisher network of the time.

03 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

His initiative to abolish sales tax on books in Travancore led Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to extend the tax exemption nationally, making books more affordable across India.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
നാനൂറോളം പോലീസുകാർ , ജലപീരങ്കി. വൻ പ്രതിഷേധത്തിന് സാക്ഷ്യം വഹിച്ച പ്രസിദ്ധീകരണമാണ് 'മീശ' | RAVI DC |
·YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

D. C. Kizhakemuri reshaped Malayalam literature by establishing cooperative publishing models that prioritized author rights and broadened distribution. His efforts led to policy changes abolishing sales tax on books, facilitating affordable access to literature nationwide. Institutions like DC Books and the DC Kizhakemuri Foundation continue to foster Malayalam literary culture and publishing innovation.

💬 Social Buzz

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💭 Memories & Tributes

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