Tag Archives: Mar Thoma Syrian Church

22nd October 2023: Family Sunday Service (Free Malayalam pdf EBook) CNI-CSI-MarThomaSyrianChurch

The Principles of Christian Family Life (Malayalam)
The Principles of Christian Family Life (Malayalam)

On 22nd October 2023 (21st Sunday after Pentecost), Family Sunday is celebrated by the CSI church, CNI church and the Mar Thoma Syrian Church. This year’s motto is “Family an expression of the Kingdom of God”.

Download this free pdf Ebook published in Malayalam in 1951 that is still relevant to today’s Christian life. This book can be used as a resource for your Family Sunday service. The link can be shared and used by church members, parishes and church organizations. It can be accessed on any smartphone, tablet or computer for free.

The Principles of Christian Family Life (Malayalam) (Published in 1951)

download-ebook-icon
facebook-like

Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association Day – 1st October

The Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association, established in 1924, is a recognized organization within the Mar Thoma Church. The reformation within the church ignited a strong desire among people for group prayer and Bible study. Rev. C.P. Abraham Kassissa initiated the inaugural prayer meeting at Chayal Mar Thoma Church, Ayroor, which later evolved into monthly gatherings.

The first anniversary meeting, presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Thoma, took place at Sehion Mar Thoma Church in Ayroor. Subsequently, on August 23, 1924, as decided during the first anniversary meeting, a special assembly was convened at Chayal Palli. During this gathering, an association was formally established under the name “Malankara Mar Thoma Somedha Suvishesha Sanghom” which was later changed to its current form in English as the “Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association”.

. The following individuals were elected as office bearers:

  1. President: Very Rev. C.P. Philipose Kasseessa
  2. General Secretary: Sadhu Kochukunju Upadeshi, Muthampakkal, Edayarnmula
  3. Travelling Secretary: Kolakottu C.J. John Upadeshi

This association began as a fellowship of dedicated believers who volunteered their efforts in God’s vineyard without seeking financial gain or personal motives.

The association’s activities are guided by a Seven Point Program:

  1. Intercession
  2. Bible Study
  3. Sharing of Experiences
  4. House Visits
  5. Ministry to the Sick and Needy
  6. Conducting Prayer Meetings
  7. Spreading the Gospel among People of Other Faiths and Ideologies

Notable activities include:

  1. Edavaka Mission
  2. Gospel Team
  3. Abraham Mar Thoma Memorial Bible Institute
  4. Abraham Mar Thoma Memorial Convention
  5. Abraham Mar Thoma Memorial Lectures
  6. Monthly Intercession Prayers, including All-Night Prayer
  7. Suvishesha Nilayam and Mission Fields

The camp center for these activities is the JMT Camp, which also serves as a research and meditation center located in Kombadi, Tiruvalla.

The Association manages three mission fields at Achencovil near Punalur, Mukkada near Ranny and Kalkulam near Chungathara. Its official magazine is the Tri-Monthly ‘Sandesam’ containing sermon notes, Bible studies, articles and the news about the association.

The Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association serves as the organization in the Church emphasizing the ministry of the laity in the Church. The Platinum Jubilee of the Association was celebrated in 1999.

Rev. C.P. Abraham Cherukara, Ayroor
Rev. C.P. Abraham Cherukara, Ayroor

C. P. Abraham Kasseessa, hailing from Cherukara Chuzhukunnil, Ayroor (1876-1940), was the son of the Vicar General, Very Rev. Philipose Malapan (1836-1894), of Cherukara in Ayroor. Abraham’s ecclesiastical journey began after completing his Matriculation when he became a Deacon in 1897 and subsequently a Priest in 1898. His visionary zeal led to the establishment of numerous Mar Thoma Parishes in and around Ayroor, and it was his unwavering commitment that ultimately gave rise to the Evangelists’ Association.

During the Revival Movement (Naveekaranam), prayer groups emerged in various Mar Thoma Parishes. These groups dedicated themselves to Bible Study, Intercessory Prayer, and spreading the Gospel message. Under the guidance of Rev. C.P. Abraham Kasseessa, prayer groups from Kuriannoor, Ayroor, Maramon, and Kozhencherry convened at Chayal Mar Thoma Church, Ayroor. The inaugural meeting occurred on August 23, 1923, followed by monthly gatherings led by Abraham Kasseessa.

The first anniversary meeting, presided over by Abraham Mar Thoma Thirumeni, took place at Sehion Mar Thoma Church in Ayroor. Subsequently, on August 23, 1924, as decided during the first anniversary meeting, a special assembly was convened at Chayal Palli. During this gathering, an association was formally established under the name “Malankara Mar Thoma Somedha Suvishesha Sanghom” which was later changed to its current form. The following individuals were elected as office bearers:

  1. President: Very Rev. C.P. Philipose Kasseessa
  2. General Secretary: Sadhu Kochukunju Upadeshi, Muthampakkal, Edayarnmula
  3. Travelling Secretary: Kolakottu C.J. John Upadeshi

Ayroor Achen, Rev. C. P. Philipose

Ayroor Achen, Rev. C. P. Philipose
Ayroor Achen, Rev. C. P. Philipose

Ayroor Achen, Rev. C. P. Philipose (born. May 25, 1868, died. February 2, 1948), son of Ayroor Cherukara Naranathu Paruvelithundiyil Very Rev. Philipose Malpan and Mariamma Philipose (Chengannur Kanjipuzhethu).

After completing his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), he was ordained as a deacon in 1892 and later as a priest in 1895. Rev. C. P. Philipose served as the vicar for various parishes in the vicinity of Kozhencherry and Ayroor. Many of the Mar Thoma parishes to the east of Kozhencherry owe their establishment to his dedicated efforts.

In 1890, Rev. C. P. Philipose assumed the role of General Secretary of the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association, a position he held for over half a century until his resignation due to declining health. He provided steadfast leadership for the Maramon Convention for nearly five decades and was a significant contributor as one of the main translators. His sons, Mr. C. P. Philip and Prof. C.P. Mathew, continued his legacy. Rev. C. P. Philipose passed away on February 2, 1948, and he was laid to rest in the cemetery of Kozhencherry Mar Thoma Church, in the front row.

Kolakottu Kochukunju Upadeshi, C. J. John Upadeshi

Kolakottu Kochukunju Upadeshi (C.J.John Upadeshi)
Kolakottu Kochukunju Upadeshi (C.J.John Upadeshi)

Kolakottu Kochukunju Upadeshi, also known as C. J. John Upadeshi (1879 – July 19, 1975), held the distinction of being the first Travelling Secretary of the Mar Thoma Evangelists’ Association. Born into the renowned Kolakottu Family of Ayroor, he received his early education in Ayroor itself. From a very young age, he nurtured a profound aspiration to engage in Gospel work. Despite being born with a physical impairment that caused a noticeable limp, he persevered in his calling, and God empowered him to provide significant contributions to the Voluntary Evangelists’ Association during its formative years.

At the inaugural meeting of the Voluntary Evangelists’ Association, held at Chayal Mar Thoma Church in Ayroor on August 23, 1924, he assumed the role of Travelling Secretary. His dedicated service spanned nearly four decades, during which he toured numerous Mar Thoma Parishes and established Association branches. He played an instrumental role in founding Edavaka Missions and facilitated the setup of administrative centers for the Association. His approach emphasized strengthening local branches rather than hosting grand conventions.For a period, he resided at the AMM Bible Institute in Kompadi, Tiruvalla, where he conducted Bible classes for students. He remained faithful to his mission until his heavenly calling.As the scriptures proclaim, “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”

Sadhu Kochukunju Upadesi

Sadhu Kochukunju Upadesi
Sadhu Kochukunju Upadesi

Sadhu Kochukunju Upadesi (born Dec 1883, died 30th Nov, 1945) also known as Mr. Moothampakkal Itty Varghese from Moothampakkal, Edayaranmula near Chengannur, held a remarkable place in the history of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church. He served as the inaugural General Secretary of the ‘Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association, established in 1924, and remained in this role until 1945. Over the span of nearly four decades, he fervently preached the teachings of the Bible in clear and accessible language throughout South India.

Sadhu Kochukunju Upadesi embodied the life of a true Sadhu, committing himself to a spiritual existence. He composed an impressive repertoire of more than 200 hymns, many of which continue to feature prominently in worship books across various denominations to this day. His powerful messages led thousands of individuals to turn to God in faith.

Read more about his life in our free pdf Ebook: https://nalloorlibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/sadhu-kuchujunu-upadeshi.pdf

His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan

Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan

Dr. Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan held the position of President in both the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association and the National Missionary Society. In 1917, he was consecrated as a Bishop and served tirelessly as the Suffragan Metropolitan, dedicating himself to the spiritual fortification of the Church and its missionary endeavors. In 1944, upon the passing of Titus II Metropolitan, he ascended to the role of Metropolitan.

The Abraham Mar Thoma Bible Institute, established to train voluntary evangelists within the Church, bears his name in recognition of his contributions. His visionary outlook led to the creation of the Mar Thoma Suvishesha Sevika Sanghom in 1919 (Sevika Sanghom was inaugurated on Friday, February 14, 1919, during the Maramon Convention), as well as the Voluntary Evangelists Association in 1924.

He also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Vanitha Mandiram in Tiruvalla, an educational institute for the Sevika Sanghom. Although his tenure as Metropolitan spanned only four years, his extensive ministry as a Bishop significantly fortified the Church in all its missionary endeavors. He departed to his eternal home in 1947.

Read more about his life in our free pdf Ebook: https://nalloorlibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ebook-dr-abraham-mar-thoma.pdf

Free E-Book [PDF] The Mar Thoma Church Heritage and Mission by Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan

As part of Nalloor Library’s commitment to preserve the history of the church – we present to you an important history book as a free pdfThe Mar Thoma Church Heritage and Mission by Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan (3rd Edition). This important book documenting the history of the Mar Thoma Syrian Mar Thoma Church was first published on 1st July 1985. The 2nd Edition was printed 29 December 1986 and and an updated final 3rd Edition in 1993.

About Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan

Born in 1913, he was the son of Rev. M C George, Kuriannor, a devout Minister of the Church, who passed away in 1923. After his graduation and teacher’s training, he taught in the CMS High School, Kottayam for 12 years. He resigned from his teaching job and studied Theology at the United Theological College in Bangalore. He then secured S T M Degree from the Union Theological Seminary, New York and Ph.D on Bhagavad Gita from Kennedy School of Mission of the Hartford Seminary Foundation. The title of his thesis was, “Viśvarūpa Darśana: a study of the vision of God in the Bhagavadgītā”.

He had the opportunity to travel extensively in European countries and after returning from the States, he was in charge of the Manganam Parish for a year. He worked as the first Principal of Mar Thoma College, Tiruvalla. In 1953, he was consecrated as Bishop as Alexander Mar Theophilus, together with Thomas Mar Athanasius and Philipose Mar Chrysostom.

A participant of the Assemblies of World Council of Churches representing the Mar Thoma Church at Evanston in 1954, Nairobi in 1975, and Vancouver in 1983, he worked as Missionary Bishop for many years, which involved extensive travel in India and abroad. He was President of the Bible Society of India for nearly 10 years and was also one of the Vice-Presidents of the United Bible Societies. He has also attended the Central Committee of the W.C.C on different occasions. He attended the Lambeth Conference in 1980 and the Anglican Consultative Council held at Nigeria in 1984.

In 1973, he was designated Suffragan Metropolitan and as Metropolitan in the year 1976 after the demise of Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan. Together with the responsibility as Metropolitan he was in charge of the Niranam-Maramon Diocese with 82 Parishes.

He used to spend several weeks in a year with the youth giving leadership discourses & training in camps and conferences and encouraging them into personal commitment towards Jesus Christ. He took special interest in the developmental activities and the social concerns of the church, its educational institutions, its missionary and evangelistic outreach, its witness and ecumenical concerns.

In 1999, Alexander Marthoma was designated Alexander Marthoma Valia Metropolitan, as the first Marthoma Metropolitan to be made Valia Metropolitan. He passed away in 2000.

Explaining the Maramon Convention 2023 to Children (Free pdf) Useful for Sunday School students and teachers!

Children at the 120th Maramon Convention Pandal. Photo Courtesy: marthoma.in

A free pdf resource sheet for Parents / Sunday School Teachers to explain to their children facts and events chosen from the history of the Maramon Convention.

Saluting our Freedom Fighters on India’s Independence Day

There have been several great souls in the Syrian Christian Community who rose to partake in the freedom struggle for India’s Independence. As India enters the 75th year of Independence, Nalloor Library would like our readers to remember a few freedom fighters who represented the Syrian Christian community and share their stories in their Sunday Schools and meetings across the world. This list is no means a complete list and only four have been chosen as representatives. We salute each and every freedom fighter across this great nation who participated in the freedom struggle and those who gave their lives for India’s freedom. Jai Hind!


Shri Thevarthundiyil Titus also known as ‘Titusji’ – Dandi March

The historic Dandi Salt march by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 triggered the wider Civil Disobedience Movement leading to India’s freedom from the British. Among the marchers that would change India’s destiny was just one Christian and a Mar Thomite, Shri Thevarthundiyil Titus also known as ‘Titusji’. A devout Gandhian – he was known by the name Titus in his earlier days. “Titusji” was the name given to him by Mahatma Gandhi as a token of love and honour.

Read more: Remembering the Mahatma of the Mar Thoma Church (Freedom Fighter) Rare Photos and Video


Mr. O. C. Chacko of the Indian National Army (INA)

Mr. O. C. Chacko was part of the Indian National Army (INA) of Subash Chandhra Bose and member of the Kuriannoor Mar Thoma Church, Pathanamthitta, Kerala. We post a link to a write up that was published on his 100th (centenary) birth anniversary.

Read More at: 100th Birth Anniversary of a Marthomite Freedom Fighter – Mr. O. C. Chacko


Rev. C.V.George B.A., B.L

General Secretary of the Mar Thoma Sunday School Samajam. He was the only Mar Thoma Priest who is recognized and awarded as a freedom fighter by the Government. Before his ordination, he was in jail for almost a year for his participation in the Freedom movement of India.

Read more at: Pages from History: Birth of Freedom Fighter (Advocate) Rev. C.V.George B.A., B.L


George Joseph

George Joseph, a barrister, fiery nationalist, avant-garde journalist, pioneer trade unionist, and ardent champion of important public causes, has etched an indelible place in the history of India’s war for Independence. He hailed from Kerala and was not just a pioneer in several fields, he was also a staunch supporter of Annie Besant’s Home Rule movement and Gandhiji’s Non-Cooperation movement during India’s freedom struggle.

He was born in Chenganoor (Kerala) in 1887, which at that time was part of the Travancore Kingdom. He completed his Law at the University of Edinburgh and it was during his stay in London that he became acquainted with notable freedom fighters like Madam Cama, S K Verma, S R Rana, and Veer Savarkar. He returned to India after finishing his education and though he established his legal practice initially in Chennai, he eventually shifted it to Madurai. George Joseph went on to become a famous criminal lawyer in Madurai. From the time he started practising there, he championed the cause of Madurai’s tribes, such as the Piramalai Kallars and Maravars. In 1920, following the Perungamanallur firing (also referred to as the Jallianwalla Bagh of the South), the British implemented the Criminal Tribes Act, labelling these groups as criminals. He vehemently opposed the Act by voicing his opinions in newspapers and he also represented these communities in court proceedings. The residents of these settlements gave him the name ‘Rosapoo Durai’ (a Rose amongst Leaders), as a symbol of their gratitude. ~indianculture.gov.in


Remembering Ms. Bagshaw – Hoskote, an example of Christian spirit and service

(Photo details. MS. Bagshaw and Ms.Carnoe of ‘House of Praise’ with family of Mr. M.T.Joseph) Copyright – Nalloor Library

Pages from History: – Beginning of Hoskote Mission in 1947 and A Big Salute to Ms. Bagshaw.

The first missionaries (The founders – Rev. A.C.Zachariah and family and Mr. M.T.Joseph and family) of the present Hoskote Misson Medical Centre reached Hoskote on 27 June 1947. The Cubbon Park Prayer fellowship of the Bangalore Mar Thoma Paresh provided them the necessary help. The missionaries were whole heartedly welcomed by the Brethren Mission Church which had an orphanage “House of Praise “ in Hoskote town. The head of the Orphanage, Miss. Bagshaw and her staff in true Christian spirit accommodated the new mission workers with them in the House of Praise for about six months till they found their own rented houses in the town.

The early years of Ashram living was really tough. There was no regular income but survival was the main concern, to convert the hard ground to grow crops, it took, years of toil, sweat and hard work. The only answer was hard physical labour to make their living. Both families joined hand in hand, they were of one heart and mind, they felt that what they owned was not their own; they shared everything they had.

The first kind offer from the local community was to fetch drinking water from the Panchayat President’s residence. (Shri. Chenna byre Gowder). Thanks to this friendly family in God’s providence for their kindness.

The second offer was to buy the 9 acres of land for the Christa Sakshya Sangha work. Thus the land, where the present Headquarters of the Mission is situated, was bought in 1951-52 for a price less than Rs. 5000.

In the year 1953 Alexander Mar Theophilus Thirumeni (later the Head of the Mar Thoma Church – Rt. Rev. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan) collected the funds for the construction of two mission quarters, a chapel building and a camp shed The two families shifted their residences from rented houses in the town to their own houses in the Mission Compound.

Hoskote Mission History – Abraham and Sara

Pages from History:

First Fruits of the Hoskote Mission – Abraham and Sara

Even though the missionaries earned the love and respect of many people in the town and surrounding villages through their life and testimony, people were very hesitant to join the new faith. The first one who joined the fellowship of the Church through baptism was a young man from Hoskote who received the Christian name Mathai. Narasimha and his wife, Rethnamma, were residents of the Gonakhanahally village. Rethnamma came into contact with the ladies’ team at Jedigenahally and became a Christian and accepted the Christian name Saramma. Later Narasimha was also baptized and received the name Abraham. Both of them were active members of the mission. Their tombs in Ghonakhanahlly village stand as a witness to their faith, 

Parish History: Kuriannoor Mar Thoma Church

THE MAR THOMA CHURCH, KURIANNOOR

A BRIEF HISTORY

Old undated photo of the old Kuriannoor Mar Thoma Church and the present church building. (Images from Nalloor Library Archives)

St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, came to India in A.D.52 and established 7 churches in the Malabar Coast of Kerala, in South India. Niranam St. Mary’s Church was one among them. Believers in and around Niranam, Changanassery, Edathua, Chambakulam, Chengannur, Maramon, Kalloopara, Chennithala, Paliyekkara and Puthiyakavu used to worship in that Church. Members of the Niranam Parish, who were staying in Maramon area, found it extremely difficult to attend church services in Niranam regularly. In those days, country boats (Kettuvallams) were the only mode of transportation (there were no road transport facilities). This led the believers in the Maramon area to establish the Maramon Church on 28 August A.D.1440. Our forefathers worshiped in the Maramon Church until a Mar Thoma Church in Kuriannoor was established in 1879.

The year 1837 bore witness to a spiritual reformation in the Mar Thoma Church, mainly under the leadership of Palakkunnathu Abraham Malpan Achen (1796-1845). The reforms included translation of liturgy into Malayalam, emphasis on the study of the Holy Bible, family worship, and evangelization of the Gospel. Abolition of prayers for the dead and some unscriptural practices, such as statues, invocation of saints and some unhealthy veneration of sacraments were banned. 

As there were no proper roads, the journey from Kuriannoor to Maramon was difficult and tedious, especially for funerals during the monsoon season. The Neelethu Pallikkoodam, a shed on bamboo poles, thatched with coconut leaves that was being used as a prayer hall cum school, was altered as the Mar Thoma Church, Kuriannoor in the year 1879 by Thomas Mar Athanasius Metropolitan (1837-1893 The Mar Thoma XIV).  Rahoor Scariah Kathanar was the first Vicar of the Kuriannoor Church.  Two of the Mar Thoma Metropolitans, viz. Titus I Mar Thoma (Dethose Kathanar (1843-1909) and Titus II Mar Thoma (P.J. Dethose Kathanar (1866-1944) were vicars of our parish when they were achens.  Due to an increase in the membership/population, St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church was formed in 1897 and Salem Mar Thoma Church in 1902.

Rev. M.C. George, (1874-1923) Maliyekkal was the first full time priest for Kuriannoor from 1903 as former vicars were in charge of Maramon Church as well. The English School, Kuriannoor was started in 1921 thanks to the leadership of Rev. M.C. George.  Rev. T.M. Mathai (1883-1970) Punnathundiyil was our vicar from 1924. During the reign of Titus II Mar Thoma, a beautiful church building was constructed under the leadership of Vicars Rev. K.I. Varkey (1877-1948), Kizhakkethalakkal, Edathua, Rev. K.M. Mathai (1899-1959), Kuttamathayyethu, Puthenkavu, and Rev. Abraham Mathew (1902-1960), Elamittethu, Moovattupuzha Valakom.  Our forefathers spent about eight years and a sum of Rs. 3150/- to complete their ardent desire of a place of worship. It was dedicated on 12th April 1940. 

All the three Mar Thoma Churches in Kuriannoor were under the Vicarship of a single Achen till 1963. Rev. M. V. Abraham, Ashtamudy was the first Vicar who was solely in-charge of our parish. He managed to purchase 28 cents of land for a parsonage for Rs. 7500/-. Our first parsonage was completed in 1969 under the leadership of Rev. C. M. Thomas (1907-2001), Cherukara, Ayroor and Rev. K. A. Joshua, Mallassery. 

The Centenary of the Church was celebrated during the year 1979 under the leadership of Rev. P. M. Samuel, Nelladu. Twenty cents of land adjacent to the church compound was purchased in December 1977, and the Centenary Hall was built there, which was consecrated on 6th May 1979.

Construction of the present, spacious and beautiful church building, with a parish hall underneath, was commenced during the year 2001, the plan of which was approved during the tenure of Rev. James M. Koshy Veeramala as Vicar.  Rev. Achenkunju Mathew, and Rev. M.V. George (1952-2012) subsequent Vicars of the parish, worked tirelessly to complete the Church building, which was consecrated on 3rd September 2005 by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Metropolitan in the presence of Dr. Joseph Mar Irenaeus Suffragan Metropolitan. 

Rev. M. V. George laid down the idea for the present parsonage in the year 2008, which was completed during the tenure of Rev. M. Mathew as Vicar. The new parsonage was consecrated by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan on 23rd March 2010. 

Rev. M.C. George (1874-1923), Maliyekkal, Rev. T.M. Mathai (1883-1970), Punnathundiyil, Rev. C.M. Thomas (1893-1956), Kochuparampil, and Rev. C.M. Abraham (1923-2008), Cheriyavadakkedathu, who were strong pillars of the Mar Thoma Church in the past belonged to our parish.  Ambattu Varkey Upadeshi, Poozhikkalayil Ipe Mathen (1796-1890) Poozhikkalayil Thomma Upadeshi (1830-1912), Cherukattu Geevarghese Upadeshi, Thanathodathil Mathen Upadeshi, Kolabhagathu Geevarghese Ashan (1855-1938), Eruthikkal E.V. Philip Sar, Nalloor Joseph Sar (1910-1992) etc. were strong lay leaders of our parish in the past. 

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

~ Jeremiah 17:7-8 | NIV

____________-

Padma Shri awarded to Dr. Sosamma Iype (renowned scientist and conservationist)

On the eve of the 73rd Republic Day on 25th January 2022, the Government of India announced the recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards. Among the notable names was Dr. Sosamma Iype (renowned scientist & conservationist) who was awarded with the Padma Shri for her work in saving the rare breed of Vechur Cow. She is a member of Thrissur Ebenezer Mar Thoma Church and hails from Niranam.

Nalloor Library congratulates Dr. Sosamma Iype on being conferred this national honour.

Image from https://krishijagran.com

Dr Sosamma Iype, 82, who is known as “Vechur’s Amma”, saved the rare breed of Vechur Cow from the brink of extinction and put up tremendous efforts to increase its population. A retired Veterinary Professor and researcher at the Mannuthy Veterinary College in Thrissur, she set up Vechur Conservation Trust to look after the unique cattle breed of Kerala. Now, there are 5,000 to 6,000 Vechur cattle in Kerala.

Sosamma, who took PhD from the National Dairy Research Institute, was the head of the Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding. Her story of how she overcame the opposition to the popularisation of breeding of Vechur cattle appeared in “Njayarazhcha” on its January 16th edition. Sosamma hails from Niranam in Kuttanad. She resides in Mannuthy. Late Abraham Varkey was her husband.

~ www.onmanorama.com

Dr. Soamma Iype initiated the process of rehabilitation and conservation of the nearly extinct Vechur cow in 1988, along with other indigenous breeds of Kerala, such as Kasargod and Cheruvally cattle and Attappady goats.

Read more articles:

https://www.manoramaonline.com/news/sunday/2022/01/16/sunday-special-story-about-drsosamma-iype.html

https://www.mathrubhumi.com/agriculture/features/dr-sosamma-iype-who-preserves-vechoor-cows-padma-shri-1.6391126

Vechurpasu Punarjanmam (Conservation Biology) by Sosamma Iype | വെച്ചൂർപശു പുനർജന്മം
‘Rebirth of Vechur Cows’. In the book, Dr. Sosamma Iype shares her 30 years of experience in conserving Kerala’s indigenous cattle breed Vechur cows and the hurdles she faced in her journey.

Sculptor P. E. Thomas – a life of dedication and art!

Read the amazing story about sculptor P. E. Thomas (1934-2017), the first student from Kerala at Visva-Bharati University founded by Rabindranath Tagore. Thomas was born in Mallappally, a town in south Kerala, to Poykamannil P M Eppan and Annamma. He completed his basic education at Kottayam CMS School and College. His art work adorn many notable places.

One of them being”Nalla Idayan,” a concrete structure weighing two tonnes erected at the Marthoma House in Kozhikode, was completed by Thomas at the behest of Theodosius Marthoma Metropolitan, who was the then Kozhikode Bishop and alumni of Visva-Bharati University.

“Rhythm” and “Dance of Death”, fashioned out of plaster of Paris in 1966, were kept on (the Lawrence School, Lovedale), Ooty school premises; “The “Family” (1975) told the story of a bold family head who told his family members to emancipate themselves. The statue of Christ at Gethsemane at Kandal Cross Shrine, Ootty, the “Elephant” designed for the Postal Department at Thaipakkad tourist centre, the statues of ‘sage Patanjali and the Snake’ in front of the Madras Regiment Hospital at Wellington and the Little Horse at the needle factory at Ketti in Tamil Nadu are some of his major works.

Click to read more at OnManorama.com – https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/art-and-culture/2021/12/20/p-e-thomas-master-malayali-sculptor-visva-bharati-santiniketan.html