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G. THOMAS

Thomas (known as Thommykunju) was born on October 14, 1930. Thomas’s life cannot
be told without mentioning his congenital handicaps. He has use only of his right ear,
and the left ear, in addition to being deaf, is also mis-shapen.

From the early years of his school life, he was subjected to taunts and ridicule as a result
of this physical deficiency. That he has survived, and in spite of it, has thrived is a story
in itself. He had to fight off much mockery. He learned not only to laugh with others, but
to do as well as any of the others. Through sheer determination, he overcame his
handicap, became a leader in school- for mischief as well as for good. He took active part
in the activities of St. George’s School. What he lacked in talent, he made up in
determination and tenacity. Thus he played football with his soul, and if he got hurt,
which he did often, he grit his teeth and carried on. He was given parts in school dramas.
He spoke at literary functions and honed his abilities to move the masses. And he
entertained his friends. Where did he find the cash to support himself? His father’s
cupboard was overflowing with money. It was only a matter of finding the right time
when the coast was clear to open the little box and grab fistfulls of rupees. If anyone
found him in the act, he or she would be generously bought, to ensure silence!!

When he went to Mannanam, in addition to doing all the mischievous activities following
the footsteps of Jacob, Thomas also became a student leader. It was amazing to see
hundreds of students hanging to every word of their student president, who organized
strikes, walkouts and disruptions, for causes big and small. He had a group of steady
friends to boost him along. Needless to say, some times his friends wanted to see some
action at the cost of Thomas’s education and health. He was suspended several times by
Fr. Lazarus, who asked him to bring his parents or guardian. Thomas roped in the
services of Luka, his eldest brother, who went to Mannanam, not so much to apologize
as to upbraid the authorities of the school. Of course Thomas did not have much time to
study. But he made up for that by ingenious methods. He bribed the peon to insert his
answer papers a day after the examination. Thomas, and a few exclusive friends, would
closet themselves in Kalappura during the nights of the exams, writing out answers to
questions that they had received officially during the day. The teachers were pleasantly
surprised at the sudden studiousness of Thomas, little realizing the strategem that he had
employed. His years in Mannanam could fill a volume. One need only to say that his
education terminated with high school leaving examination.

Thomas does not have any pretensions. He is a hard worker. He has no qualms about
working along side of the servants. He learned agriculture the practical way. He was no
arm-chair farmer. Therefore Abraham found in him a steady and reliable helper. On
January 8, 1951 Thomas married Achamma Pulimoottil . Achamma’s family was, and is,
one of the richest in the community. But that did not make Thomas lose his bearings. He
continued to be the earthy individual that he always was. He tried his hands at some
businesses such as renting water pumps for farmers, running his own toddy shops, and
owning a rice mill .After a few years spent helping his brothers in Abkari contract,
Thomas, along with Jacob, started public works contract. It was his anchoring abilities at

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