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 Simon Yohannan prayed for him, Poikayil Yohannan miraculously regained his vision. This marked their first encounter, during which they embraced tearfully and vowed to meet again. Settling in Valyathannikkal, he meditated deeply, drawing crowds eager for his wisdom as his fame spread.
As word spread, crowds gathered to hear their wisdom. Traveling with Njaliyakuzhi Simon Yohannan and companions like Kutti, Pathros, and Barnabas, they held yogams (gatherings) in Amarakunnu, Njalayakuzhi, Aloli Mala, Chelakombu, Kulathur, Erumapra, and Katoor, where miracles astonished attendees, slave lineages united, sins were atoned, and the Savior was revealed, prompting salvation commitments.
The promised God manifested among the lowly, gathering offspring of slaves and establishing the Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha (PRDS).
The PRDS emerged as a divine manifestation among the marginalized, provoking fierce opposition from upper-caste Christians, including multiple assassination attempts against Poikayil Yohannan, thwarted by loyalists like Njaliyakuzhi Simon Yohannan.
Prior to his passing, at Maramkulam Poikayil Yohannan formally designated Njaliyakuzhi Simon Yohannan as his legitimate successor. He transferred both administrative authority and strategic plans to Simon Yohannan, declaring him to be uniquely trustworthy and wise among countless others. Additionally, Yohannan instructed his followers to seek guidance exclusively from Simon Yohannan, affirming that only those who followed his successor would attain salvation.
Poikayil Yohannan passed away on 1939. Njaliyakuzhi Simon Yohannan conducted Poikayil Yohannan's funeral rites in the Christian manner. Following Poikayil Yohannan's death, internal divisions arose, with one faction seeking to assimilate PRDS into Hinduism. Njaliyakuzhi Simon Yohannan resisted this, upholding Poikayil Yohannan’s original teachings as his sole legitimate successor.
Poikayil Appachan and Njaliyakuzhi Aashan are supreme role models for humanity, living harmoniously as one family. They transcended all barriers of caste, religion, and tribe, embodying perfect unity and equality in their shared life. Through their exemplary conduct, they inspire all people to embrace oneness, serving as timeless ideals of human brotherhood.
