Contributions of Archbishop Joseph Perumthottam to Community Empowerment
Archbishop Joseph Perunnat’s contributions to community empowerment are unforgettable for the Christian community in Kerala. Throughout his tenure as Archbishop, he addressed every issue faced by the Christian community with great importance. He was the first to raise his voice against the discrimination faced by Christians in Kerala government minority welfare schemes (80:20 ratio). On March 7, 2019, he publicly questioned these discriminations at the Thrikkakkara Maidan in Kottayam.
The Changanassery Archdiocese was the first in Kerala to establish a department aimed at community advancement. On September 14, 2019, the Feast of the Holy Cross, the CARP (Department of Community Awareness and Rights Protection) was inaugurated. This department actively works on community empowerment, minority benefits, and IDBLS (Income-Dependent Benefits and Labour Schemes).
When the Kerala government’s implementation of IDBLS faced strong opposition, Archbishop Perumthottam supported the government’s measures with an article titled “Why the Discomfort Over Financial Protection?” published in Deepika on October 28, 2020. This article caused a significant stir within the Kerala community.
Archbishop Perunnat, along with other leaders, worked diligently to secure OBC reservation for Nadar Christians and Kammalar Christians in the Syro-Malabar Churches. OBC reservation was granted to Nadar Christians as a result. He has also strongly advocated for Scheduled Caste reservation for Dalit Christians, submitting petitions to the Justice Balakrishnan Commission. The Archdiocesan schools have reserved 10% of teaching positions for Dalit Christians, Nadar, and Kammalar Christians.
In response to a commission appointed to study Christian backwardness, led by Justice J.B. Koshi, special sittings were organized in the district at Archbishop’s request, and he submitted petitions to the commission. On December 20, 2019, Archbishop Perunnat submitted a petition with over 100,000 signatures to the Chief Minister, demanding the establishment of a judicial commission to study Christian backwardness, the implementation of IDBLS in Kerala, and the end of the 80:20 ratio in minority welfare schemes.
In 2022, a comprehensive survey of the Archdiocese was conducted to understand the community’s true condition. Efforts were made to strengthen the Catholic Congress, a community organization, and promote the growth of Deepika. The Catholic Association of Businessmen (CAB) was established, and Archbishop Perunnat was the driving force behind the entrepreneurial training programs like Wings 2.0.
Family, Community, and Agriculture
Archbishop Perumthottam paid special attention to family ministry. The year 2014 was celebrated as the Year of Family Sanctification. He founded the Holy Family Fraternity to encourage holy families, and contributed 5 million rupees from his personal share of the family estate to this project. A special department was established in the Archdiocese to strengthen family associations, and Archbishop Perumthottam led the training for association leaders. He insisted that parish council members and organizational leaders should be chosen based on their connection to the community.
Agriculture and Environmental Protection
Archbishop Perumthottam showed great affection for agriculture and farmers. He advocated for the development of Kuttanadu and started the KRRIS Society. Numerous agricultural promotion programs have been conducted, including the formation of TAASC to promote farmers in the southern region. In 2020, he led a farmers’ protest in Alappuzha. He emphasized love for nature and environmental protection, working to make the Archdiocesan surroundings environmentally friendly and promoting biodiversity.
Preservation of History and Heritage
To honor the legacy of Father Matthew Kavukattu, the Kavukattu Museum was established in Changanassery. He also acquired and preserved Father Kavukattu’s ancestral home in Pravithanam. The restoration of the burial church at Changanassery Metropolitan Church was completed. The Archdiocese celebrated its Centenary Silver Jubilee and published a historical memoir. For historical preservation, the History Commission, History Department, and MARIOS were established.
