It is said that the true renown of an educational institution is shaped not by its buildings but by the dedication and excellence of its faculty. St. Berchmans College, now a centenarian, stands as a testament to this maxim, having been meticulously built up over the decades by a distinguished group of handpicked teachers. Each department was graced by faculty members who not only excelled in their respective disciplines but also tirelessly championed the institution’s progress and reputation. As we journey through the formative years of the college, we witness how these educators—much like skilled masons laying each brick with care, constructed the legacy of St. Berchmans College step by step.

This narrative draws upon the profile of the college, painstakingly compiled in 2007 by Prof. K. J. George, Kattampally, former Vice Principal and Head of the Department of Chemistry, and Prof. A. J. Francis, former Head of the Department of English, based on the college’s own historical records.

With the establishment of the College in 1922 and the commencement of the Intermediate Course, the English section began operations with just one member: Mr. T.K. Sankara Menon, M.A. (Hons.), who taught the inaugural class on June 19, 1922, thus becoming the College’s first teacher. He served until 1925.

In 1924, Mr. R.P. Kulandai Swamy Pillai, B.A., L.T., L.C.P., joined the Department. Renowned as the Headmaster of St. Joseph’s School, Trivandrum, and hailed as the ‘Dr. Arnold of Trivandrum,’ he was a pioneer in Christian journalism and launched India’s first school magazine. He also founded the college magazine Excelsior and designed the college crest, later serving as Acting Vice Principal.

The Department was formally established in 1927 with the introduction of degree classes. Prof. P. Sankaran Nambiyar, M.A. (Hons.), on deputation from Maharajah’s College, Ernakulam, joined the Department, significantly enhancing its reputation. He also served as Vice Principal and Library Warden before leaving after his deputation ended in 1930–31.

In 1933, Mr. S.G. Subramanya Iyer, M.A., was appointed Professor and Head of the Department, departing in 1935. This concluded the first distinctive era of the Department.

The second period saw the arrival of distinguished faculty, including M.P. Paul, V.V. John, C.S. Kurian, Rev. Fr. Joseph Kureethadom (later Bursar and Principal of Fatima Matha College, Quilon, and St. Thomas College, Pala), A.P. O’Brien, P.G. Sahasranama Iyer, and C.A. Sheppard. Prof. M.P. Paul, a celebrated Malayalam critic and English scholar, joined in July 1935 and became Head in October 1936. He founded the Shakespeare Theatre in 1937, the only such institution in Kerala, and directed its inaugural production, Macbeth.

In 1937, Mr. V.V. John succeeded Prof. Kulandai Swamy Pillai upon his retirement. Mr. John later became Vice Chancellor of Jodhpur University before resigning in 1939. Prof. M.P. Paul resigned in June 1938, and Mr. P.S. Venkateswara Iyer became Chief Lecturer until early 1941, when Mr. A.P. O’Brien took over as Head. Mr. C.A. Sheppard joined as Additional Lecturer in 1943 and, after Prof. O’Brien’s departure in 1944, Prof. P.G. Sahasranama Iyer was appointed Head. Prof. Iyer left in 1947, prompting the return of Prof. M.P. Paul, who once again directed Macbeth.

In June 1949, Mr. C.A. Sheppard, aged 28, became Professor and Head, guiding the Department for the next 13 years. He was instrumental in sustaining the Shakespeare Theatre and inspiring generations of students and teachers. During his tenure, the Department welcomed notable faculty such as Prof. Joseph Panaveli, Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Aenekkatt (later Principal of St. Dominic’s College, Kanjirappally), Prof. K.T. Sebastian, Prof. A.E. Augustine, Prof. K.M. Mathai, Prof. Joseph Thomas, Prof. P.C. Mathew, and Prof. T.P. Madhavan Pillai. With Prof. C.S. Kurian, Prof. K.J. Francis, and Prof. K.M. Joseph, they formed a dedicated group of educators. Prof. Sheppard resigned in 1962 after two decades of service.

The period from 1962 to 1976 was marked by rapid growth and diversification. Prof. C.S. Kurian became Head in 1962 and retired in 1967, having served the longest in the Department. Prof. V.J. Augustine succeeded him, ushering in a golden era. In 1967, the Department secured affiliation for the M.A. in English Language and Literature. Prof. P.J. Devasia joined in 1967, supporting the new postgraduate program. Prof. Augustine retired in 1976 following 14 years of service; after his retirement, he joined the priesthood and became a member of the Rosarian Ashram.

Prof. K.J. Francis became Head in 1976, followed by Prof. Joseph Thomas, Prof. K.T. Sebastian (the only member of the Pontifical Council for Laity from India and one among three from Asia – nominated by the Pope), and Prof. T.P. Madhavan Pillai. Prof. A.E. Augustine retired in 1983 after 33 years of distinguished service as a teacher, speaker, and director of Shakespeare plays, also authoring study aids and grammar books inspired by Prof. Sheppard. Prof Augustine retired as the Vice Principal of the college.

DEPARTMENT OF ORIENTAL LANGUAGES

The Department of Oriental Languages, encompassing Malayalam, Sanskrit, and Hindi, was established in 1922. Its initial faculty included Prof. A. Parameswara Iyer, who taught Malayalam, and P.R. Dorai Swamy Sarma, who handled Sanskrit. Prof. Parameswara Iyer departed after a year, and Prof. K. Sankara Pillai, previously of CMS College Kottayam, was appointed as his successor. Prof. Pillai, renowned for his teaching excellence and rigorous standards, became the Head of the Department in 1927 when the College was elevated to First Grade status. He continued to serve until 1940, benefiting from a ten-year extension.

Prof. P.V. Ulahannan Mappillai joined the Department in 1930 and assumed the role of Head in 1934. His tenure was marked by the introduction of BA and MA courses in Malayalam, with BA affiliation granted in 1959 and MA in 1960. Promoted to Superintendent of Indian Languages in 1939, Prof. Mappillai was esteemed as a scholar, gifted teacher, and orator. After his official retirement, he remained as a UGC Professor for five more years, concluding a remarkable 40-year career in 1970.

Prof. K.V. Ramachandra Pai joined in 1951 and became Head in 1970. Recognized as a distinguished grammarian, editor, and writer, he served until 1975. Another notable figure was Prof. M.M. Joseph (1956–1981), the only staff member to serve as an MP, who played a key role in securing the long-pending UGC grant for the College’s Biology Block[Antony Cardinal Padiyara Block].

In the Sanskrit section, Dorai Swamy Sarma retired in 1946–47 to join SD College Alleppey. He was succeeded by Mahopadhyaya Sreenivasa Sarma, who served as Sanskrit Lecturer until 1969.

The Hindi section was inaugurated with Mr. K.V. Nair, who joined the faculty in 1943, initially teaching Sanskrit. When Sanskrit was discontinued as a subject for Intermediate classes in 1946, Hindi was introduced as the Second Language. However, Sanskrit was later reintroduced as a Second Language for degree classes.

Syriac was offered as a Second Language from 1937 onward. Rev. Fr. Joseph Hadrian TOCD was the first faculty member in this area. He was succeeded in 1939 by Rev. Fr. K.V. Joseph, who took over as both Bursar and Professor of Syriac. Other notable Syriac faculty included Rev. Fr. C.T. Kottaram, Rev. Fr. L.J. Chittoor (later Monsignor and Manager), and Rev. Fr. Mathew Kavukatt (who later became Bishop and Patron).

The Department of Economics dates back to the founding of St. Berchmans’ College, as it began functioning with Group III of the Intermediate Course. Prof. P.R. Krishna Iyer was the founding member of the Department, and Rev. Fr. Mathew Purackal, the first Principal, was also a member. The Department became a full-fledged entity with the introduction of BA Economics in 1934. Thanks to the initiative and reputation of Prof. Krishna Iyer, St. Berchmans’ became the first college to receive affiliation for the MA Economics program in 1957. Prof. Krishna Iyer provided dynamic leadership until his retirement in 1969, leaving a legacy as a man of great erudition, a remarkable teacher, and a gifted actor.

Prof. O.C. Varghese joined the Department in 1930 as the college expanded. He was a prominent citizen of Changanacherry and also served as Municipal Chairman. Prof. L.M. Pylee, another distinguished scholar and actor, joined in 1934 and served until 1946, later becoming a member of the Legislative Assembly. Prof. K.J. Cyriac, who joined in 1934, was a brilliant teacher before leaving for S.H. College Thevara. Notable figures such as Rev. Fr. Romeo Thomas, Rev. Fr. Thomas William (second and third Principals, respectively), and Rev. Dr. N.A. Thomas (Vice Principal from 1956 to 1961) also contributed significantly to the Department during their tenures.

Over the years, the Department welcomed several distinguished members, including Prof. C.Z. Scaria, Prof. D. Varghese, Prof. T.V. Abraham, Prof. K.M. Kurian, Rev. Dr. Antony Kurialacherry, Prof. K.K. Francis, Prof. Thomas K.J. Kanyamplackal, Prof. T.V. Varkey, Rev. Fr. Joseph Powathil (later Archbishop and Patron of the College), Prof. George Joseph, Prof. C.O. Abraham, Prof. Joy Kurian, and Prof. P.I. Joseph.

Following Prof. Krishna Iyer’s retirement, Prof. C.Z. Scaria, who had joined in 1949, became Head in 1969. Under his guidance, the Department reached new heights. Prof. Scaria was renowned for his scholarship, inspiring teaching, and eloquence. As President of AKPCTA and PCTA, he played a pivotal role in securing service benefits for private college teachers, including direct government payments, a legacy for which the college community remains grateful. Prof C Z Scaria had the rare honour of becoming a member of both the Senate and Syndicate of the University of Kerala for the longest period (1960 -1984).

The Department of Mathematics began operations in 1925 with the introduction of Group I at the Intermediate level, initially staffed by a single member, Prof. V.A. Mahalinga Iyer, who served for one year. Prof. M.T. Kurian joined the Department in 1926.

The Department was formally established in 1928 with the launch of the B.A. Degree course. Prof. T.A. Satagopan, M.A., from Madras Christian College, was appointed as the first Professor of the newly formed Department. Over the years, Prof. M.T. Kurian (1926–1962) and Prof. P.C. Joseph (1939–1946) played influential roles in shaping the Department’s growth, combining firmness and adaptability. Both Prof. Satagopan and Prof. P.C. Joseph eventually left to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

When Prof. M.T. Kurian retired in 1962, Prof. O.C. Kuriakose became Head of the Department. During his tenure, in 1965, the Department secured affiliation for the postgraduate course in Mathematics. Prof. Kuriakose, a scholar and teacher of rare distinction, developed his own philosophy of Mathematics, and his speeches and writings offered profound insights into the subject. He retired in 1978. Prof. S. Abraham took over as Head until his own retirement in 1991.

The roots of the Biology Department trace back to the academic year 1925–26, when Natural Science groups were introduced as part of the Intermediate Course. Prof. K.J. Joseph initially led the Biology section. The Department as we know it today officially began in 1927 with the launch of the degree course, and Mr. C. John, M.A., was appointed as the first professor. He served the college with dedication for 16 years until his passing on May 24, 1943. Notably, it was under his leadership that the department established a remarkable museum. Today, the St. Berchmans’ College Zoology Museum stands among the finest in Kerala, showcasing some of the rarest and most valuable fauna from around the world.

Following Mr. C. John’s demise, Prof. K.J. Joseph was promoted to the position of Professor. Prof. M.M. Sebastian took over as Head in 1961, and during his tenure, the Department gained affiliation for the MSc Zoology program in 1965. He was renowned for his brilliance and left a lasting impression on his students until his untimely death in 1979 while still in service.

The Department of Physics began its journey in 1925 with the introduction of Science Groups in the Intermediate Course. Its first faculty member, Prof. D. Gopalan, was a student of Sir C.V. Raman. Prof. Gopalan served the College until 1949 and was a multifaceted personality, excelling as a scholar, teacher, actor, and accomplished hockey player.

In 1942, Sri S.L. Thomas was appointed Junior Lecturer. He took study leave in 1943 and returned in 1945 after earning his B.Sc. (Hons.). Affiliation for the B.Sc. program was granted that same year. Following Prof. Gopalan’s resignation in 1949, Prof. S.L. Thomas became Head of the Department. Under his leadership, the Department secured affiliation for the M.Sc. program with a specialization in Electronics in 1961.

Prof. S.L. Thomas remained Head until his retirement in 1982, having served for an impressive 38 years, 32 of which were as Head, setting a record for the College. He was widely respected as a scholar, inspiring teacher, and gifted actor, and he played a foundational role in the growth and development of the Department.

Prof. N. Sivasankaran Nair succeeded him and was beloved for his gentlemanly conduct. The Department has also been home to several distinguished faculty members, including Profs. C. Ouseph, C.K. Moosad, P.V. Joseph, M. Balarama Menon, George Varghese, Ittiyerah, N.N. Mathew, U.V. John, J.G. Rao, George Abraham, and O.S. Sebastian.

In 1983, the Department started offering M.Sc. classes in Material Science under the aegis of the M.G. University. The elevation of the Department to a Research Centre in 1986 marked a significant milestone in its history, with Dr. Joseph Maroor (later Principal) appointed as a Research Guide.

The Department of Chemistry began operations in 1925, coinciding with the introduction of Science Groups in the Intermediate Classes. Mr. K.J. Zacharias, the first faculty member, served until his retirement in 1933. He was succeeded as Head by Prof. T.T. Chacko, who remained with the Department until 1969. During his tenure, the Department achieved significant milestones, including the introduction of B.Sc. (affiliation granted in 1951) and M.Sc. (affiliation granted in 1964) programs.

Prof. K.C. Papoo joined the Department in 1934 and served until 1955, earning a reputation as an outstanding teacher and disciplinarian. Rev. Fr. Francis Kalacherry joined in 1939, left for Annamalai University in 1944, and returned in 1946 after obtaining his M.A., only to depart after a year. Prof. N.C. Thomas joined in 1944 and retired in 1983 after 39 years of distinguished service. He was admired for his teaching excellence and as a reliable guide in the laboratory.

Prof. Chacko Ramacha, who joined in 1958, was deeply committed to his profession. He sadly passed away while teaching, after suffering a heart attack between classes. Prof. K.J. George, who joined in 1956 and retired as Vice Principal in 1992, became Head of the Department in 1969. Under his leadership, the M.Sc. program in Analytical Chemistry was launched in 1984. Prof. George was known for his unwavering dedication to both the Department and the teaching profession.

Prof. Georgekunju Sebastian joined in 1963 and retired in 1995, making chemistry both engaging and enjoyable for his students. Another notable figure was Rev. Fr. James Valiaparampil, who joined in 1970. Tragically, he lost his life during a pleasure trip to Thanneermukkam on March 13, 1976, when he fell into the lake. He is remembered fondly for his humanity and collegiality.

The Department of Botany was founded in 1927 alongside the launch of the first-ever B.Sc degree program in Botany in Kerala. Initially, the department was led by two distinguished faculty members: Prof. A.H. Sundara Raman and Prof. K.V. Pandalay. After Prof. Sundara Raman’s departure in 1928, Prof. T.S. Raghavan joined the department, marking the founding of the Herbarium and Museum. Prof. M.S. Raghavachari succeeded Prof. Pandalay as Head in 1929, following Prof. Raghavan’s exit. Prof. R. Vaidyanathan became part of the department in 1931. Together, these three, Dr. T.S. Raghavan, Prof. R. Vaidyanathan, and Prof. M.S. Raghavachari, laid a strong foundation for the department. Prof. Raghavachari, in particular, was a beloved and inspiring teacher who left a lasting impression on students.

The year 1957 saw the establishment of a Botanical Garden under the department’s initiative, which now hosts a wide variety of plant species. That same year, Prof. P.C. Mathew became Head of the Department. In 1961, the department received affiliation for its M.Sc program in Botany, and in 1962, Dr. T.S. Raghavan returned as a UGC-sponsored research guide. A specialized B.Sc course in Botany was introduced in 1966.

Prof. O.J. Kuruvillai and Prof. Joseph Zacharia assumed leadership in 1970 and 1971, respectively. The department established a Plant Systematic Laboratory in 1982. Prof. T.V. Devasia took over as Head in 1984, during which time the UGC-supported regional Herbarium of Kerala was installed and later modernized and expanded.

The Department of Physical Education was formally established in 1927–28, coinciding with the College’s elevation to First Grade status. Mr. K.V. Thomas, who was also a faculty member in the English Department, was appointed as Special Officer with the designation of Physical Instructor. During this period, the College introduced essential sports facilities for football, volleyball, tennis, badminton, and hockey. Two basketball courts were later constructed in front of the Science Block.

On February 7, 1941, the new football ground was officially inaugurated by Mr. C.V. Chandra Sekharan, Vice Chancellor of Travancore University. Subsequently, the hockey field was relocated to the area behind the tower building.

In the academic year 1942–43, Prof. D. Varghese, a member of the Economics Department, was given the additional responsibility of Additional Physical Director due to his Diploma in Physical Education. Mr. P.J. Thomas joined the Department in 1965–66 and served until his passing in 1991.

The Department of Commerce was established in 1962 with the introduction of the Pre-University Commerce course. Mr. C.K. Jose was the Department’s first faculty member, though he left after just one year. Initially, the Commerce section functioned as part of the Economics Department.

In 1963, when affiliation was granted for the B.Com program, the Department became independent. Mr. K.J. Joseph joined the faculty in 1964, followed by Sebastian George, M.J.M. Felix, and K.H. Ganesh Shenoy in 1965. Prof. Felix departed in 1968 and Prof. Shenoy in 1969.

Prof. Sebastian George served as Head of the Department until his tragic death in an accident in Nigeria on May 19, 1984. Following this, Prof. K.J. Joseph became Head and continued in the role until his retirement in 1995. Subsequently, Prof. K.J. Abraham, and Joseph Abraham, led the Department in succession.

The Department introduced a second batch of Pre-Degree Commerce in 1977. It became fully established with the launch of the M.Com program in 1981.

As we trace the journey of St. Berchmans College from its humble beginnings to its current stature as a premier institution, it becomes clear that the dedication and vision of its early faculty were instrumental in shaping its legacy. From the pioneering leadership of Rev. Mathew Purackal to the collective efforts of teachers who navigated financial hardships and administrative challenges, each member contributed to building not just the physical campus, but also the intellectual and moral edifice of the college. Their unwavering commitment to education and community laid the foundations upon which generations of students have flourished, making S B College a beacon of excellence and a lasting heritage in Kerala’s educational landscape.