In Memory of Fr Thomas V Kunnunkal SJ: A Legacy of Service

Fr Thomas V Kunnunkal SJ, a distinguished Indian educationist, passed away at the age of 99 on January 28, 2026, leaving behind a rich legacy of service. He was laid to rest on January 30.

Fr Kunnunkal served two terms as Principal of St Xavier's School from 1962 to 1979, during which time he made significant strides in the field of education.

In recognition of his remarkable contributions, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, the nation's fourth-highest civilian award, in 1974.

Kunnunkal served as the chairman of India's Central Board of Secondary Education from 1980 to 1987. He then became the founding chairman of the National Open School (NOS) in 1989, a position he held until 1992. NOS aimed to provide a second chance for students who had dropped out of traditional schooling systems. Moreover, he played a vital role as a member of two key central government commissions: the National Commission on Teachers in 1983 and the National Commission for Review of the National Policy on Education in 1987. His impact on education continues to resonate across India.

In an interview, Kunnunkal revealed that his inspiration for NOS came from General Congregation 32 (1975), which underscored the vital link between faith and the quest for social justice. GC 32 placed a strong emphasis on the "preferential option for the poor," positioning it as the heart of the Jesuit mission while advocating struggle for justice on behalf of the poor. Kunnunkal reflected on how, as an educationist, he could bring this vision to life in his ministry. This consideration led to the idea of NOS, which aims to create a schooling system that supports the poor and marginalized-those who have been excluded from formal education or have dropped out-offering them a valuable second chance at learning.

He strongly believed in the power of collaboration. He once shared with me that while in Mathematics one plus one equals two, in human relationships, the outcome can vary; it might be three or four, or even zero, depending on the quality of the human relations. Valuing teamwork, he worked alongside his lay associates to form the Education Planning Group. This initiative developed educational modules that not only introduced innovative teaching methods but also focused on building students' character, guiding them toward a genuine commitment to God and a responsible dedication to their neighbors.

He served as the President of the Islamic Studies Association after Father Paul Jackson SJ, despite not being a formally trained Islamologist. In this role, he passionately advocated for meaningful dialogue between Muslims and Christians, incorporating this theme into his retreat talks and education seminars held in numerous schools. He also organized various programs that brought together both communities.

Kunnunkal frequently emphasized the importance of "letting go of the past and living in the power of now" as a guiding principle in life. He believed that clinging to past negative experiences prevents God from entering our daily lives. When he noticed individuals struggling to move beyond their pasts, he would gently help them recognize their situation, encouraging them to look forward with hope and joy, reminding them, "the best days lie ahead."

May he Rest in Peace.