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Profile of Late Padma Bhushan Dr. Jacob Cherian

Profile of Late Padma Bhushan Dr. Jacob Cherian

## Early Life and Background  
Dr. Jacob Cherian was born on July 14, 1923, at Kottara, Kerala, as the son of Rev. K.M. Jacob, popularly known as Kottara Achen, who holds a Guinness World Record for the longest service as a pastor of the Marthoma Church.

## Education  
After graduating from the University of Kerala, Dr. Cherian studied medicine at Miraj Medical School, Maharashtra, and then at R.G. Kar Medical College, Calcutta, earning his MBBS in 1956. In 1961, he was awarded FRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow.

## Medical Mission and Community Health Service  
Dr. Cherian chose to serve rural populations in need, starting a small health center in Oddanchatram, Tamil Nadu, with his wife and Dr. A.K. Tharian in a drought-affected village. In 1965, he moved to the remote village of Ambilikkai in Dindigul District, establishing the Christian Fellowship Community Health Centre Society. The centre served all people regardless of caste, creed, or religion. Over time, he established 18 institutions for medical, health, education, and social work, covering nearly 100 villages.

## Hospitals and Surgical Contributions  
Starting with a modest 25-bed hospital treating leprosy and tuberculosis, the facility in Ambilikkai grew into a 330-bed modern hospital with multiple specialties, including a cancer centre. Dr. Cherian was a skilled surgeon, performing over 25,000 surgeries. His hospital served as a vital access point for affordable medical care in rural Tamil Nadu.

## Educational Initiatives  
Understanding the importance of education for development, Dr. Cherian established English and Tamil medium higher secondary schools, professional colleges such as nursing, polytechnic, science, and engineering colleges, and a training institute to empower local youth. His efforts significantly raised literacy and educational opportunities in the region.

## Social and Economic Development  
A champion against caste discrimination and untouchability, he actively worked to uplift Harijan and tribal communities. He encouraged social reforms against superstitious and costly festivals and promoted economic self-reliance through cottage industries, dairy farming, and land reclamation projects. He facilitated access to government welfare schemes and international aid for the poor.

## Support for Vulnerable Groups  
Dr. Cherian founded two boarding homes for impoverished children, providing shelter, education, and care for thousands. He also established Mercy Home at Kallimandayam for destitute elderly individuals, offering them shelter, love, and comfort in their final years.

## Honors and Awards  
Dr. Cherian was a fellow or honorary fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Glasgow, International College of Surgeons (USA), American College of Surgeons, and the Indian Association of Surgeons (founding fellow). His awards include national and state recognitions for leprosy patient rehabilitation and social services, culminating with the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India in 1999.

## Personal Life and Legacy  
His wife, Dr. Mary Cherian, a pediatrician, was a steadfast partner in his mission. Dr. Cherian lived a life of simplicity, humility, and Christian values. He was known for his motivating oratory and dedication to rural development. Dr. Jacob Cherian passed away on October 5, 2007, leaving behind a lasting legacy of compassion, service, and holistic upliftment of rural society.

***

Citations:
[1] Jacob Cherian https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Cherian
[2] History - Christian Hospital Ambilikkai https://chahospital.co.in/history/
[3] Our Founders - Rev. Jacob Memorial Christian College https://rjmcc.ac.in/our-founders/
[4] Rev.Jacob Memorial Christian College, Ambilikkai https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=668023616653515&id=667969686658908&set=a.668023606653516
[5] ജേക്കബ് ചെറിയാൻ https://ml.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B4%9C%E0%B5%87%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%AC%E0%B5%8D_%E0%B4%9A%E0%B5%86%E0%B4%B1%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%AF%E0%B4%BE%E0%B5%BB
[6] Rev. Dr. Jacob Cherian https://ffrrc.org/wp-faculty/rev-dr-jacob-cherian/
[7] The life of Padma Bushan Dr Jacob Cherian, Ambilikkai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkmKUCw7vdg

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