“Anugrahathinte

Akshara Varshangal”
A Review

Dr. Suju C. Joseph,

(Asst. Professor in Chemistry,
Mar Ivanios College, Trivandrum)

A review of the Biography “Anugrahathinte Akshara Varshangal” about the life and
writings of Very Rev. Dr. Thomas Kuzhinapurath, Judicial Vicar, Major Archdiocese of
Trivandrum.
I happened to read this exciting and inspirational book edited by Rev. Fr. Jubi
Kuzhinapurath and published by the Commission of Theology and Publication, Major
Archbishop’s House, Pattom, during the Onam holidays and found that it had clearly
brought insights into the elegant writings along with an interesting narration of the life,
ministries and travel of Rev. Dr. Thomas Kuzhinapurath.
This biography was published, commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the sacred
Priestly Ordination of Rev. Dr. Thomas Kuzhinapurath celebrated on 29 January 2020,
with a foreword by Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop
of Trivandrum & Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church.
Firstly, a word of praise for
the publisher – A book is not
just the collection of ideas that
it represents and the clarity
with which these ideas are
put forth; it includes the effort
the publisher has taken to
make such ideas and thoughts
presentable. The publisher
gets almost full marks for
their efforts to make this
book presentable. The pages
are well laid out, and the font
size is just right. The reading
pleasure of this book, for me,
was just right. The artwork
on the cover is obtrusive, and
the front cover provides a nice
portrait art of Rev. Dr. Thomas
Kuzhinapurath, highlighting
the genius and charisma of the
subject.
Rev. Fr. Jubi Kuzhinapurath
gives a terse, yet multifaceted
introduction to Dr. Thomas
Kuzhinapurath’s life and work,
in which he says “Dr. Thomas Kuzhinapurath illuminated every subject he took up” –
that about sums up in as few words as possible, his impact on everything that he had
written. The biography treated Dr. Thomas Kuzhinapurath’s life with the respect that it
commanded, while not sparing the barbs, which were felt deserved.
The book traverses his life in chronological order, from his childhood, through his
education and youth, and to the magnum opus of his life – as a great missionary and as
the author of many versatile writings including the internationally appreciated Salvific
Law, the Kerala University text book “Bhasha Thilakam” as one of the contributing
authors, Daivajanam; Kanonika Padhanangal, the much appreciated “Mathapithakkalum
Makkalum Ariyaan” and so on. The early chapters paint a picture of a man obsessed with
imparting modern education to a society that is clearly stagnating – while according
due importance to the culture that played in his own development. The first part of the
book gives a wonderful description of Cheekkanal and Omallur, the birthplace of Rev. Dr.
Thomas Kuzhinapurath.
Omallur situated 3 km west of Pathanamthitta is a historic place well known for
the agricultural culture and trade that prevailed there from 7th Century AD onwards.
The history of Omallur is also well depicted. Dr. Thomas Kuzhinapurath belongs to the
Kuzhinapurath family that became famous after the late Rev. Fr. John Kuzhinapurath OIC
who was one among the 5 people who led the reunion movement to the Catholic Church
on 20 September, 1930 along with the Servant of God, Archbishop Mar Ivanios. Rev. Fr.
John Kuzhinapurath OIC was his paternal grand uncle and was immensely inspired by
him. I am happy to mention that my paternal grandmother is his father’s elder sister.
Kuzhinapurath family are the descendents of the famous Pakalomattom family, who were
the first to become Christians in Kerala and to be baptized by the Apostle, St. Thomas. His
Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos also belongs to this family.
Dr. Thomas Kuzhinapurath had his early education at the Arya Bharathi School,
Omalloor, the school which was bought from Shri. Pachu Nair by a direct intervention
of my maternal grandfather Rev. Fr. Thomas Ambasseril during the period of His Grace
Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios. The first part of this book also describes his seminary
days at St. Aloysius Seminary and then at the Major Seminary, Trivandrum, Regency at
Archbishop’s house, Pattom and then for the Theology at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary,
Mangalapuzha, Aluva. He was ordained Priest on 26 December 1994 by His Grace Bishop
Lawrence Mar Ephrem. The biography also describes his splendid and blessed ministries
at St. John’s Leprosy Centre, Pirappancode, Attingal, Chozhiyakode, Madathara, Jawahar
Colony, Barton Hill, Pamamcode and so on. He was also appointed as the Chancellor of
the Archdiocese of Trivandrum by His Beatitude Moran Mor Cyril Baselios Catholicos.
The first part of this book also describes his days at the Pontifical Oriental Institute,
Rome from where he secured the Doctoral Degree in Canon Law. He has combined his
research papers into a book entitled “Salvific Law” which is now a reference book in
all Theological institutes. Rev. Dr. Thomas Kuzhinapurath is serving now as the Judicial
Vicar of the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum and has also completed his term of 3 years
as the Resident Manager of Rashtra Deepika.
Rev. Dr. Thomas Kuzhinapurath’s journeys to the Holy Land, France, USA, South
Africa and Rome are beautifully and interestingly pictured in the second part of this
book. This part I felt like reading an interesting travelogue.
In the third part ”Ormakaludae Chitrashala” we can see several photographs of Fr.
Thomas at various stages of his life; parents, eminent teachers who had influenced him;
as well as his life journey as a missionary, evangelist, social worker and so on. Many
beautiful photographs taken during his travel are also shown in this part of the biography.
In the fourth part of the biography, the writings of Rev. Dr. Thomas Kuzhinapurath are
evaluated thoroughly appreciating their versatility and elegance by many distinguished
writers and personalities like late Dr. D. Babu Paul IAS, Former Deputy Chief Secretary
of Kerala, Shri. M.V Thomas, Ms. Sukanya Pamamcode etc.
This review has omitted, quite consciously, many illuminating parts of the book.
However, the purpose of this review was not to completely summarize for readers, the
life and times of Rev. Dr. Thomas Kuzhinapurath, but to kindle an interest in them to
explore it further. Some things that I have omitted include his proficiency in Canon Law
and his sustained efforts to strengthen families.
Summarily, this is a book that would enrich the reader in ways probably previously
unimagined. It is sure to expand one's horizon in thoughts and actions especially in our
faith to God, the Almighty and the service to our Society. Rev. Dr. Thomas Kuzhinapurath
experiences in various walks of his life are well depicted in this biography with special
emphasis on his elegant style of writings.
Fr. Thomas, who is only 51 years, is a great missionary with abundant God’s blessings
and is definitely a source of great inspiration to all of us through his sermons and writings.
He has set his brand image in all his assignments and ministries. I wish him continued
success in all his future endeavours.

Biography review by
Dr. Suju C. Joseph