Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt Advocates for Paremmakkal Governador's Statue in Parliament, Highlights Historical Legacy at 290th Birth Anniversary

Kottayam, September 11, 2025 – In a stirring address that underscored the often-overlooked contributions of early Indian freedom fighters, Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt of the Pala Diocese asserted that the statue deserving prime placement before India's Parliament is that of Paremmakkal Governador, also known as Mar Thoma Kathanar. Speaking at the 290th birth anniversary conference of the revered figure in Kadanaad, Pala, the bishop emphasized Governador's pioneering role in challenging foreign domination and preserving India's cultural heritage—efforts that predated those of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel by centuries.

"Paremmakkal Governador was a monumental personality who preached against colonial rule and illuminated the essence of our nation's culture long before the icons we celebrate today," Bishop Kallarangatt stated while presiding over the event. He urged the nation to rediscover Governador's life to gain deeper insights into true patriotism, India's rich cultural tapestry, and its spiritual foundations. "Our country must turn to his legacy to truly understand what it means to love one's homeland and safeguard its soul," he added.

The conference, dedicated to honoring Paremmakkal Mar Thoma Kathanar's tireless advocacy for the unity and autonomy of the Mar Thoma Nasrani community, was inaugurated by Kerala Council of Churches Chairman Alexios Mar Eusebius. Held on September 10 following a Holy Mass at 4 PM in Kadanaad—Governador's birthplace—the gathering drew prominent clergy and scholars. Notable speakers included Pala Diocese Vicar General Msgr. Joseph Maleparambil, Kadanaad Forane Church Vicar Fr. Joseph Panampuzha, Ramapuram Forane Church Vicar Fr. Berkumans Kunnumpuram, Tomy Kallani, and Chev. Ummachan Vengadath.

Bishop Kallarangatt highlighted the shared apostolic heritage among fragmented Christian denominations, reminding attendees that all trace their lineage to a single apostle. "While uniting diverse churches overnight may be challenging, we must never forget our common roots," he said. He also invoked the intertwined legacies of Paremmakkal Governador and Kariyattil Yauseph Malpan as integral to this shared patrimony.

Central to the discourse was Governador's seminal work, Varthamanappusthakam, described by the bishop as a poignant lament against foreign ecclesiastical overlordship and a heartfelt cry for the lost heritage of an apostolic church. Penned in the late 18th century, the book chronicles Governador's arduous journey to Rome alongside Kariyattil Malpan in 1778, aimed at petitioning the Pope about the plight of Syrian Christians in India under foreign influence.

Varthamanappusthakam holds the distinction of being the first travelogue in any Indian language, though it transcends mere travel narrative. It delves into the Nasrani church's struggles against exploitation, the quest for self-governance, and historical events like the Coonan Cross Oath. The text explains divisions such as "Puthenkoottukar" (New Party) and "Idathoottukar" (Old Party), offering vivid accounts of the community's hardships and aspirations for dignity.

The journey, fraught with perils, began from Madras on November 14, 1778, after initial delays, and spanned over a decade, concluding in May 1786. En route, the travelers encountered diverse currencies like "monetha," "sakuthi," and "karsada," and navigated challenges including a stop at Benguela port in Africa. The book introduces the term "quarantine" to Malayalam literature, describing 40-day isolations in European ports to prevent diseases like smallpox—a practice eerily resonant today.

Tragically, Kariyattil Malpan, consecrated as bishop in Portugal, died under suspicious circumstances in Goa during the return. Governador, assuming the title of Governador, led the Syrian Catholic community until his death on March 20, 1799. His remains were later exhumed in 1936 and reinterred at the ancient St. Augustine Church in Ramapuram.

The 408-page tome, published by DC Books, also touches on broader historical vignettes, such as the martyrdom of Devasahayam Pillai and encounters during Tipu Sultan's era. Governador's observations critique colonial practices, labeling the English as "plunderers" based on a shipboard incident, and praise European customs of honoring achievers during their lifetimes—contrasting with delayed recognitions in India.

This commemoration not only revives Governador's enduring message of self-respect and cultural preservation but also calls for greater acknowledgment of pre-modern Indian visionaries in national discourse. As India reflects on its independence narrative, figures like Paremmakkal Governador remind us that the roots of resistance run deep, urging a more inclusive historical lens.