Personalities
Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) took birth in London in 1844 against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution had drawn thousands of young men to the new manufacturing centres in England. The squalid and unsafe living conditions both in the workplace and at home made their life miserable. George Williams, a 23 year old draper who was typical of these young men founded the first YMCA in London on 6 June 1844 with the purpose of “the improving of the spiritual conditions of young men engaged in the drapery, embroidery and other trades”. The new organization was dedicated to putting into practice Christian principles by developing a healthy spirit, mind and body. YMCA instilled a sense of direction and hope in the minds of the industrial workers through prayer and Bible study. The YMCA idea, although began among evangelicals, soon crossed the rigid religious and social barriers that existed in England in those days. This trait of openness attracted all men, women and children irrespective of race, religion and nationality to the new movement. YMCA now adopts a holistic approach to individual and social development encompassing spiritual, intellectual and physical methods.
Presidents of the Trivandrum YMCA over the years: | ||
Rev Samuel Mateer | LMS Missionary, Trivandrum | 1873-1889 |
Rev. V. Moses | LMS Pastor, Trivandrum | 1889-1931 |
Justice H.S .Chatfield | Chief Justice of Travancore | 1931-1953 |
K. George | Chief Secretary, Travancore-Cochin | 1953-1955 |
E. John Philipose | Minister, Travancore-Cochin | 1955-1959 |
Justice T.K. Joseph | Judge, High Court of Travancore-Cochin. Vice-President, World Alliance of YMCAs |
1959-1972 |
Dr. A. Abraham | Professor, University of Kerala and Secretary to Govt. of India | 1972-1987 |
P.K. Koruth | Banker and Planter | 1987-1990 |
John Varghese | Social Scientist, University of Kerala | 1990-1995 |
L. John | Deputy Commissioner of Excise, Kerala | 1995-1996 |
Dr. P.A. Thomas | Director & Prof. of Plastic Surgery, Trivandrum Medical College | 1996-1998 |
P.V. Varghese | State Librarian, Kerala | 1998-1999 |
M. Rajan Panicker | IA &AS Deputy Accountant General, Kerala | 1999-2001 |
K.V. Thomas | Director of State Treasuries, Kerala | 2001-2003 |
Babu K. Mathew | Superintending Engineer (Retd.), State PWD | 2003-2004 |
P.K. Kurien | Chartered Accountant | 2004-2005 |
K.V.Thomas | Retd. Director of State Treasuries | 2005-2006 |
Babu K Mathew | Superintending Engineer (Retd.), State PWD | 2006-2007 |
Dr. K.J. Punnoose | Surgeon, L.R. Medical Trust Hospital | 2007-2008 |
K.V. Thomas | Retd. Director of State Treasuries | 2008-2009 |
K.V. Thomas | Retd. Director of State Treasuries | 2009-2010 |
Dr. S.G. Churchin Ben | Professor, CSI Medical College, Karakonam | 2010-2011 |
Dr. Varghese M. Mathunny | Principal (Retd.), St. Johns College, Anchal | 2011-2012 |
Dr. Varghese M. Mathunny | Principal (Retd.), St. Johns College, Anchal | 2012-2013 |
Former General Secretaries of the Trivandrum YMCA | ||
M. Mathew | Hon. Secretary | 1873-1890 |
Gabriel | Hon. Secretary | 1890-1912 |
J.F. Thadeus | General Secretary | 1912-1922 |
K.C. Thomas | General Secretary | 1922-1923 |
Thomas P. Chandy | General Secretary | 1923-1935 |
T.C.Idicula | General Secretary | 1935-1963 |
M. John Thomas | General Secretary | 1963-1988 |
Kurian Philip | General Secretary | 1988-1994 |
Jacob Joseph | General Secretary | 1994-1998 |
Thomas Abraham | General Secretary | 1998-2011 |
Kurien Philip | General Secretary | 2011-2012 |
Shaji James | General Secretary | 2012 |