Thomas Philip Paruvanany (Born in 20th February 1912 – Died
on 31st July 1988) was a catholic priest and academician. He is one of the founding
professors at St Thomas College, Palai, taught English as subject. Besides
being an outstanding teacher, he has been known for his contribution in
community development and being people’s man.
Education:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English Literature, Fordham University, USA
- Master of Arts (MA) in English Literature, University of Madras
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Literature, University of Kerala
Life & Career:
He began his pastoral career in 1935, after his priestly
Ordination and started as an Academician. He served as Vicar at St. Antony the
Abbot Church, Elanthottam and Later on served as Chaplain at Adoration Convent,
Nelliyani.
St. Thomas College, Palai is a government aided college of
higher education located in Pala town, Kerala, India. It was founded on 7
August 1950 by the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Palai, commenced by the
great visionary H.E. Late Mar Sebastian Vayalil, the First Bishop of Palai, and
nurtured by Former Patron H.E. Mar Joseph Pallikaparampil, Present Patron H.E. Mar
Joseph Kallarangatt, Manager H.E. Mar Jacob Muricken. Fr. Thomas Paruvanany was
among the founding faculty member and Lecturer.
In the year 1950, Rev. Fr. Thomas Paruvanany was appointed
the Vice Principal of St. Thomas College, Palai. During his tenure the college
expanded rapidly and reached its high watermark of growth with an array of
undergraduate and postgraduate courses with arts and science subjects as
majors, and an expansive campus conveniently and aesthetically studded with
impressive college buildings, grassy playgrounds, hostels and ancillary
facilities. The main block called
A-block stoutly built with an enormous roof span and massive columns was ready
to house the administration, classrooms, laboratories and libraries.