Inspirational Tales
In the domain of higher education, quality leadership holds prime importance in helping institutes progress in pursuit of giving back to society capable leaders of tomorrow. Institutes such as St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur, Kerala, who are already operating as welcome examples of academic excellence, are also slowly becoming hotspots of leadership development. At the helm of such institutions, leaders like Rev. Dr. Martin Kolambrath play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape.
Effective leadership is personified by Rev. Dr. Martin Kolambrath, Principal-in-Charge of St. Thomas College (Autonomous). He stands out as an inspiration due to his imaginative approach and constant commitment to the institution’s objective. St. Thomas College has prospered under his direction, both academically and in terms of developing an innovative and inclusive culture.
As we delve deeper into educational leadership, it becomes evident that leaders like Rev. Dr. Martin Kolambrath are instrumental in creating an environment conducive to learning and growth. His recognition as one of the 20 Most Prominent Principals in Higher Education 2024 is a testament to his exemplary leadership qualities and the profound impact he has had on the educational community.
St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur in a Nutshell
St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur, established in 1889, is a pioneering educational institution in Kerala. Recognized as a Second Grade College in 1919 and affiliated with the University of Madras, it achieved an A++ grade with a 3.70/4 score in the 2022 NAAC assessment. Consistently ranked among India’s top 100 colleges by NIRF for the past six years, it currently holds the 53rd position. The college boasts over 3,500 students, 170 faculty members, and 160 research scholars. Notable visitors include Mahatma Gandhi (1927), Sri Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (1980), Sri P. V. Narasimha Rao (1994), Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2008), and Sri Ram Nath Kovind (2018). Distinguished alumni include Sri Panampilly Govinda Menon, Sri E.M.S. Namboodiripad, Sri C. Achutha Menon, Swamy Chinmayananda Saraswathi, and Padma Shri recipients Dr. E. D. Jemmis and T. Pradeep, among others.
From the Scratch
Born and brought up into a middle class family in a small village situated in the Thrissur District, Dr. Martin’s father was a Govt Employee and his mom a homemaker. Even though a homemaker Dr. Martin’s mom was an academic during her college days, which led her to tutor him well at home, which resulted in him scoring top ranks always. “My father was a man of alternative ideas, which gave me inspiration to find novel ways to deal with any issues and solve them with an enhanced ability of alternative and out of the way thinking”, Dr. Martin shared.
But since his mom was only schooled till pre-degree her assistance wasn’t much of a help to Dr. Martin as he grew, which led towards decline in his scores. This shocked him and his parents & Teachers very much and he was sent to a tuition teacher in their village named Radha. She played a decisive role in molding him as a studious boy and he began to aspire for being a Teacher like her. It was a turning point in his life and for the very next Term Exam, he secured high marks for all subjects up to seventh standard.
Foundations of Faith
Living next door to Trikkur Panchayat Sarvodaya High School, where he finished his secondary school, Dr. Martin was an outstanding sportsman. He continued to perform well academically in spite of his participation in sports, especially football as a member of the Jaihind Arts & Sports Club (JASC, Trikkur) ‘B’ Team.
Dr. Martin’s early years were greatly impacted by the presence of Msgr. Antony Maliekal, a longstanding Rector of St. Mary’s Minor Seminary in Thrissur and a highly esteemed Catholic priest. He saw and learnt from Msgr. Maliekal’s model life as an Altar Boys Association member, which ultimately led him to a monastic vocation that would influence his future pursuits.
As a Catholic priest, Dr. Martin Kolambrath pursued his interest in literature by enrolling in MA in English Language & Literature at St. Thomas College, Thrissur. Subsequently, he achieved admission to St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, for M. Phil in English, where he distinguished himself as the Gold Medalist. His academic journey continued with a Ph.D. at Gandhigram Rural Institute, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, under the mentorship of renowned scholar Dr. A. Joseph Dorairaj. Throughout his studies, Dr. Martin delved into the works of his favorite authors, including Fyodor Dostoevsky, Nikos Kazantzakis, and Sri Aurobindo, specializing in Comparative Literature and Mysticism.
Journey towards St. Thomas and Beyond
Dr. Martin began his career as an English guest lecturer before being appointed as St. Thomas College’s bursar (financial officer) by Thrissur Archbishop Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy in February 2010.
Despite being established as a school in 1889 and elevated to a Second Grade College by the University of Madras, St. Thomas lacked a contemporary infrastructure. As a result, the College’s seminar halls and indoor and outdoor stadiums received special attention. Gandhi Smrithi Open Air Theatre was built in 2013 as a suitable memorial to Gandhi’s momentous visit to the college thanks in large part to Dr. Martin’s efforts.
The main project completed by Dr. Martin was the imposing building of the cutting-edge Centennial Centralized Air Conditioned Library, which is 42,000 square feet spread across five stories and has grown to be one of the most exquisite and beautiful libraries in all of India. In conjunction with the two NAAC visitation rounds in 2010 and 2016, the college underwent extensive modifications. Consequently, his 11-year tenure as Bursar (Financial Officer) from 2010 to 2021 can be summed up in the phrase, “I found it brick and left it marble.”
Eventually Dr. Martin was appointed as Vice-Principal and his primary duty was to tighten the Academic Discipline among Staff and Students. So he worked closely under three Principals and learned from them about the Academic and Administrative lessons and the commitment and dedication which he had when handling all the assigned responsibilities paved the way to the current post.
On a Personal Note
In addition to his literary pursuits and cultural interests such as music and film, Dr. Martin Kolambrath has embarked on extensive travels across India, visiting remote villages in each state annually during summer holidays.
As a Catholic priest committed to his role as Principal-in-charge of the institution, Dr. Martin dedicates nearly twelve hours each day to his duties, viewing the college as his primary responsibility and family.
Furthermore, Dr. Martin’s involvement in various leadership roles, including President of the Indian Institute of Christian Studies at the University of Calicut for 13 years and positions within the Xavier Board of Higher Education, has broadened his exposure and provided valuable opportunities for national-level engagement and contribution.