Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church -45
T.L. George
T.L. George, noted for his excellence in sports, organizational skills, authorship, and social-cultural work, was born on May 18, 1924, in Theeratt, Aranattukara, Thrissur, to parents Lonappan and Thresia.
After completing his education, he entered government service, where he served in various roles including General Manager of the Kerala Sahitya Academy, Deputy Tahsildar, and Civil Supplies Officer. He was actively involved in numerous organizations, serving as District and State President and Secretary of the NGO Union, President of the Kerala Revenue Association, President of the Thrissur Cosmopolitan Club, Treasurer of the Thrissur Rifle Club, and Secretary of the Aranattukara Development Committee.
While working in the Revenue Department, George took charge of the police ground adjacent to the Kochi Maharaja’s palace under certain conditions. He made efforts to convert this ground into an international football court as suggested by the Encyclopedia. As District Sports Council President, following the District Collector George’s advice, he acquired 1 acre and 20 cents of land from the government for the ground’s development. He also managed to level and convert the area into a sports ground. Additionally, he was instrumental in constructing a ten-story cement gallery at the Theeratt Church, initiated by his senior J. Antony. The ground hosted the Chakola Gold Trophy tournament, and an indoor stadium was built on 40 cents of land in the southeast part of the ground with an investment of 21 lakhs, aided by both central and state governments and local leaders.
George is the founder and permanent President of Thrissur’s first Employees’ Ladies Home and has served as Vice President of the literary organization Thoolika and a member of the Pastoral Council of the Thrissur Archdiocese.
Since 1980, he has been a full-time worker for the Cheripunaladhivasam-Redevelopment initiative known as the Slum Service Center, founded by Fr. Sebastian Araykal. He is currently the President of this initiative, which focuses on providing modest housing and constructing concrete buildings for numerous people. His published works include “Vichara Manjari” (Parts), “Prakasham,” and “Nayattukathakal.” In recognition of his work with the Cheri community, the Friendship Forum of India in Delhi honored him with the Bharat Excellence Award and a Gold Medal. His wife, Selin Kurukulangara, is the daughter of Antony Pellissery.
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