Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-80
Dr. A.T. Devasia
Dr. A.T. Devasia, known as a prominent educationalist, committed nationalist, true Gandhian, idealistic political leader, author, and skilled organizer, was born on March 20, 1928, in the ancient and renowned Arayakkal family in Anthiyalam village, Meenachil taluk. He was the fifth child of Thommen and Mariam.
Devasia received his school education in Anthiyalam, Karur, Kaduthuruthy, and Ramapuram. His parents, who were dedicated to the cause of education and social justice, and his siblings, who frequently read various publications, significantly influenced his development. Even during his student life, Devasia emerged as a nationalist and freedom fighter through his involvement in student movements. He participated in speech and essay competitions, achieving success and becoming a beloved figure in school dramas. During the freedom struggle, he was suspended from Kaduthuruthy school due to his involvement in protests.
His college education took place at Thirisshinappally College under the Jesuit priests and at Loyola College in Madras. He obtained his M.A. degree, choosing Economics and Political Science as his optional subjects. During his college years, he excelled in academics, acting, writing, and debating, though this also led to conflicts with college authorities. His reading of revolutionary literature and his strong stance against the British government’s actions against Indian National Army officers attracted attention, leading to his removal from college. It was only through the intervention of a Jesuit priest that he was able to complete his studies, successfully passing his exams despite the tumultuous circumstances.
While home on breaks, he actively engaged with state Congress leaders in Meenachil and participated in protests against the then-Diwan, C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer. After the departure of C.P. Iyer from Travancore, he joined Loyola College, where he acted as the lead in two plays. His acting talent was recognized, with reports praising him as an extraordinary actor capable of portraying tragic roles. Though he received offers to act in films, he declined due to various reasons.
After passing his M.A., Devasya returned home and began working as a lecturer at Tevara College in 1952, earning a reputation as a capable teacher. He became a member of the Ernakulam Congress Committee and the Congress election committee. His notable speeches were frequently delivered at public gatherings in Ernakulam and Kottayam. While teaching at Tevara College, he was selected for the position of C.I.D. Inspector (Central Government), but he declined due to parental objections. In 1953, he joined St. Thomas College, Pala, as a teacher. Shortly thereafter, he became a member of the A.K.C.C. Working Committee and the State Executive of the Kisan Congress, the supporting organization of the Indian National Congress.
Devasya played a pivotal role in the freedom struggle and voluntarily surrendered himself, serving a two-week prison sentence. He won a seat in the K.P.C.C. in the highly contested elections of 1959 and was re-elected to the K.P.C.C. in 1961, receiving the highest number of votes.After the elections following the freedom struggle, Devasya was considered for candidacy from the Poonjar constituency. However, the Congress high command’s directive to allow all former assembly members to contest led to the loss of his candidacy. Disillusioned by the political climate, marked by selfishness and deceit among politicians, he decided to pursue further studies in America. He received both the American Fellowship and a Kerala University Scholarship, which motivated his journey.
In four years, Devasya earned his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees and subsequently served as an Assistant Professor and later a Professor at Ballarmine University. He collaborated with renowned political figures, including U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell and Congressman Ron Mazzoli.
Devasya left a significant mark on American academia, writing numerous articles for various newspapers and serving as a frequent speaker at seminars. He was nominated for editorial committees and included in prestigious directories like “Who’s Who in American Education” and the “Dictionary of American Scholars.” He authored several works on topics related to America, Romania, India, and the Soviet Union and received various awards, including the Wilson Wyeth Award.
During this period, the Kerala government invited him to serve as the founding Vice-Chancellor of M.G. University. He quickly revitalized the university, credited with initiating the computer revolution in Kerala by introducing computerization at Mahatma Gandhi University. Both Chief Minister Karunakaran and then Education Minister R. M. Jacob commended Devasya’s contributions to the university. Although the government requested him to continue for another term as Vice-Chancellor, he had to return to America due to the expiration of his leave from Ballarmine University.
After serving an additional four years in the U.S., he returned to Kerala in 1991. Even now, he visits America annually and serves as a visiting professor at various universities. Upon his return to Kerala, the left-wing offered him candidacy, which he declined. When he retired from the Vice-Chancellorship, Chief Minister K. Karunakaran invited him to join the Congress party.
Residing in Pala, Dr. Devasya remains active in various public activities, excluding direct political involvement. He authored a book after the visit of the Holy See and continues to contribute articles to several publications while working on two additional books. He serves on the Kerala Catholic Bishop’s Council, the A.K.C.C. Advisory Board, and the management committee of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Science and Technology, among other roles. He is also a member of the Pastoral Council of the Pala diocese and a member of the Syro-Malabar Archdiocesan Assembly and Education Council.
Dr. Devasya is married to Maryakutty and is a devoted family man, continuing to contribute significantly to education and social causes.
