Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas.
Patron of Shreyas
MostRev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas, a distinguished educationalist, economist, and theologian, was born on April 20, 1952, in Vadaserikkara, Pathanamthitta. He pursued his priestly formation at the Pontifical Seminary, Always, obtaining degrees in Philosophy (B.Ph.) and Theology (B.Th.). He was ordained as a priest on December 23, 1978, by His Grace Dr. Benedict Mar Gregorio's.
Over the years, he served in multiple parishes, including Thatta, Adoor, Anandapally, and Kalayapuram. His commitment to pastoral care led to his appointment as the first resident Vicar of St. Thomas Malankara Catholic Church, Kadappakada, and Assistant Vicar to several neighboring parishes. While fulfilling his priestly duties, he pursued a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Fathima Matha National College, Kollam, excelling in his studies.
His passion for education led him to key academic and administrative roles. In 1982, he was appointed Local Manager of Sarvodaya School and St. John's High School and later served as the Rector of Trivandrum Minor Seminary. He obtained a Master's degree in Education and a diploma in Guidance and Counselling. As a faculty member at Mar Ivanios College, he specialized in "Economics of Education" and earned a doctorate in 1997. He later became Principal of Mar Theophilus Training College, serving for a decade.
beyond academics, he contributed significantly to curriculum development, serving on the Kerala University Senate, Board of Studies, and School Curriculum Committee of Kerala. He was also a member of NCTE's South Zone Expert Committee and Vice President of the Council for Teacher Education (CTE) Kerala Chapter. His scholarly work Includes research publications in Economics and Education.
On January 5, 2005, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum and Apostolic Visitator to North America and Europe. He was consecrated as Most Rev. Joseph Mar Thomas on February 19, 2005. On April 13, 2010, he was appointed the Eparchial Bishop of Bathery, continuing his mission of education, social service, and pastoral
care.
eyond academics, he contributed significantly to curriculum development, serving on the Kerala University Senate, Board of Studies, and School Curriculum Committee of Kerala. He was also a member of NCTE's South Zone Expert Committee and Vice President of the Council for Teacher Education (CTE) Kerala Chapter. His scholarly work Includes research publications in Economics and Education.
On January 5, 2005, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum and Apostolic Visitator to North America and Europe. He was consecrated as Most Rev. Joseph Mar Thomas on February 19, 2005. On April 13, 2010, he was appointed the Eparchial Bishop of Bathery, continuing his mission of education, social service, and pastoral
care.
A visionary leader and patron of Shreyas, Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas remains dedicated to fostering education, empowerment, and social transformation through his lifelong commitment to service and knowledge.
Fr. David Alinkal
Director's Messege
Shreyas, has been working for a social transformation since decades by supporting the marginalized and deprived sections of the community and empowering them to lead a life with security, dignity and prosperity. I am happy to state that Shreyas was successful in making a considerable change in the society in 2023-2024.
I would like to highlight tew achievements that we received during the year. Agri -Drone was received as a grant from the Central agricultural department to improve the agricultural yield of crops. Shreyas was privileged to be part of the 'National CSO Meet 2024' organized by the Ministry of Women and Child- Government of India. This programme was an initiative to strengthen the partnership and collective efforts for welfare of women and child welfare across the country.
Shreyas has been successful in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable practices by execution of various environmental projects and has been successful in receiving the 'Nature Ecology Award 2023" from KSSF. We have also extended our to focus to rural entrepreneurship, community based organizations, persons with disabilities and family development programs.
I am obliged to our patron, His Excellency, Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas for his unswerving support and belief. I appreciate all our partner agencies, government departments, banking institutions and local self-government institutions who have been instrumental in our success. I would like to extend my gratitude to all our passionate and talented staffs across the 4 tier system, Management, Board Members for their commitment and collaboration .. Lastly, I want to thank our all our beneficiaries, stakeholders, partner groups, peers for the trust you have shown in our activities and leadership. Decades of community based programmes by Shreyas has built confidence among the fraternity. We look forward to building a better society in the coming years with your support in our journey.