A unique and exceptional alumni reunion took place at St. Berchmans College campus on April 12, 2008. This special event brought together the graduates of the 1963-66 Degree batch, including former students of B Sc, B A, and B Com courses. Back in 1966, a total of three hundred students completed eight-degree programs, and on this occasion, nearly 150 of them turned up to attend the gathering along with their spouses.

The reunion was graced by the presence of some notable individuals from the batch, such as Ommen Chandy, K C Joseph, Cyriac Joseph, T P Zacharias, and K J Mathew IPS. The organizers of the reunion took a great effort to ensure that their teachers also participated in the meeting. One distinguished teacher who made it to the gathering was Mar Joseph Powathil, who had joined the Economics department in June 1963, making them the first batch of students under his guidance.

Following the opening ceremony at Mar Powathil Jubilee Hall, where they paid tribute to all the teachers in attendance, the alumni regathered in their former classrooms, accompanied by their respective department teachers. The former B A Economics students decided to hold their class in the open air, under the shade of the Kudampulimaram (Garcinia cambogia) tree, below the tower. Among those who attended the class was Ommen Chandy and K C Joseph, two of the most respected congress leaders and ministers of Kerala.

Why Ommen Chandy was apolitical inside S B campus: K J Mathew, a class & ‘bench mate’ of Ommen Chandy, fondly recalled their days together. Ommen Chandy, who had completed his Pre-University Course (PUC) at CMS College, faced a hurdle when seeking admission for B A, due to his reputation as a student political leader who had led numerous student strikes. However, our revered professor Prof C Z Scaria of the Economics Department helped him secure admission to S B College. During the admission process, Ommen Chandy had to provide an assurance to Principal Rev Fr Francis Kalacherry that he would refrain from politics within S B College. Despite his strong involvement in the anti-Hindi agitation, where he led students from S B High School to S B College, Ommen Chandy disappeared from the scene upon reaching the College gate, fulfilling his commitment to the Principal. As a student of Hindi, as a second language, he felt it was inappropriate to lead the strike inside the campus. K J Mathew describes Ommen Chandy as a “student leader who did not agitate inside the campus,” indicating that he refrained from disruptive activities within the college premises. Top of Form

A diligent student, rarely missing a class, he successfully completed his B.A. in 1966. Subsequently, he joined the LLB program at Law College, Ernakulam. His leadership qualities became evident as he rose to become the President of the Kerala Students Union in 1967 and later assumed the role of President of the State Youth Congress in 1970. In that very year, he was elected as an MLA from the Puthupally constituency. The rest of his journey is now well-known to every Keralite.

Mar Joseph Powathil and Ommen Chandy: Throughout the years, he maintained a close bond with his teacher, who taught him the basics of ‘political science’, and later became the Auxiliary Bishop, Archbishop, and Emeritus, Mar Joseph Powathil. Whenever undertaking significant roles or responsibilities, Ommen Chandy always sought his teacher’s blessings. Some who were acquainted with both individuals believe that the student’s passing, within three months of his guru’s death, might have been a sort of divine design.

Outpouring of grief on his demise: Certainly, Kerala bid a unique and heartfelt farewell to this remarkable leader, unlike anything seen before. A vast multitude of people, irrespective of social, political, or communal distinctions, both rich and poor, came together to mourn his loss. What was the secret behind his mesmerizing appeal? It lay in his ability to connect with people on a personal level, always approachable to the common man, anytime and anywhere. His immense popularity emanated from his incredible humility, a quality often lacking in today’s political landscape. Thousands gathered to offer their sincere tributes, expressing regret for not electing him to power in the past two consecutive legislative assembly elections. Even when confronted with vicious and dishonest allegations against himself and his family, he stood unwaveringly strong, guided by his unshakeable faith and unwavering integrity—qualities that were underappreciated during the storms of criticism he endured. However, in the aftermath of his passing, many who once vilified him have humbly admitted their mistakes and expressed remorse. In the collective consciousness of Kerala, he is now even regarded as a saint. He epitomized the true essence of what a political leader should be.

During his three-year studies at S B campus, he underwent a transformative journey of, refining his leadership approach, which was marked by trustworthiness, friendliness towards people, and honesty. While we grieve his passing, we rejoice at the thought that S B campus can proudly claim him as our own, a man who embodied the college motto “Caritas Vera Nobilitas – love of one’s fellowmen, is true nobility.”

May his soul repose in peace!

May he continue to be an inspiration for the coming generations.

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