Institutions

Established in 2005 under patronage of the Catholic diocese of Thamarassery in Calicut district of Kerala State, the St. Thomas Academy for Research and Training (START), incorporates a unique vision in education of the young. Our vision arises from the firm conviction that the currently popular fashion of orienting school education to the preparation of the young for entry into professional courses such as Medicine, Engineering or Nursing is driven more by utilitarian principles, than considerations of natural aptitude or inclination. We further believe that this obsession with success in 'entrance tests' is seriously distorting the aim of education which is cultivation of the mind and not cramming of information as is happening today. The originator of the idea of starting an institution exclusively for Christian students after Plus-Two to mould superb public- spirited leaders was Msgr Antony Kozhuvanal. His vision was generating dynamic and futuristic Christian leaders by nurturing Plus – two students through values-based education and literacy in emotional intelligence. Thamarassery diocese found good Samaritans in his Eminence, Adrian Cardinal Simonis of the Netherland, Rev Dr Gerard Bruggink, Rev Dr George Paimpillil, who can be called founding members of START as well as living strength of START. With 46 girls and boys on roll, Bishop, Mar Paul Chittilapilly, inaugurated START in a rented building located on Chevayur -Chevarambalam road in Kozhikode city on 1st June 2006 with Msgr Dr Antony Kozhuvanal as Administrative Director.