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       An Inspiring Life in the Amazing Grace of God: A Brief Biography of Dr. C. C. Abraham

Dr. C. C. Abraham is an Indian agricultural scientist and former Dean of the College of Horticulture and College of Forestry of the Kerala Agricultural University. This post published on his 87th birthday on 27th January 2023 documents his remarkable life and career, offering an insight into the power of dedication, arduous work, and service.         

Introduction

Dr. C.C. Abraham’s Personal and Professional Life

Early Years

Early Education

Professional Life and Higher Studies

Post Retirement Activities

Malankara Orthodox Church

Family History Book and Website

Family

Thank You

Pictures

Chathoth Extended Family Tree

About the Author

Introduction

I am pleased to write and publish this post to coincide with the 87th birthday of my dad Dr. C.C. Abraham on the 27th of January 2023.

I am sure that this book will be an interesting read for everyone who has known Dr. C.C. Abraham as a teacher, mentor, scientist, colleague, family member, church elder, friend or neighbour. The life of Dr. Abraham is an example of how determination and a positive outlook can help anyone to achieve success. He hopes that the readers of his biography can be inspired to work hard and remain optimistic, and he sends his best wishes for their future.

I like to reminisce about some personal stories about my dad and his influence on me. When my father returned from his research in the West Indies, Sudan, and England in 1979, he brought three books with him along with some other things like a tape recorder and a digital watch. What I liked most were the books and they were with me for a long time. One of the books, Six Weeks to Words of Power by Wilfred Funk, was the starting point of my curiosity about powerful words. I learned all of those words in a matter of one or two years and became quite well ahead of most of my classmates in English vocabulary. I have continued the habit of learning novel words ever since. The other two books were the famous books, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and Self Creation by George Weinberg. Although I did go through them page by page, I did not learn a lot to put them into practice then, but they would have certainly helped later on to a limited extent.

When I was a student of engineering, one of my favourite places was the library at the Kerala Agricultural University where my dad was a professor at the time. Since the Agricultural Engineering faculty was working from that building in those days, there were several engineering books available there. I used to enjoy spending a lot of time on some of those books although they were not directly relevant to my examinations. I would occasionally run into some of my dad’s students. I remember a particularly startling remark a Ph.D. student made to me:“ Your dad is like God to me.” Later I understood that many of his students shared a similar level of respect that was beyond normal student-teacher relationships. He would go over and above the academic requirements and touch them in special ways.

In honour of Dr. Abraham’s tireless effort in constructing the family tree, I tabulated the family tree information from the History Book into an Excel and created look-up charts that are now available to extended family members on request.

Alex Abraham

27th January 2023

Dr. C.C. Abraham’s Personal and Professional Life

C. C. Abraham is an 86-year-old Indian agricultural scientist, former professor, and public servant whose life is dedicated to the service of his country, family, and church.

Early Years

Born in the village of Vallamkulam in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala (then Alleppey District) on 27th January 1937, he was named after his granduncle Rev. T.I. Abraham, the vicar of C.S.I. Christ Church Thiruvananthapuram from 1903 to 1931, was. His former students and colleagues remember him as a highly inspiring, supportive, and even life-changing guru.

Abraham’s father, C.I. Chandy, respectfully remembered as Chandy Sir by his former students and villagers was an illustrious teacher (Malayalam language Vidwan) and headmaster in several Travancore and Kerala state government schools during the first half of the twentieth century until retirement from Keezhvayipur school in 1957. After his retirement, C.I. Chandy was active as the headmaster of the Malankara Orthodox Sunday Church School close to Vallamkulam home until the late 1970s.

T.P. Aleyamma, the mother of Abraham, was renowned for her English teaching skills. She was a boarding student at Nicholson residential school near Thiruvalla, having been instructed by famous English teachers, probably Miss P. Brooke Smith or others. The author remembers her quoting the verbatim admonition ‘regular in your irregularity’ (about a habitually late student), and ‘Sir Eyre Coote, the hero of Wandiwash’ while retelling the story of the British victory over the French at Vandavashi. Later, she went on to St. Roch’s teachers’ training school in Thiruvananthapuram, again as a boarder. Abraham had a brother who passed away as a child; the only adult sibling was the late Mrs. Thankamma Thomas who passed away in 2013.

Early Education

Abraham received his primary education from the local schools in Kallooppara and Vallamkulam and completed high school in St. John’s Eraviperoor. After finishing Intermediate Course at Thiruvalla Mar Thoma College with High First Class, he went on to attend the Agricultural University in Hebbal, Bangalore where he graduated with University First Rank in 1957 in agricultural sciences.

Abraham has a deep-rooted history of resilience and determination, illustrated by his childhood commitment to education. There was no bridge across the Manimala River near his home those days. He used to cross the Manimala River at the Prayatt ferry north of Eraviperoor and walk several miles daily with his mother, who was a teacher at his elementary school in Kallooppara, even during the monsoon floods. He remembers crossing it in a ferry expertly paddled by someone named Kuttappan.

Professional Life and Higher Studies

Abraham has had a distinguished 40-year career in government service. He began in 1957 as an Agricultural Officer under the Kerala Agricultural Department. Later in 1972, he joined the newly formed Kerala Agricultural University and has since held numerous roles including Professor and Head of the Department of Entomology, Dean of the College of Forestry, Dean of the College of Horticulture, Associate Director of Research, and Managing Editor of the Agricultural Research Journal of Kerala. He also served on the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Scientific Panel for Entomology and as a member of National Review teams for Rice, Cashew, Oil Palm and Pesticide Residues. He is a distinguished Fellow of the Entomological Society of India (FESI).

He did his master’s degree in Agricultural Entomology at the Govt Agricultural College, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram securing First Rank. In 1971, Abraham earned his Ph.D. in Entomology with a gold medal for proficiency from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi.

During his time in government service, he had the opportunity to visit and collaborate with researchers from the world-renowned Rothamsted Agricultural Research Centre, Harpenden, England. He conducted studies on the aquatic weed control project in the river Nile in Khartoum, Sudan. He completed Advanced Training on the Biological Control of Weeds at the Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control, Trinidad.

Abraham has achieved significant success in his academic career; he has authored five books, published 154 research papers and articles, and mentored numerous Ph.D. students in their research. Abraham has chaired sessions at several International and National conferences, allowing him to stay up to date with the latest developments in his field while networking with peers and colleagues.

Post Retirement Activities

Upon his retirement in 1997 as the Dean of the College of Horticulture at the Kerala Agricultural University, Abraham continued to make a lasting impact on the agricultural scientific community in India. He served as an advisor to the Government of India and the ICAR on various agrarian research initiatives.

Malankara Orthodox Church

Abraham has had a long and blessed engagement in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Christian church outreach and teaching ministries. He has published over twenty devotional and spiritual articles and delivered over 140 biblical messages in churches, religious gatherings, and home prayer meetings. In addition, he has also published more than thirty devotional and spiritual articles in various ecumenical periodicals. He served on the Editorial Committee of Edavaka Pathrika, a devotional magazine, for an extended period.

Dr. Abraham is immensely grateful for the kindness of the clergy of the St. Ignatius Church in Thrissur, Kerala, India, which has been a great support to him in his spiritual journey. He owes a great debt of gratitude to Rev. Fr. Thomas Myalil, Vicar, who introduced him to the spiritual realm through an assignment on a Biblical message during Holy Week many years ago, and for providing ongoing encouragement. He is also thankful to Rev. Fr. C. S. Thomas, Vicar, now Very Rev. Bar Sleebi Remban, for the various assignments that opened up vistas in Biblical studies and spiritual growth.

Family History Book and Website

Before his passing in 2004, C.I. Thomas, Abraham’s uncle, planted the idea of creating a Chathoth Vallamkulam Family History Book. Abraham researched, compiled, printed and circulated the book in 2012, detailing the family’s beginnings, his memories of life in Vallamkulam village, and a complete family tree. Many family members supported him during the research, of whom his cousin, the late C.I. Jacob, played a key role.

The history book became a launching pad for the idea of a family website. Initially, the idea of a website came as a result of discussions between several family members, Alex George, Jossy Abraham, Reji Mathew, Sheela Mathew C.T. Abraham and George Thomas. It was Alex George who brought it to life with the support of all the others in the planning and execution in a short period of forty-five days. The author, Alex Abraham, set up a modest WordPress website and has been maintaining it ever since its inception.

Abraham wishes to congratulate Alex George for his tireless work in making the website chathothvallamkulamfamily.com a reality. Alex organized an official launch of the website on the 25th of April 2015. It was attended by Abraham and Alex and their spouses. Three metropolitans of the Malankara Orthodox Church sent their felicitations on the occasion of the inauguration.

The website helps the family members to learn more about the family history. One of the interesting stories that C.C. Abraham has shared in his book is the big flood of 1962 when he and his family had to take refuge in the attic of his ancestral home. Although Vallamkulam is habitually waterlogged during monsoons, subsequent floods have not topped the level reached in 1962.

Family

Jolly and Abraham have been married for 61 years and have been an incredible source of strength to one another throughout that time. Despite his absences for studies and work, Jolly managed to take care of the family while continuing to work as a High School Teacher. She has been a true blessing to him, providing him with the strength and courage to get through their journey of life together and it is still going strong.

As their son, the author wants to congratulate his parents on passing the momentous occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary on 5th June 2021. Interestingly to note, the bridegroom’s party had to take a 15-minute walk from their family home to the Church for the wedding, which highlights the vast differences between the past and present times. Truly, it is a rare blessing from God to accomplish this milestone. To think of their small beginning as very young newlyweds, they have accomplished so much in their educational and career paths, and have done a wonderful job of raising two children. They even showed a remarkable tribute to their parents, bringing them from native Vallamkulam to their Thrissur home and taking care of them for over a decade until they both passed away.

As Christians, we thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed on them, and we pray that He will continue to lead them, so that they may always enjoy good health and happiness in all their pursuits as they live independently. Due to limited mobility, they now spend a great deal of their time praying and keeping in touch with relatives and friends from home.

Abraham is a proud member of an ever-growing family. His two sons, Alex Abraham and Abi Abraham have established their own lives and families in two different countries.

Alex Abraham, the author, is married to Sunita. They have two children, Shilpa and Sanjay, who are married to Calvin and Katrina, and reside in Canada. Shilpa and Calvin have a baby girl, Naomi. Abi Abraham and his wife, Lovely, are living in Dubai with their son Manu.

Thank You

Dr. C.C. Abraham, on his 87th birthday, looks back on his life and career with immense gratitude and delight. He is thankful for the chance to serve in the Kerala Agricultural University and the Kerala Agricultural Department. He expresses his appreciation to all his former colleagues, teachers, and superior officers, some of whom have already passed away, and to all of his students and well-wishers, some of whom still work in India and overseas.

After his retirement, he was privileged to help the Malankara Orthodox Church with its outreach programs and is grateful for the opportunities for teaching and serve.

He is particularly grateful for the love and support of his extended family and friends throughout his life. Some of the names are mentioned below. He expresses his deepest gratitude to all those individuals and their families for the unwavering support, love, and fellowship they have given him throughout his life, a truly priceless gift.

Abraham has maintained strong connections with several families, including those of his mother (Thottackatt family), his wife’s late brother K.A. Jacob (Edathumpadikal), his sister Thankamma Thomas (Thamaravelil), his wife’s sisters Jaya John (Mannakuzhiyil) and Omana Mathew (Kulathakkal), and ancestral families (Ayroor Thazhamon Pakalomattam and Thiruvalla Konkara).

Dr. Abraham had a very strong bond with his elder sister, Thankamma. They visited each other annually and had a unique connection. Abraham remembers her annual Christmas cards and frequent letters before emails became popular. He and Thankamma had a very close relationship, where they shared their innermost feelings and emotions. Abraham will always be grateful for the immense love and support of his sister and her husband.

Abraham owes a great deal of his professional success to two late Chathoth family members, Pennamma Kochamma (M.C. Mariamma, wife of his uncle C.I. Abraham) and Kunjoppan (C.I. Thomas, his uncle) and he is deeply grateful to them. Abraham was welcomed into the family of Pennamma Kochamma between 1954 and 1957, where he was cared for with the same maternal love and devotion. Abraham’s career in the agricultural field began when Kunjoppan, lovingly guided and helped to secure admission to a basic degree course in Agriculture from Bengaluru. He was accepted and began his studies in 1954.

The passing away of Abraham’s brother C.C. Georgekutty at the age of six had a deep impact on his parents, particularly his father C.I. Chandy, who would remember the tragedy every year by sending prayer requests to his favourite Paliakara St. George Orthodox Church in Thiruvalla, the last time on his deathbed while suffering from a stroke. After the loss of Georgekutty, Abraham’s cousin C.I. Jacob became like a brother to him, and the two stayed together for their schooling at Vallamkulam, and later attended agricultural sciences in Bengaluru together. Abraham’s mother looked after them both during their time in Vallamkulam, while Jacob’s mother took care of them while they were in Bengaluru. Throughout their lives, they remained so close that it was as if they were brothers, sharing mutual commitments to their families and matters of importance. Abraham was deeply saddened by the passing of Jacob in 2018. He thanks Jacob’s surviving family for their love and support.

On 14th January 2014, Abraham had a mishap while at home when he fell from a ladder. This incident became more severe due to his chronic susceptibility to allergens, which complicated otherwise minor bronchial issues and eventually led to his being hospitalized in the ICU due to the development of Septicemia.

Abraham is thankful for several friends and relatives who helped him and his family during the period of hospitalization and recovery. When he was admitted to the Jubilee Mission Medical College, Thrissur, Abraham’s health quickly declined. Abi was by his father’s side throughout his hospital stay, while his wife’s nephew, Mathew Simon, otherwise known as Nebu, aided Abi like a brother. With Nebu’s help, Abraham was successfully transferred to Amala Hospital and the renowned nephrologist Dr. Jayant Thomas Mathew, a relative of Nebu’s, attended to him, thus saving his life. Dr. Alexander Thomas, his nephew, was an immense help to Abraham, visiting the hospital and providing uplifting words, while also speaking with the doctors who were in charge of his care, especially the orthopedic expert Dr. Wilson Iype. Since the 1970s, when Dr. Sarah T. George (Thottackatt) joined Kerala Agricultural University as a student, her bond with Abraham’s family has been strong. She and her husband Dr. Babu organized Abraham’s transportation to the hospital and provided care afterwards. Julie, Abi’s sister-in-law, and Jolly (Konkara) and Shyam Valayil were regular guests, supplying beneficial assistance as well. Jolly’s mother, who hailed from the Konkara family, was very close to Abraham and his family before her death.

Valsamma (Thazhamon) and Babychen have been close to the Abrahams since the early 1980s when they lived near their Mannuthy home and raised their family. They continue to keep the relations after they moved to Chengannur.

K.M. Mathew, former headmaster of MGM High School, Thiruvalla, and a cousin to Thankamma Thomas, has been a close friend and guide to the Abrahams. Reena Mathew, his daughter, formed a connection with them during her student life at Kerala Agricultural University in the 1970s, and their families have kept this relationship intact ever since.

Former colleagues and neighbours C.A. Mathew, Dr. T.V. Viswanathan and Prof. S. Balakrishnan have been sincere friends and have helped on numerous occasions. Dr. Abraham’s purchase of the plot of land in Mannuthy and the subsequent founding of India Nagar were both made possible thanks to the help of Prof. S Balakrishnan, a senior colleague and close friend. The professor was integral in aiding Dr. Abraham’s settlement of the area prior to the arrival of the new bypass road in the 1970s, and the two have remained close, offering each other support and advice throughout the years.

The Abrahams are also grateful to Babu, Johny and Basheer, who have supported them with their travels outside of their home. They are also thankful for the sincere support provided by Jos and Sobhana over many years from the 1960s to the 1990s in raising their children and taking care of their parents.

Sabu Jacob of Missions India Evangelistic Ministry and his family have a special place in Abraham’s mind. Missions India is a homegrown Christian group that serves two purposes: reviving the church and aiding the less fortunate in India. Since its founding in 1989, the organization has grown to include 560 missionaries in 17 states, working in 189 mission stations (Website http://www.missionsindia.org/).

Since 1990, Sabu Jacob has been part of Missions India. His work includes house visits, prayers, personal evangelism, and conventions. In 2007, they moved as a family to Thrissur, and shortly afterwards they were introduced to Abraham and his family. Sabu mentioned to the author that they highly value the love, support and prayers of Abraham. Abraham wants to thank Sabu Jacob and their family for their care and prayers.

Abraham wishes to highlight the professional and charitable work of his nephew Dr. Alexander Thomas and his wife Dr. Glory Alexander with pride. Both of them are highly accomplished medical doctors who have received multiple awards at the Karnataka State and Indian National levels for their work for the ASHA Foundation (Action, Service, Hope for Aids, https://ashaf.org/) and AHPI (Association of Healthcare Providers (India) https://www.ahpi.in/) that they founded.

Abraham’s exemplary career and lifetime achievements have been recognized several times by the Kerala Agricultural University. The Senior Scientists’ Association (SSA) of the University belatedly felicitated him on 20 December 2022 for Shatabhishekam (Sahasra Purna Chandrodaya or Sahasra Chandra Darshan) which is the celebration of a person’s 1000th full moon during his or her life as a special occasion. This milestone is reached before the 81st birthday of a person’s life; however, it is traditionally celebrated on the 84th birthday considering one thousand calendar months. He thanks the University SSA team that visited his home and presented him with the Shatabhishekam plaque and took the pictures, a few of which are included in this post.

Abraham considers it a blessing that he has the love and support of the families of his two sons Alex and Abi Abraham. Abraham has had very loving relations with Alex’s brothers-in-law, Bobby, Soman, and their families. He would also like to mention Abi’s brother-in-law Francis and his family in Thrissur.

The Abrahams are deeply appreciative of all their family members, friends, supporters, and well-wishers, and wish them all the best.

Pictures

Figure 1 With KAU SSA Staff on belated Shatabhishekam (84th birthday)
Figure 2 With wife Jolly Abraham on the occasion of receiving the Sathabisham (84th birthday) plaque on 20 December 2022
Figure 3 Inaugurating family website with wife Jolly Abraham on 25 April 2015
Figure 4 Alex George and Rany Alex inaugurating family website on 25th April 2015
Figure 5 Wedding photo of  C.C. Abraham and Jolly Abraham  5th June 1961


Figure 6 Dr. and Mrs. Abraham on his 81st birthday

Chathoth Extended Family Tree

These are now available for private circulation to family members.

Cousins are typically divided into “removed” categories. This indicates the number of generations separating the cousins. Cousins who are in the same generation are called “first cousins,” while cousins who are separated by one generation are called “once removed.” Cousins separated by two generations are “twice removed,” three generations are “three times removed,” and four generations are “four times removed.” This order of cousins is commonly understood as the number of generations between cousins.

After conducting research, the author created a cousin finder chart featuring six siblings: C.I. Chandy, C.I. Abraham, C.I. Mathew, C.I. Thomas, C.I. Aleyamamma, and C.I. George. A bar chart was also generated to provide a concise summary of the number of cousins per category.

About the Author

Alex Abraham, the eldest son of Dr. C. C. Abraham, began his career as an engineer at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala in 1985. After 11 years at the Centre, he took on assignments in India, the Middle East, and Africa for the next 14 years. In 2010, he and his family made Canada their home.

He oversees the chathothvallamkulamfamily.com website. If there are any errors, omissions or any comments about the post, you can reach out to him using the form on the page ‘Contact’.

Chinese Fishing Nets, Kochi

Many cities require a geographic genius to identify them from just one photo, but exceptions like Paris, famously known for its Eiffel Tower, exist. Kochi, Kerala is not as renowned as Paris, yet this iconic and rustic image is recognizable to millions of people living there.

Chinese fishing nets, also known as Cheenavala, are a type of fishing net that are found in Kochi, Kerala. They are an iconic symbol of the city, and have been used for centuries by the local fishermen. The Chinese fishing nets were first introduced to Kochi by traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan in the 13th century. 

They are also known by another name, ‘stake-held lift nets’, as they are operated using several poles. The nets are fixed to the ground, and are then lifted and lowered in the water by the fishermen. The nets are still in use today, and are still a major source of income for the fishermen in Kochi. The nets are typically used in the shallow waters of the backwaters of Kochi, and in the lagoons, although they can also be used in deeper waters. 

The Chinese fishing nets require a lot of skill and expertise to operate, and the fishermen of Kochi have spent generations perfecting their techniques. They are an important part of the local culture, and a symbol of the city’s rich maritime history.

Punching Fist of Democracy

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing, and it has been difficult for Ukraine to match the military might of the Russians. But now, Germany and the United States have stepped in and offered to help Ukraine in their fight against Russia with the Abrams and Leopard main battle tanks.

ABRAMS ARE COMING

The recent delivery of the Abrahams main battle tank to Ukraine has created a wave of excitement, as the country looks to build up its military defense capabilities. The Abrahams main battle tank is considered one of the most advanced battle tanks in the world, and its arrival in Ukraine has the potential to significantly change the dynamics of the war between Ukraine and Russia.

The Abrahams main battle tank is a formidable war machine, boasting a range of impressive features. It is equipped with a powerful 120mm smoothbore gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and an anti-aircraft machine gun. It also comes equipped with an advanced fire control system, a laser rangefinder, an advanced thermal imaging system, and an active protection system. This advanced system allows the tank to detect incoming fire and take evasive action to protect its crew.

The tank also has superior mobility, thanks to its 1,500 hp diesel engine and four-wheel drive system. This allows the tank to traverse a wide range of terrain, while its powerful suspension system ensures a smooth ride.

The Abrahams main battle tank also has superior armor protection. It is fitted with advanced composite armor, which is capable of withstanding incoming fire from high-powered weapons. This armor can also be further enhanced with additional reactive armor modules, giving the tank extra protection against anti-tank missiles.

LEOPARDS TOO

The Leopard main battle tank is an advanced piece of German engineering and technology, and it is one of the most powerful weapons on the battlefield. It has a powerful 120mm smoothbore gun that can fire a variety of rounds, including anti-tank and anti-personnel rounds. It is also fitted with a state-of-the-art computerized fire-control system, allowing it to accurately engage targets at long range. The Leopard is also equipped with a laser rangefinder, infrared and thermal imaging systems, and an advanced navigation system, making it one of the most technologically advanced tanks in the world.

The Leopard main battle tank is also incredibly tough, with an armor system made up of hard steel composite and ceramic armor plates, giving it excellent protection against both kinetic and chemical energy attacks. It is also equipped with a powerful engine and advanced suspension system, allowing it to move quickly and maneuver effectively across terrain.

The Leopard main battle tank is an incredibly powerful weapon, and its presence in Ukraine will be a major game-changer. It will give the Ukrainian military an incredibly potent weapon in its fight against the Russians, allowing them to take on the Russians’ powerful armored divisions. The Leopard is a powerful symbol for the Ukrainian people, and its presence will give the Ukrainian people hope and confidence in their fight against the Russians.

Fist of Democracy

The Abrams and Leopard main battle tanks are symbols of hope and freedom to the Ukrainian children and adults from the daily threat of death and destruction for no fault of their

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Martin Luther King (MLK) Day January 16 – How MKL contrasts with Black Lives Matter, Malcolm X and Kanye West

Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X were two of the most influential civil rights activists in the United States during the 20th century. They both advocated for the rights of Black Americans and fought for racial equality, but their approaches to achieving these goals were quite different.

Martin Luther King Jr was an advocate of non-violent protest, believing that civil disobedience and peaceful demonstrations were the best way to bring about change. He believed that love, and not hatred, was the best way to combat racism. He advocated for peaceful marches, sit-ins, boycotts, and other forms of civil disobedience as a way to bring about equality for Black Americans.

In contrast, Malcolm X was a proponent of a more militant approach to the civil rights movement. He believed that peaceful protest was ineffective and advocated for the use of violence, if necessary, to achieve racial justice. He was a vocal critic of white America and believed that Black Americans should take control of their own destiny. He advocated for Black nationalism and separatism, believing that Black Americans should have their own autonomous nation and that they should not rely on white America for change.

Both Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X had a great influence on the civil rights movement in the United States. Their contrasting views on the best way to achieve racial justice demonstrate the complexity of the civil rights struggle, as well as the vast range of perspectives and approaches that were taken in order to bring about change.

Kanye West (called Ye) is one of the most influential hip hop artists of the 21st century. His lyrics often touch on political topics such as racism, social justice, and economic inequality. While his views may not be traditional, they are certainly powerful.

West has often been outspoken in his support of African American rights, and his admiration of the civil rights leader Malcolm X is no secret.

West has been vocal about his views on the criminal justice system, pointing out the disparities in sentencing between white and black offenders. He has denounced the “school to prison pipeline” and the over-incarceration of African Americans. In his song “Blood on the Leaves”, West raps about how the judicial system has failed black Americans, and how the legacy of slavery and racism is still present in today’s society.

West has also been vocal in his support of the Black Lives Matter movement. He has performed at several rallies and protests, and has used his platform to spread awareness of the movement’s goals. West has also been a strong advocate for police reform, calling for better training and more accountability for law enforcement officers.

West’s admiration for Malcolm X is clear in his music. He often references the civil rights leader in his lyrics, citing him as an inspiration. West has also spoken out about the racism that Malcolm X experienced and how it is still present today. He believes that the civil rights leader’s message of self-empowerment is still relevant in today’s political climate.

However, Ye did not denounce the police brutality and killing of George Floyd but denounced the subsequent protests. George Floyd. He was also seen wearing White Lives Matter T shirt. This makes Ye’s political alignment hard to follow in the author’s opinion. The author supports Martin Luther King and his ideals on this upcoming MLK day.

Happy New Year 2023

As we enter the year 2023, it is important for everyone to remember that life does not end with retirement from a job.

In this New Year, let us all take a page from Dr. Alexander Thomas and his incredible contributions to the medical profession in India. He has inspired us to not sit comfortably and to strive for more productivity and purpose for the remainder of our lives.

While it may be tempting to slow down and take it easy, we should remember the words of the book, “Are You Sitting Comfortably?” by Merlin Carothers. https://foundationofpraise.org/merlin-carothers-biography/He reminds us that there is no retirement in the kingdom of God and encourages us to strive to be all that we can be until our dying day.

Merlin Carothers is a famous author in the Christian community. He has written 17 books and sold over 19 million copies in 59 languages. He’s even had three books on the top ten bestseller list! His idea to praise God for everything that happens has made miraculous things happen. The Bible says that God can turn anything into something good if you love Him (Romans 8:28). Merlin served in the U.S. Army and was a lieutenant colonel. He was in the 82nd Airborne and was a demolition expert. He also guarded Dwight D. Eisenhower and was a chaplain. He even did 90 jumps as a parachutist! He also went to Marion College and Asbury Seminary and was a pastor.

Dr. Alexander Thomas was given the IMA Dr. M. G. Garg All-Time Achievement Award 2022 for his great work in the medical profession in India. He was presented the award by IMA President Dr. Sahajanand Prasad Singh and IMA Secretary-General Dr. Jayesh Lele at the 97th Annual National Conference of the Indian Medical Association on 27 December in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Dr. Thomas is an orthopedic surgeon and a leader in healthcare policy. He is the President of AHPI and advises the Association of National Board Accredited Institutions and the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organisations. He helped bring together two big organizations, AHPI and IMA, working together to solve problems like the Covid crisis and violence against healthcare workers. He was also the Director of Bangalore Baptist Hospital and worked with the Central and State governments to provide accessible and quality healthcare for all. For all his hard work, Dr. Thomas has been honoured by the UAE Government, ANBAI, CAHO, IMA, and the National Board of Examinations. https://medicircle.in/ima-alltime-achievement-award-for-indian-healthcare-leader

This New Year, let us all take Dr. Thomas’ lead and strive to be productive and purposeful. Let us use our skills and talents to make a difference in our community, country and world. Let us remember that we are never too old to make a difference.

Happy New Year 2023!

Rest in peace, Pele. You will be missed by soccer fans all over the world.

We sadly mourn the death of an international soccer legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as “Pele”. He passed away at the age of eighty-three, after a long and successful career as one of the world’s most beloved soccer players.

Pele was born in Tres Coracoes, Brazil on October 23, 1940 and was raised by his parents Joao Ramos do Nascimento and Celeste Arantes. He played his first game of soccer for the club Bauru Athletic Club at the age of fifteen and went on to be considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest soccer player of all time.

He rose to fame with his skillful play and impressive record of one thousand two hundred and sixty-one goals throughout his career. Pele was a powerful force on the field and his presence was felt in every game he played. He was known for his spectacular performances which not only amazed fans, but also made him a target for the media.

He was a three-time World Cup winner, a two-time Copa Libertadores winner, and a member of the International Soccer Hall of Fame. He was also the first player to be named the FIFA Player of the Century. In addition to his soccer career, he was a successful businessman and an ambassador for the sport.

Pele was a living legend, and his influence was felt far beyond the soccer field. He was a role model for many people, especially in his native Brazil. He will be remembered for his passion for the sport, his kind and generous spirit, and his incredible skill as a soccer player.

Rest in peace, Pele. You will be missed by soccer fans all over the world.

Why did Jesus have to be born as man and God?

The Christmas season is the time of year when Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The story of his birth is one of the most important events in Christianity, and it is also one of the most mysterious. Jesus was God incarnate, born as a human being. This fact raises an interesting theological question: why did Jesus have to be both God and Man at the same time?

Jesus had to be born as man and as God in order to win back Satan’s dominion over the world that was lost because the first man sinned, and to be sinless to accomplish this objective, He had to be born as the son of God without a material father.

When Jesus was born, He was born to fulfill God’s plan for humanity. The Bible says, For with God nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37). This means that any plan God sets in motion can be accomplished. Jesus’ birth was an example of God’s power and His capability to do the impossible.

Some people question why God chose to use Jesus’s birth as a Plan B when Plan A with Adam had failed. Additionally, many ponder why God, being all-powerful, would not have defeated Satan without the need for Jesus’s sacrifice.

Alice and Bob are debating why Jesus had to die to save mankind from Satan. Alice is the questioner who has a lot of questions about the bible and the Christian faith. Bob is a pastor.

Alice: “Wait, so why did Jesus have to die exactly? I mean, couldn’t God have just forgiven us, like he usually does?”

Bob: “Ah, the age-old question. Well, Alice, God’s forgiveness was not enough to atone for our sins, so Jesus had to die a sacrificial death to pay the price for mankind’s sin.”

Alice: “That doesn’t make any sense. Why would God demand a human life just to forgive us? That’s kinda harsh, don’t you think?”

Bob: “It’s the way of the Lord. He requires us to accept His sacrifice to receive salvation.”

Alice: “But why can’t He just forgive us without all this death and suffering? It seems a bit extreme.”

Bob: “It is a hard concept to understand, but God’s ways are not our ways. His ways are higher than ours, and He knows what is best for us.”

Alice: “That’s true, but still, it seems like a lot of trouble to go through just to forgive us. Are you sure this is what God wanted?”

Bob: “Yes, this is what God wanted. And remember, we are not alone in this. Jesus went through this for us, and He is with us every step of the way. He will never leave us nor forsake us.”

Bob then went on to explain that in the beginning, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit were all united in one triune Godhead. This triune Godhead governed three archangels, one of whom was Lucifer. When Lucifer rebelled against God, he was cast out of Heaven, and this was when Jesus was called upon to redeem mankind from their sins. It was this act of love and sacrifice that enabled humans to be forgiven and receive salvation.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

Note: I took the help of HyperWrite Artificial Intelligence Tool to write the conversation above. I represent Alice and Bob represents a conventional pastor in the conversation.

Christmas Greetings

The past year saw a few souls departing and few new new arrivals. While a few more have retired from regular working lives, some started a new phase of career in their lives.

Chathoth family name is supposed to mean the respect for the lives and values of the departed family members and senior living ones. We have a commitment to carry on the good tradition of high education, teaching, hard work and service at work, in the extended families and in the communities that we are part of.

Wishing all Chathoth family members a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! May this season bring peace, joy, happiness, and renewed faith in the Lord. May each of you find success in whatever venture you take up, and may you be blessed with good health and prosperity. Cheers to a wonderful and blessed 2023!

Here’s to a fantastic Christmas and a fantastic New Year!

FIFA World Cup 2022 Final Today!

A Lionel Messi-Kylian Mbappé World Cup final (with some other good players, too) courtesy of Washington Post, December 18.

RAYYAN, Qatar — Maybe one-eighth of humanity might watch from time zones both populous and barren Sunday as one cosmic star from Rosario in northwest Argentina opposes one cosmic star from a banlieue just northeast of Paris.

I am sure the match will be just as exciting today! As for who will win, it is impossible to say without seeing the match unfold. Ultimately, it may come down to a matter of luck or a moment of brilliance. No matter what, we can be sure that the match will be entertaining. All the best to both teams, and may the best team win!

I remember watching the 1986 World Cup match in Joychayan’ house in Trivandrum, which Argentina won. That was also the last time they won. It is going to be an exciting match today. Who will win? Argentina or France? while the drama is in the air, I also want to thank the family of Joychayan, who is no longer with us, Biji, Mollymama, and Biji’s family too.

And Messi & Argentina did it!

Peace on Earth, Come! Amen, come soon!

It is a time of religious and cultural festivals. Ramadan, Easter and Passover coming together this year now. But we are in the grip of global wars and crime against humanity like in the Second World War. We thought we overcame fascism and imperialism. We thought we became more ‘civilized’. But sadly we were wrong! I hope and pray that goodness, kindness, and peace prevail in the world.

Happy Easter!

youtube.com/watch