(A.S. Pisharody, 1911 – 1996)
Arangot Shekhara Pisharody, popularly known as A.S. Pisharody, was a respected teacher, scholar, editor, and cultural figure within the Pisharody community. He was born in 1911 to Arangot Parukutty Pisharassiar and Karuvambarath Vazhangamburath Achutha Pisharody.
A dedicated educator, he served as a teacher in various high schools across the Malabar region. During this time, he successfully passed the Malayalam Vidwaan examination and was later appointed as a teacher at Perinthalmanna Board High School. His passion for arts and culture led him to nurture and encourage the hidden talents of his students. He was also deeply knowledgeable in Sanskrit, in addition to being proficient in English and Hindi.
Apart from his teaching career, A.S. Pisharody was associated with the renowned Kottakkal PSV Natyasangham, showcasing his versatility as an artist and cultural contributor.
He was first married to Cherukara Subhadra Pisharassiar, and after her untimely demise, he later married Sreedevi Pisharassiar. He is the father of Dr. C.K. Unni, former President of the Pisharody Samajam.
A.S. Pisharody held key roles in several community initiatives. He was actively involved in the Vaishnava Samajam and served on the editorial board of the magazine Yuvachaitanyam.
In 1990, at a critical time when the Pisharody Samajam’s in-house magazine Thulaseedalam was on the brink of closure, A.S. Pisharody took up the challenge of reviving it. With tireless dedication, he rejuvenated the publication, laying the foundation for the magazine’s continued relevance and success. He went on to become a member of Editorial Board of Thulaseedalam and remained a guiding force behind it.
A recognized authority on ancient traditions and rituals, he played a key role in the compilation and publication of the Chadangu Grantham, a comprehensive reference guide on the customs and practices of the Pisharody community.
A.S. Pisharody passed away on 8th May 1996, leaving behind a rich legacy of scholarship, cultural preservation, and service to the community.
