Kottayam: In a strong collective appeal rooted in faith and tradition, the SMYM – KCYM of the Eparchy of Pala have submitted an official petition to Jose K. Mani MP and Mani C. Kappan MLA, calling for July 3 the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, patron of India and one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ to be declared a public holiday. The petition also requests that university-level examinations scheduled for that date be deferred to ensure the faithful can fully participate in religious observances.
The memorandum was handed over during a special meeting organized by the diocesan youth movements, where representatives emphasized the spiritual and cultural importance of the day. St. Thomas, believed to have brought Christianity to India in AD 52, holds immense reverence among Christian communities, especially in Kerala. The day marks the martyrdom of the Apostle and is solemnly commemorated with special liturgical services, pilgrimages, and community gatherings.
In the petition, the youth leaders expressed their deep concern that holding university exams on such a sacred day would hinder thousands of students from taking part in the religious functions and prayers associated with the feast. They highlighted that for many Catholic students, July 3 is not merely a church festival but a day of profound identity, heritage, and spiritual renewal.
Both Jose K. Mani, Member of Parliament from Kottayam, and Mani C. Kappan, Member of Legislative Assembly representing the Pala constituency, received the appeal with serious consideration. They assured the youth leaders that the matter would be taken up with the concerned educational authorities and government officials at the earliest. The lawmakers also acknowledged the wider social and religious significance of the request, praising the youth for their organized and peaceful advocacy.
This petition adds to a growing demand among Kerala’s Christian communities that July 3 be recognized with the same respect as other religious observances, given its deep-rooted historical and cultural legacy in the state.
The SMYM and KCYM units of the Pala Eparchy have urged the Mahatma Gandhi University and other institutions conducting exams on July 3 to be sensitive to the religious rights of students and to act in the spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect. They also plan to escalate the matter to the Kerala State Higher Education Department and, if needed, to the Governor, who serves as the Chancellor of state universities.
As the voice of the youth gains momentum, this initiative reflects not just a call for a day off, but a broader appeal to preserve and respect faith-based identities in public institutions. The coming days will determine how the state and universities respond to this heartfelt plea from Kerala’s Christian youth.