The roots of the enduring commitment of the Diocese of Alleppey towards quality
education, can be traced back to the pre-Portuguese era when it first established a school in the
suburbs of Fort Cochin in 1850, nearly a century before India gained independence. Over the
following eighty years, the Diocese expanded its educational footprint significantly, establishing
several schools along the sea coast from Cochin to Purakkad. This geographical spread
underscores the dedication of the community to provide educational opportunities across a broad
area.
Central to the educational mission of the Diocese is the aspiration to build an enlightened
society. This noble vision sees quality education as the cornerstone for achieving societal
progress and enlightenment.Throughout its history, the Diocese has maintained a focus on
longevity and quality in education. Twelve of its schools have already marked their centenaries,
signifying a hundred years of continuous service in nurturing young minds. Remarkably, some
schools within the Diocese have surpassed even this milestone, celebrating their
quasquicentennial or 125th anniversary. These anniversaries not only highlight the enduring
presence of the schools, but also emphasize their profound impact on generations of students and
the communities they serve. By fostering knowledge, values and skills among students, the
Diocese of Alleppey continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual and moral fabric
of the region.
Following the formation of the Diocese of Alleppey in 1952, under the leadership of Bishop Dr.
Michael Arattukulam, there was a concerted effort from the stalwarts of the Diocese to realize
the vision of the community towards higher education. This culminated in the genesis of this
citadel of knowledge, marking a pivotal extension of their educational mission into the realm of
higher learning. On July 19, 1967, this vision materialized as the college began its journey.
Initially, the college was launched with three streams of Pre-degree courses across five batches.
The inauguration, was officiated by Prof. John Mathai, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of
Kerala and it took place on September 29, 1967, marking a significant moment of formal
introduction to the academic community. Bishop Dr. Michael Arattukulam, serving as the Patron
and first Manager of the institution, played a pivotal role during this foundational phase. Rev. Fr.
Jacob Kalayil was appointed as the first Principal, adding leadership to the academic framework.
The establishment of the college not only represented a physical institution but also symbolized a
commitment to fostering knowledge and shaping future generations through higher education.
In response to the evolving challenges of the 21st century, the Diocese of Alleppey has adapted a
proactive approach, reflecting a new development plan aligned with the socio-cultural,
educational and political landscape of the nation. Under the leadership of Bishop Dr. James Raphael Anaparambil, the diocese initiated strategic measures to meet these challenges,
culminating in the establishment of the Board of Education Alleppey Diocese (BEAD) in 2019.
Leading the Board of Education, Alleppey Diocese (BEAD), are H.E. Rt. Rev. Dr. James
Raphael Anaparambil, Bishop of Alleppey, and Fr. Nelson Thaiparambil. This body has been
pivotal in realizing the vision for progressive changes in education, emphasizing core values
such as selfless service, accountability and collaborative action, option for the poor, openness
and transparency.
Central to this initiative is St. Michael’s College, recognized as the “Educational hub” of the
Diocese and a burgeoning center within the rapidly evolving 'Rurban' community of Cherthala.
The college not only embodies its role as a higher education institution but also shoulders the
responsibility of advancing the educational progress of other affiliated institutions within the
Diocese. This includes fifteen Primary Schools, one Upper Primary School, eight High Schools,
three Higher Secondary Schools, four CBSE schools, two ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes),
one Special School and a Self-Financing College.
Currently, St. Michael’s College offers a diverse array of educational opportunities, including
three Postgraduate (PG) courses, seven Undergraduate (UG) courses, two Research Centers, and
two self financing vocational courses. The college campus also hosts several affiliated
institutions, including an IGNOU Study Centre, MIMAT (Self-Financing Wing), Community
College, and the Alappuzha District Rifle Club, enhancing its role as a multifaceted educational
hub.
While excelling in academic pursuits, St. Michael’s College extends its influence beyond
traditional academia. Embracing a broader vision, the institution aims for societal welfare and
progress, emphasizing values that enrich the community. This holistic approach ensures that St.
Michael’s not only maintains academic excellence but also contributes meaningfully to the
holistic development and well-being of society at large. By fostering collaboration and
embracing its role as a catalyst for educational advancement, the Diocese of Alleppey continues
to uphold its legacy of service and excellence in education, meeting the challenges of the present
while preparing for the future.
