Thomas Pallithanam

Thomas Pallithanam is a human rights activist^[1][2] associated with movements of the landless^[3] poor and forming thrift groups among the womenfolk for self-empowerment.

He is also concerned with building of community-based organisations around Ravulapalem of East Godavari district and efficiently managing self-help groups through Peoples Action for Rural Awakening, a Don Bosco social action initiative of which he is the Director.^[4]

His background

Thomas is a silver jubilee priest of the Salesians of Don Bosco Mission in India. He is a B.Sc. (Mathematics) with LL.B. Born on 6 January 1950^[5] in Kerala, he had an inclination to become a Priest. He had his collegiate education in Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu and later joined the Kristu Jyoti College (aggregated to the Pontifical Salesian University, Rome) for pursuing theological studies.

His concerns

Dalit Bahujan Shramik Union

Thomas was the Organising Secretary of Dalit Bahujan Shramik Union, an affiliate of dappu located in Hyderabad.

When serving there, he is acknowledged to have infused dynamism into DBSU and other affiliates of dappu together with his counterpart Mr. Paul Diwakar, the then General Secretary.

Presently, Thomas continues to provide leadership to the executive of the Union.

Thomas has also been attending^[6][7] the Social Forums (read Asian Social Forum and World Social Forum)representing the Dalit-Bahujan sections of Andhra Pradesh.

Peoples Action for Rural Awakening

Taking care of innocent children is one of the prime concerns of PARA. Run-away kids found in the Railway and Bus Stations

Some of the children together with a caretaker in PARA, Ravulapalem

of the nearest river town of Rajahmundry are brought here to safety and educated in a bridge school that is taken care of by an able master. Fr.Thomas personally oversees the care of the children making umpteen visits to their block in PARA inquiring each child's progress. As an orator, Fr.Thomas delivers lectures^[8] at various fora.

After successful completion of the bridge course, students are then sent to Don Bosco Boarding School in Ravulapalem or the Government Schools in the vicinity. During holidays, PARA becomes their home.

Don Bosco Boarding School, Ravulapalem

Fr.Thomas is popular with the students of the School. A tiny room accommodates him here.

Located in a large compound off the National Highway no. 5 that cuts through Ravulapalem, this boarding school houses separate hostels for girls and boys, a large school building, football ground, play area with swings and slides, vegetable garden, and a chapel.

Convent education of children is the wish of many parents. By and large, this has been the forte of those who can afford it.

However, in Ravulapalem, joint efforts of Fr.Thomas' and his counterparts has ensured that this education also reaches the Dalits, Bahujans and those who cannot afford this education.

Fr. Thomas also conducts mass in the Chapel here. As a Preacher, his sermons can bring about a 'change' in a person, be it children, women or men.

Bosco Seva Kendra

As a member^[9] on the Development Commission of the Province of St.Joseph, Hyderabad, Fr.Thomas jointly oversees the programmes of Bosco Seva Kendra, the development arm of the province.

Fr.Thomas inaugurating a training programme with a candle in Ravulapalem as Mr.Job (on his left) and Mr.Isaiah watch on.

See also

• Dalit (outcaste)
• Paul Diwakar

References

Notes

Further reading

• New Advent - Catholic Encyclopedia (October 2005). "St.Giovanni Melchior Bosco".