Pala: The Syro-Malabar Youth Movement (SMYM) of the Pala Diocese has put forth a formal appeal to designate July 3rd the feast day of Marthoma Shleeha (St. Thomas the Apostle) as an official public holiday. The proposal was made during the SMYM's half-yearly senate meeting, held under the leadership of Diocesan President Anwin Soni Odachuvattil.
The meeting was officially inaugurated by the Diocesan Director, Fr. Mani Kankankutty, who emphasized the spiritual and historical significance of Marthoma Shleeha in the Christian heritage of India. SMYM General Secretary Robin Thannimala, Joint Director Sr. Naveen CMC, Kadaplamattam Church Vicar Fr. Joseph Mulanjanal, and Forona Director Fr. Joseph Thevarparambil were among the dignitaries who addressed the gathering.
Youth leaders including Joel Joseph, Sona Mathew, Bilna Sibi, and Joseph Thomas also spoke at the event, underscoring the cultural and religious relevance of commemorating the Apostle who is believed to have brought Christianity to India. The SMYM called upon civil authorities to recognize this importance by granting July 3rd the status of a public holiday across the state.