After
a brilliant academic career at the Madras
Christian College Mr. K.C.Chacko joined
the staff of that College as Lecturer in
Philosophy. He was greatly inspired and
influenced by the life of Principal Dr.
William Skinner. While in Madras, Mr. Chacko
laboured day and night among the students
and other young men of the city passing
on to them the message of Christ’s
call to fellowship in his name. His ceaseless
activity told on his health and in 1911
he fell seriously ill with tuberculosis.
Though the doctors gave up all hope of recovery
he rested his mind on God’s love and
power to heal. He had a miraculous recovery
but he could no longer subject himself to
much physical strain or exertion. He joyfully
canalized the tremendous energy of his vigorous
mind to the ministry of intercession and
helping individuals and groups in the Christian
life. One of the prayer groups which came
into existence in this way was responsible
for the founding of this College, the first
non-Roman Christian College in India owing
its existence to Indian initiative. Christian
Fellowship as a God-given means of finding
out God’s will in every situation
and of receiving God’s answer to prayer
in every need was the guiding principle
of Mr. Chacko’s life. He always thought
of this College as a centre where a fellowship
consisting of members from different denominations
of the Christian Church could unitedly experience
Christ’s sufficiency and comment Christ
to others thereby effectively sharing in
the witnessing mission of the Church and
working for the unity of the Church. In
the growth and progress of the Union Christian
College from its every humble beginning
one can see the vindication of the deep
faith of Mr.Chacko in the purpose and providence
of God and in God’s response to prayer
in the name of Christ.
Mr. Chacko retired from formal College service
in 1943, but he continued to keep alive
his association with his colleagues, friends
and students. He also continued to strive
for the unity of the Church in Kerala. While
being still engaged in deliberations and
negotiations involving great mental and
physical strain for bringing unity within
the Malankara Syrian Church to which he
belonged, he died on September 15, 1947.
Mr. Chacko was a rare Christian soul who
in our generation experienced, and helped
others to experience in their daily life
and work and problems, the reality of the
presence purpose and power of the Lord Jesus
Christ. Chacko
Hostel is named after him.
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