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J. MATHAIKUNJU

Victoria died in April 1938. Naithy mourned the death of her daughter. She was also
expecting her next child. P.C. Mathew Pannivelil, her youngest brother who was an
industrialist, operating his own carpet manufacturing plant in Alappuzha, invited Naithy
to be his guest for her impending confinement. She readily agreed and went by boat to
Alappuzha. On May 18, 1938 her last child was born. P.C. Mathew was his godfather and
the baby was named after him.

Mathaikunju, as he is universally known, grew up in Kalluvelil among all his older
brothers and sisters. His constant companions were his nephews: Lukachan and Dani. He
too studied in St. Margaret’s Primary School and St. George’s High School in Kaipuzha.
As a youngster he had a lisp which he corrected with determination. Indeed,
determination was to remain the hallmark of his character all his life. He worked very
hard at his studies. He helped his parents around the house. As all his older brothers left
the Kalluvelil household to set up homes fore themselves, it became the responsibility of
Mathaikunju to help his father in the fields and lands, to keep in touch with all his
relatives, and to be always available at the beck and call of all. It was no easy task., But
he acquitted himself very well. He was the favorite uncle who visited his nephews and
nieces regularly and lovingly. He was the person given the duties of running errands for
all and sundry. He also had to study as he realized that only education would get him
somewhere. Mathaikunju was an active person by nature. In school he was a leader in
games and sports and other extracurricular programs.

After having graduated from High School in 1956, he went to St. Philomena’s College ,
Mysore for his B.A. There he took part in Catholic students Association, and such
interesting activities. He became the constant companion and confidant of Fr. Audieu, the
Principal. He also made friends all over South India, which was to stand him in good
stead in later years. In 1960 he joined the Catholic School Board of the Diocese of
Kottayam. In 1962 he went to Mannanam for his B. Ed training. After some initial
reluctance, Bishop Tharayil personally intervened to appoint him permanently in the
Board.

In May 1963 Mathaikunju married Susie Vellappally, who was also a trained teacher.
Their life together in Kalluvelil had its ups and downs. By this time the steady and
comfortable income of Abraham had been reduced to a trickle. Mathaikunju had to juggle
between his loyalty to the family and his personal responsibilities. In 1964 when his
eldest brother was on his deathbed and during the times of family crisis, Mathaikunju had
to be the doer and the diplomat-no easy task. On June 8, 1964 a son was born to them.
Since Lovegi was born a week after the death of Lukose, he was called by that name.
Liju, named Ann, was born on December 4, 1967.

Joseph had sponsored the family for immigration to Canada. In July 1969 Mathaikunju
arrived in Canada. His wife and children followed in September of the same year. After
brief stints at odd jobs, he secured a position with the Montreal Catholic School Board. In
spite of initial difficulties, Mathaikunju won the hearts of his students and administrators

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