Speaking at a function held last night, Samithi Zonal Secretary V Mohanakrishnan said Kelappaji was the founder of the samithi.
Kelappan, born at Muchukunnu in Kozhikode on Aug 24, 1889, took active part in the freedom struggle and evinced special interest in Gandhian programmes like uplift of the untouchables, propagation of Khadi and Hindi.
As part of his relentless fight against untouchability' he played a leading role in the famous Vikom and Guruvayur Satyagrhas.