The uniqueness of the Knanaya community was that even as they held strongly to their identity and faith, they could contribute immensely to the society at large, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said.
Delivering his presidential address at the valedictory of the year-long centenary celebrations of the Knanaya Archeparchy of Kottayam here on Tuesday, Mr. Chandy said, the contribution of the community in the fields of education and health were immense not only in Kerala but at the national and global level. They had kept their faith and identity for more than 16 centuries but contributed to the culture of Kerala, he said
According to him, the members of the community who came to the shores of Kerala as immigrants have now grown and are now in the list of emigrants from the country. Even when they are in foreign lands they keep their close communion with the society back home. The presence of the President of India on the occasion was the reflection of the nation’s approval of the contribution of the community to the society at large, he said.
Major Archbishop George Alancherry in his address invited the attention of the President to the plight of the dalit Christians and stressed the need to bring them under the purview of reservation. Supreme Court Justice Cyriac Joseph in his speech highlighted the richness of Indian culture and said it was the diversity of individual cultural streams that had flowed into the mainstream cultural milieu that had enriched it so vibrantly.
Kuriaksoe Kunnassery, Archbishop emeritus of Kottayam archeparchy said the presence of the President of India was the reflection of the respect accorded for the religious and ethnic minorities in the Constitution.
Minister for Finance K.M. Mani said the community contribution in the education and health sectors was a model for others. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Minister for Revenue; Jose K. Mani, MP; Thomas Animoottil, secretary Presbyterian Council; Joy Mupprappallil, president, Knanaya Catholic Congress (KCC) spoke were also a part of the gathering. Archbishop Mathew Moolakkattu welcomed the gathering. Bishop Joseph Pandarasseril extended the vote of thanks.
