FOUNDERS

K.C.  CHACKO
(1884-1947)


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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