High Range Development center (HDC) is a society under the Diocese of Kothamangalam. The main objective of the High Range Development center is upliftment of the poor rural people, particularly in the under developed hilly areas of the district of Idukki and Ernakulam. It also aims at providing employment opportunities for the unemployed youth and also to make available quality ensured milk products to common people.

In 1980 Rev. Fr. John Muringamattom, the vicar of Machiplavu Church, started a welfare project for the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes in a few areas of Adimaly Panchayath, in Idukki District of Kerala, India. The Diocese of Kothamangalam provided enormous support to the project and the voluntary services of the seminary students contributed largely to active implementation of the project. Though activities were centered in the parish churches under the Diocese, the beneficiaries of the project comprised of people from different walks of life irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Programmes like maintenance of houses, sanitation and hygiene awareness, cattle rearing, scientific farming, minor irrigation for agricultural purposes etc. were also undertaken.

In 1994 Rev. Fr. Mathew Konickal succeeded Rev. Fr. John Muringamattom. Under the dynamic patronage of Mar George Punnakottil, Bishop of Kothamangalam, Rev. Fr. Mathew Konickal, a man of vision and innovative ideas started a Registered Charitable Society named High Range Development Center (HDC) and it was registered by Idukki Registrar no. 96/95.

At a meeting held on 18 March, 1995 at High range development center under the presidership of Msgr. Thomas Malekuddy, the president of the Society, Fr. Mathew Konickal, the secretary cum treasurer, informed the members about the recognition of the present society as a charitable society and presented the names of the members and its rules and regulations. The initial activities were assembling of electronic components and training in scientific cultivation of tea and other crops for which seedlings and other materials were purchased from other than states Kerala and were supplied to the farmers. The same committee decided to impart tea cultivation for small and marginalized farmers, nursery for farmers, Jeevadhan Production center, Girijyothi tribal school as a part of the project.

In 1998, the secretary of the HDC approached the Spanish Non-Govermental Organisation, “Mannoose” with two major projects - one for the development of tea plantations and establishment of tea factory and the other for Milk procurement and processing plant. The two projects were approved and funds were allotted accordingly subject to certain terms and conditions. Rev. Fr. Mathew Konickal the then secretary of HDC proceeded with the establishment of Jeevan Tea Project.

At a meeting held on October 15, 1998 presided over Mar George Punnakottil, Fr. James Vadakkekudy, the Secretary cum Treasurer HDC, read out the interim report and was passed. The same committee also evaluated the report of Rev. Fr. Jacob Kalappurackal, Rev. Fr. Jose Peechatt, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kallumkal and Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Kodakallil for the establishment of milk project at Pareekanni. The plan cite and the area of three acres of land from Pareekanni, which is owned by Diocese of Kothamangalam was also approved on the occasion.

In the year 2000 onwards, Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Kodakallil elected as the Secretary cum Treasurer of the Society. In 2004 Rev. Fr. Jacob Thalappillil elected as the Secretary cum Treasurer of the HDC. In 2016, the board of Directors elected Fr. Jose Moorkattil as the Secretary cum treasurer of the HDC.

Now the present Board of Directors: Msgr. Pius Malekandathil Vicar General, Kothamangalam Diocese is the President. The present Executive Director is Rev. Fr. Jose Moorkattil. He is also Secretary cum Treasurer to the organization. Other members of the Executive Body are Msgr. Francis Keerampara, Rev. Fr. Jose Pulparambil, Rev. Fr. Jose Kulathoor, Rev. Fr. Mathew M Mundackal, Rev. Fr. George Pottackal.

Earlier in 1994, Rev.Fr. George Padinjareyil, who was the Director of Labour Welfare Movement, initiated a dairy society at Kothamangalam which was known as Kothamangalam Dairy Society (K.D.S). The society provided facilities for the collection of milk from the farmers, giving them better price. In due course, all the quantity of milk thus collected could not be sold out, particularly during the flush seasons by the collecting agencies. He started collection centers at Vadattupara, Kothamangalam and other places. Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kallungal came as the succeeding Director of the Kothamangalam Dairy Society and later the activities of KDS were amalgamated with that of the Jeevodaya Milk Project and Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Kodakallil as the Assistant Director of the Kothamangalam Diary Society. Now this society is known as Labour and Farmers Welfare Society.

In 1999 January 26, Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Kodakallil was appointed as the project officer and was entrusted to establish the Jeevodhaya Milk Project at Pareekanny included a milk procurement and establishing of milk processing unit. A new Board of Directors was constituted with Mar George Punnakottil as the Patron, Msgr. Thomas Malekudy as President and Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Kodakallil as Project Director. The three main objectives of the Jeevodaya Milk Project were to give a better price to the farmers (thrice monthly, assured payments), to provide good quality milk to the consumers and to give employment opportunities to the rural youth. As approved earlier three acres of land which was owned by the Diocese was handed over for the project and Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Kodakallil was the Founder Director of the project. He underwent extensive training at National Dairy Research Institute at Karnal, Haryana under Indian Council of Agriculture Research and equipped himself for the running of the project. He visited reputed dairy plants, chilling plants in various places both in and out of the state. His visionary thinking, studies and prayers resulted in the construction of a well organized dairy plant with scope for further expansion in 1999.The Jeevodhaya Milk Project was completed with the support and contribution from the Italian Bishops’ conference in Italy.

The Dairy plant at Pareekanni was inaugurated in 2001 by Mar George Punnakottil, Bishop of Kothamangalam. The dairy plant started functioning with eighteen employees and more than fifty Jeevodaya Milk Societies. Processed milk and milk products emerged first from the plant on April 06, 2001. Initially, the milk brought to the plant was about 2000 litres. A well established working system was introduced by the founder Director. Training for production of indigenous milk products was imparted for the empowerment of women during the tenure of Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Kodakallil. Here it may be noted with gratitude Rev. Fr. Jacob Kalapurackal, who is also an engineer helped in the design and the construction of the dairy plant.

In 2004 Rev. Fr. Jacob Thalappillil was appointed the Executive Director of the Jeevodaya Milk Project. Under his dynamic leadership the growth of the project was accelerated. The revamping of Jeevodaya Milk Project tackled many challenges and right now various socio-economic programmes envisaged by him have been implemented. When the sale of milk and milk products increased there was a shortage in milk procurement from Kerala. To address this problem, Jeevodaya Milk Project purchased land at Surandai near Tenkasi in Tirunelveli Dist. of Tamil Nadu. Construction of a new milk Chilling plant commenced in 2007 and was inaugurated in 2009 by Mar George Punnakottil, at a meeting presided over by His Excellency Mar George Alancherry, the then Bishop of Thakkalai. Presently the Chilling plant at Tenkasi procures more than 30000 litres of milk daily after ensuring strict quality check. Milk collected directly from farmers and chilled in our chilling plant at Surandai and brought daily to the processing plant at Pareekanni Kerala. The chilling plant has a capacity of handling 50000 litres of milk daily. A well equipped laboratory and trained Technical staff ensures standard quality milk. Nearly 1500 farmers are beneficiaries of this project.

Our plant Director Rev. Fr. Jose Moorkattil took charge in May 2016 as the Executive Director of Jeevodaya Milk Project. He was functioning as Assistant Director of the organization for over a year. He made elaborate studies of the various milk plants and generated his immediate attention towards the increase in marketing and sales. This resulted in the opening of three new routes of sales, effecting the enhancement of total daily sales to nearly 35000 litres. He also directed to improve the status of date coding on packets by the installation of new generation printing equipments. 250KVA D.G Set was erected and commissioned to cater to the power requirements during power failure. Another initiative was the enhancement of the milk chilling capacity at the Surandai Chilling plant by erecting a chilling unit of 10000 litre per hour capacity. He took necessary action to have clean and hygienic surroundings. Beautification of the campus by laying paving tiles over the front portion of the office courtyard and sides of the plant building, stone garden work in front of the office are worth mentioning. Thus Jeevodaya Milk Project office has now a face lift with revamping and renovation work.

On August 2019, new mechanized curd plant and other product unit was commissioned in the vicinity of the milk plant. New cool rooms, Rest rooms for ladies and gents, Store rooms and sales outlet were attached with it. It was blessed by Mar George Madathikandathil, Bishop of Kothamangalam. The surrounding area was tiled and made attractive with small garden. Attached to it a new Boiler and Weighbridge was also installed for the development.

In 2021, Fr. Jose Moorkattil bought a new land for collecting milk from the farmers, at Pethuppempetti, Udumelpet Taluk, in Thirippur District. Mar Paul Alappatt bishop of Ramanadhapuram blessed and laid the foundation stone of the plant. Mar George Punnakottil blessed the office section on April 2022.

Mar George Madathikandathil, the bishop of Kothamangalam blessed and inaugurated the plant on May 2022. Aim of the plant to make farmers’ societies and give good rate for their milk through that we look for the growth of the living condition of the farmers in the area of Pethuppempetti and Udumelpet.

History of Jeevodaya will be incomplete without a special mention of the dedicated services rendered by Dr. J. Xavier Mundackal who has contributed immensely in the planning, execution and completion of the well erected Dairy plant. He has served as the General Manager maintaining the tempo and pace with great energy and enthusiasm till his retirement on October 31, 2017. It is a privilege to mention late Mr. Eldhose Mathew Vettickal in commencement and operation of Jeevodaya.

Bishop of Kothamangalam, Mar George Madathikandathil is the present Patron of the Organization. There are seven members in the executive Committee. Msgr. Pius Malekandathil Vicar General, Kothamangalam Diocese is the President. The present Executive Director is Rev. Fr. Jose Moorkattil. He is also Secretary cum Treasurer to the organization. Other members of the Executive Body are Msgr. Francis Keerampara, Rev. Fr. Jose Pulparambil,Rev. Fr. Jose Kulathoor, Rev. Fr. Mathew M Mundackal, Rev. Fr. George Pottackal.

Mr. Johny J Padinjath is the General manager of the Diary Plant and Quality Controller, Mr. Siby George as the Assistant Manager of the Plant. Mr. Sanu P Thomas is the Financial Manager to the Organization. Mr K.P. Eappen is the Field Officer. Rev. Sr. Alwin SMS is HR Manager. Mr Josebin Cherian, Mr. Siby Joseph and Mr. Joshy Kuriakose are Supervisors. Mr. Bijo Thomas and Joseph K.J are Marketing Managers.

There are about 110 skilled employees and 20 contract staff to support the working of the plant. With the well-being and welfare of the employees being given high priority, it is indeed a joy, satisfaction and honour for them to serve here in various capacities. This enables loyalty as well as a feeling of oneness each one has the feeling of being part of a big family the Jeeva Milk Kudumbam

Jeevodaya Milk Project besides providing quality products for consumers has opened up opportunities for employment to more than 4000 families are directly or indirectly beneficiary by the Project. Besides, 2000 dairy farmers in Kerala and 1500 farmers in Tamil Nadu are also beneficiaries of the same.

Presently, Jeevodaya Milk Project distributes Jeeva milk and milk products daily through nearly 2000 agencies spread over the five districts viz. Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alapuzha and Pathanamthitta of Kerala. There are 7 milk collection routes and 18 milk distribution routes.

The products of Jeevodaya Milk Project are known under the brand names, Jeeva Toned Milk, Jeeva Homogenized Toned Milk, Jeeva Silver, Jeeva Standardised Milk ‘Chai Special’, Jeeva Thick Butter Milk (curd) and Jeeva Ghee. The Jeeva curd made from indigenous culture is popular with consumers, especially caterers.

It is started in 2009. The aim of this catering unit is to provide quality food at reasonable rates to various celebrations like Church feast, baptism and other celebrations. In addition to this free food is being supplied to all inpatients in Govt. Hospital, Kothamangalam and ward patients in Dharmagiri Hospital, Kothamangalam on all Fridays as a part of our charitable activities.

Jeeva employees and their family get free rice in every month.

Each employee gets education help such as uniforms, books, bags and umbrellas.

The employees of Jeeva milk make yearly visit to old age / poor homes in the neighboring areas and serve special food to the inmates. This activity was initiated in 2016 by the present Director, Fr. Jose Moorkattil. So far the Director and team has visited and given food for 54 such homes.

As part of our charitable activity, about 120 poor persons were identified and given a financial assistance of Rs. 20000.00 each in 2016.

As part of community services, attending to sick persons in family of staffs and others is also considered as one of the activities of the employees of Jeeva Milk.

The management also extends financial assistance to poor people for construction of toilets. Financial help of Rs. 25000.00 each was given to 135 poor farmers, under the recommendation of the societies.

Employees of Jeeva Milk have also been beneficiaries in maintenance of houses, and construction of toilets.

A new house was constructed and given to an eligible employee by the contribution of the employee, staff and management. We have also given financial support of Rs 50000/- to 110 houses for building repair and maintenance.

Every year all the employees with families are taken on a free mini tour arranged by the management.

Jeeva milk is also supplying food on every Friday in Taluk and Dharmagiri hospitas at Kothamangalam.

In 2018, 304 lifelong patients were given Rs. 10000.00 as medical help and 60 Dialyzes patients were given Rs. 25000.00 each. In 2019, 86 Dialyzes patients were given Rs. 20000.00 each.

399 Medical patients were given Rs. 10000.00 each and 220 students were gifted with Rs. 10000.00 each as educational help in year 2020.

In the year 2021, 388 covid patients and flood affected areas were helped. Food kit was supplied for 1685 families of the affected areas. We have given 5 cent of land to 5 families, those who were affected by flood and 5 staffs of Jeeva Milk.

301 people were given Rs. 20000.00 each as Medical help in 2022.

Scholarship is awarded to eligible children of our farmers, society members, plant workers and highly needy students in the society. The aim of the scholarship is to encourage and support students in their educational pursuit.

Jeeva Scholarhip was started in 2014 under the SCALAE charitable society and 101 needy students were identified and extended Rs. 30000.00 each for their education. In 2015 and 2016 the number was increased to 231 and the scholarship amount was the same.

In 2017 Jeeva Scholarship came under the Highrange Development Centre and the amount for the scholarship was raised to Rs. 35000.00. it is set apart only for the Jeeva Milk farmers’ children. In 2017 and 2018, and extended to 155 students. In 2019 and 2020, Jeeva Scholarship was awarded sum of Rs. 35000.00 each to 152 professional course students. 156 students were awarded in the years 2022 and 2023.

Our charitable activities are being widened to different horizons. As a charitable society our activities are graced over various fields and are seeking new horizons.

Cow Protection Scheme was started on February 12, 2022. It aims at helping the farmers whose cows accidently get died, the amount of the cow given by the Jeeva Milk ( Highrange Development Centre) with-in seven days.

Jeeva Education help is giving to the students of LKG to XII class children of the Jeeva Farmers. It was started in the year 2019. In this year 720 students were gifted with Rs. 1200.00 for buying bag, umbrella, text book etc. This gift was given to 806 students each in 2021 and 2022. In the year 2023, 662 students were given one Umbrella and Rs. 1000.00 each.