Part-2- An erudite student whose memory stunned Vattasseril
Thirumeni. An encouraging teacher with a love for football.
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| Puthencavil Kochu Thirumeni with Sunday School Students |
Young KT Geevarghese was a brilliant student with a
radiant demeanour who always stood first in his class. Whenever her son was
showered with praises in his scholarly abilities by his teachers and relatives,
Sosamma Kochamma never exhibited pride and she always brought to remembrance in
her mind that her son was almost taken away and returned to her as a gift by
the Lord. Fr Thomas would always pray for the Lord's will to be done in his
son's life. Indeed, they are model parents who were humble about their kids’
achievements and never pushed their own agenda on their young ones.
Little Geevarghese was also known for his singing skills.
He did high school education from Chengannur Govt HS School where his favourite
subject was English. A competitive boy, his hard work resulted in him getting
highest marks in that subject. His main competitor in school was the
headmaster- Ramavarma Thamburan's daughter named Lakshmi N Menon, who later
became a freedom fighter and held notable positions in Indian polity. There is
no doubt that if KT Geevarghese had pursued a secular vocation he would have
won numerous laurels.
After finishing High School, KT Geevarghese was
encouraged by Vattasseril Thirumeni to pursue theological studies. As such
Vattasseril Thirumeni asked Fr PT Geevarghese (who was a professor in Serampore
college then and who later defected to the Roman church) to take the young man
to Calcutta. Before going to Calcutta, young Geevarghese was ordained a deacon
by Gregorios Thirumeni (later HH Geevarghese II Catholicose). Deacon
Geevarghese graduated in theological studies with flying colours and earned the
B.D. (Bachelor of Divinity) degree. He came back to his hometown in Kerala and
was respectfully known as the 'BD Semmasan' (deacon).
Once
the Malankara Metropolitan- St Dionysius of Vattasseril was dictating a Kalpana
to Deacon Geevarghese to be sent to a major parish in the central Travancore
region at Old Seminary, Kottayam. Few months later, the Malankara metropolitan
needed to send another Kalpana to the same church and for that he needed to
reference the previously sent one. The previous Kalpana was nowhere to be found
in the files. Coincidentally, Deacon Geevarghese had come to the Old Seminary
then for some other work. Vattasseril Thirumeni called for the Geevarghese
Semmassen and asked if he remembered anything about the same Kalapana that he
had jotted down few months back. Semmassan responded in affirmative and was
able to provide all the details from his memory including the serial number!
Semmasan’s sharp memory amazed Vattaseril Thirumeni.
When
the parish members came to receive the new Kalpana they had also brought the
old Kalpana with them. Vatasseril Thirumeni was astounded to note that whatever
Geevarghese Semmasen stated from his memory matched exactly what was written in
the Kalpana including the serial number. There would have been no doubt in the
mind of Vattasseril Thirumeni that this young student of his was destined to be
an asset to the Church.
After teaching in MD School for sometime, he went to
Calcutta again- this time for pursuing postgraduate studies (MA in English
literature). He graduated with a second class and it was extremely rare to note
postgraduates in those times. Contrary to everyone's expectation, Geevarghese
Semassan chose the noble profession of teaching and assumed the role of a
headmaster in E.M.S school in Puthencavu. He had offers of plum jobs even from abroad,
but he chose his motherland, his village over all such 'greener pastures' and
lucrative assignments.
Deacon
Geevarghese was respected by teachers and students alike. His classes weren’t
limited to textbooks- he would discuss the biography of great leaders, foreign
affairs, moral and civic studies, health and hygiene etc. in a fun and engaging
manner. His stature as a great teacher grew very quickly and was often invited
to other schools to take model class. His command over English and Malayalam
and his sweet voice mesmerized the students. The students would be in rapt
attention when he would teach.
Deacon
Geevarghese enjoyed playing football with students- he also took time to engage
in co and extracurricular activities with them. He gave leadership to ensure
that good football players in his school are given proper coaching for external
tournaments. Students who brought laurels to the school in various championships
were given magnificent reception at school. This encouraged the students to
excel in sports activities.
May
the prayers and intercessions of this blessed teacher be our refuge always.
In Christ,
Rincy John
Ref: 1)
Puthenkavu Kochuthirumeni Katholicattinte Karuthanaya Vakthavu, By- Adv. P. C.
Mathew Pulikottil and K. V. Mammen Kottackal, Kottackal Publishers, 2004, pages
36-48.
2) Image courtesy:
Facebook page of Historic Images of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
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