The name Chaavara is associated with the Blessed Father Kuriakose Elias Chaavara, the co-founder of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) congregation, who had done many contributions in faith, mission, education, culture, print media and development. Many organizations, institutions, hospitals and enterprises have established in the name of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chaavara.

Blessed Kuriakose Elias was born on 10th February 1805 at Kainakary, of very pious parents Kuriakose Chavara and Mariam. He felt his call to priesthood which came when he reached the age of ten. He entered the seminary at South Pallipuram in 1818.