About Us

The Pukkunnel family traces its origins to the ancient ‘Kunnathu Tharavadu’, one of the aristocratic families of Kerala baptised to Christianity by the Apostle St. Thomas in AD 52. Over the centuries the family settled in Kothamangalam, where they have been members of St. Mary’s Valia Pally — one of the oldest churches in Kerala.

The family name evolved from ‘Kunnathu’ to ‘Pookkunnel’ (meaning Flowerhill) and later to its present form, ‘Pukkunnel’. Family members today belong to different Christian denominations including Jacobite, ICS and Pentecost, spread across Kerala and beyond.

The Pukkunnel Kudumbayogam

Founded in 1984, the Pukkunnel Kudumbayogam (Flowerhill Family Association) brings together all descendants of the family each year at an Annual General Body meeting. For full details see the Kudumbayogam page.

Priests in the Family

The Pukkunnel family has had a long tradition of ordained priests. A tombstone inside St. Mary’s Church, Kothamangalam, records the presence of priests in the family as far back as the 17th century. The family currently has several active priests serving in India and the United States. Visit the Priests page for more details.

Family School

The family owns Fr. Joseph Memorial Higher Secondary School at Puthuppady, under the management of Sri Prasad P. Varghese Pukkunnel. Late Rev. Fr. Joseph Pukkunnel was also a member of the Legislative Council of Travancore. The family has produced many teachers, doctors and advocates who continue to serve the community.