Poikayil Yohannan and Njaliyakuzhi Simon Yohannan
Born in central Travancore, Poikayil Yohannan and Njaliyakuzhi Simon Yohannan jointly established the Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha (PRDS) . As Christian preachers from marginalized communities, they experienced systemic inequality within mainstream Christian denominations, prompting them to create an egalitarian church explicitly rejecting caste discrimination. Poikayil Yohannan , born into utter humility as a "lowly one" in a thatched hut, endured profound discrimination, untouchability, and poverty from childhood. Blind and naked, he begged for sustenance, worked as a laborer herding cattle, and faced rejection even from relatives, wandering without shelter amid harsh weather and unquenchable thirst. Following the loss of his eyesight, a woman informed Poikayil Yohannan about Njaliyakuzhi Simon Yohannan , a renowned healer celebrated for his miraculous prayers. Assisted by a sister, Poikayil Yohannan traveled to meet Njaliyakuzhi Simon Yohannan . After Njaliyakuzhi Si...