Chelannur
Grama Panchayat

Kozhikode is famous as the headquarters of the Zamorins (Samoothiris). The Chinese had trade relations with Kozhikode in the 14th century, and the Arabs even before that, to buy pepper, ivory, and spices. A culture that arose from those trade connections still exists in Kozhikode today. The area that is now Chelannur Grama Panchayat was part of the Kozhikode Taluk in the former Madras State. Chelannur was included in the Chevayoor Farka under the old District Board. Chelannur Panchayat was formed on 16/12/1963. Muthooran Master of Atholi was the first President. At that time, land ownership here was limited to just a handful of people. As a result of the land reforms, agricultural land is now available to farmers and agricultural laborers.

Educational History
Formal education activities began in Chelannur Panchayat long before independence. There were traditional 'Ezhuthupallis' (writing schools) in Kannankara, Ichannur, Muthuvad, and Iruvalloore. Madathil School, which operated near Ambalathukulangara under the Malabar District Board, was the first formal educational center in the Panchayat.

The rural population first attained literacy through the Ezhuthupallikoodams led by local 'Ezhuthachans' (scribes/teachers). Muthuvat Ramankutty Vaidyar and Edoth Govindankutty Master were some of the revered teachers. The Labour School at Muthuvatt (Palath) was established long ago for the children of Harijans to gain education; this is known today as the Welfare School. Harijan upliftment workers like Thaneera Master and P. Krishnan Master were teachers here.

The earliest school started under the Malabar District Board was Madathil School (Chaliyadath), which is now the Chelannur Govt. L.P. School. Kakkoor High School, which opened in 1957, is now known as the A.K.K.R. High School. Sree Narayana Guru College was established in 1968. Before 1957, students from the Panchayat had to travel to Elathur, Nanmanda, and Payimbra for high school education. In 1957, the first high school was established in the Panchayat, then named Kakkoor High School Chelannur, which later became A.K.K.R. High School.

Cultural History
This Panchayat has an ancient cultural heritage. Ancient art forms thrived here, associated with temples. Paattum Kalamezhuthum (ritualistic song and drawing) were conducted at Sree Pozhikkavu Paradevatha Temple, Sree Vellur Paradevatha Temple, and Oottukulam Bhagavathi Temple. Nagappattu Ulsavam (serpent song festival) was held at Muthuvad Nagakaali Temple, Paarappurath Temple, and Alankott Temple.

The families of Anjodi, Vengad, and Mannarakkan were practitioners of the Theyyam art form. The families of Keloth Kolathoorath Vellayar had a great tradition in Kalaripayattu (martial arts). An ancient Muslim mosque still stands in the southern part of the Panchayat today.The first library established in the Panchayat, as a result of social reform efforts that were part of the national freedom struggle, was the Grameena Vayanashala in Olopara.
Many talents in the art field have emerged from the Panchayat, including:
Chelannur Sukumaran (Singer and Musician)
Govindankutty Master (Painter and Teacher)
Rathnamma Madhavan (Recipient of the State Government's Best Drama Actress Award in 1979-80)
Kalamandalam Satyavrathan (Famous in Kathakali dance)
The headquarters of Mas-Kozhikode, one of the professional drama troupes in Kozhikode district, is in Perumpoyil, Chelannur. Sree Kalalayam in Ambalathukulangara provides training in music and classical dance.