Balagokulam started as a series in Kesari which was released on March 1, 1953. Thinker and philosopher P. Parameswaran managed Pankti under the name of Gopichettan to impart culture through stories and encourage and nurture the creativity in children.

It was in the early 1970s that Pankti’s career in telling stories to children and publishing their works took off. Even before that, the membership of the children was decided and the name information was published, but the form was published in the January 1973 issue.

In one of Gopichet’s letters he wrote:

“Gopichettan is making a proposal. Wouldn’t it be better to form a group of children who are related to Kesari and want to connect with each other in their respective areas? Someone who is able to call these friends together on a Sunday can perform a story or poem written by them. Those who can speak and sing should do so and show their artistry and talent. So create a cultural community.”

At that time Kesari was the editor of M.A. This post was written by Krishna. It was a note that made history. It got reactions from different parts of the state.

Balagokulam unit was first started at Karaparam, Kozhikode. Karaparamp Shivaji Balagokulam was started on the Sunday of Navratri in October 1972. There were 17 children then. M.A. started in Gokulam with the enthusiasm of Rajan, who ran a business in Valiangadi, Kozhikode, and under the guidance of senior self-sevakan P Balagopalan. Krishna also participated. Gokulam took place in a house called Saranjini in the fields. Later it was shifted to the corporation building at Eranjipalat. The children were called together and every Sunday the class was held with story telling, poetry recitation and other programs. P. Ramachandran and P. K. Sukumaran, the Sangha pracharak, came to tell the story.

Around the same time, Gokulam units were started in different parts of the state. Balagokulams were started in places like Nadakavu, Thali, Madai in Kannur, Vallikun, Ariyalur, Vadakkanchery in Malappuram district, Elur, Chowwara, Aluva, Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district, Punnapra Kollam in Alappuzha district, Karunagappalli in Thiruvananthapuram district, Vanchiyur and Pazhavangadi in Thiruvananthapuram district.

In Kesari dated 18 August 1974, Gopichetan’s letter contained a handwritten proposal to gift the magazine and start a new unit. Although there was activity in various places, they had no common character or organizational framework. Before such a system could be formed, a night emergency was declared on 25 June 1975. MA included in MISA list. Sir went into hiding. Kesari’s silver jubilee was in the midst of emergency. Balagokulam children’s art programs were perfect for the celebration. What actually took place at the Kesari Silver Jubilee celebrations was the debut of Balagokulam.

Balagokulam was formed in dark days. The political crisis which reached the state of emergency was keeping the people silent by scaring them. The ideology of patrikinda, which despised the ancients, had seduced the youth. No one was bothered by any religious thought. Schools did not teach that human life had purposes beyond consumption. The culture of Kerala was starting to weaken with only the thoughts and lamentations of a few old people. It was on this darkness that Gokulanala began to shine.

As little hands, they created little embers of light in every village. Children in chains came forward to recite Naam, say Namaste, study Gita, do Gopuja, perform Sobha Yatra wearing yellow silk and peacock feathers, participate in camps and share potichors. The flow became stronger with art festivals, children’s fairs and art tours. Big children’s meetings were staged. All the cultural leaders came and offered blessings at different venues. Rishi poets recited Mangalagita. Thus, the Balagoku tree took root in Kerala society.

Children’s poet Kunjunnimash was the public face of Balagokulam. Balagokulam and Kunjunnimash complement each other in that the concept of small and big is put forward. Kunjunnimash was a good example in taking and organizing Gokulam class.