Malankara Catholic College, established in 1998, stands as a living monument to the far‑sighted vision of its founder, Most Rev. Lawrence Mar Ephraem, the first Bishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy of Marthandam. Born out of a deep commitment to education as a tool for social transformation, the college was envisioned as a centre of learning that would nurture not only intellect but also character, compassion, and service.
A visionary churchman and educationist, Bishop Lawrence Mar Ephraem served as Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) before becoming the first Bishop of Marthandam. He established the diocese in 1996 and soon after laid the foundation of Malankara Catholic College, personally overseeing the early planning and ensuring that the institution would serve the rural and border communities of Kanyakumari district.
The college began humbly with three undergraduate programmes – Biochemistry, Computer Science and Physics – in a small building with a handful of students. But the founder’s dream was never modest. He saw in this institution a beacon of hope for the underprivileged, especially for young women and men from agrarian families who aspired to higher education but had limited access. His episcopal motto, “Learn to Serve”, became the guiding star of the college’s mission.
In its early years, under the direct patronage of Bishop Lawrence Mar Ephraem, the college focused on building a strong academic foundation. He personally visited the campus often, encouraging both faculty and students. His emphasis on value‑based education, discipline, and community outreach shaped the institution’s unique character. He often said, “Education that does not serve society is incomplete” – a principle that continues to inspire the college’s extension activities.
Though Bishop Lawrence Mar Ephraem passed into eternal rest, his legacy remains vibrantly alive in every corner of the college. The institution he founded has grown into a multi‑faculty college offering 14 undergraduate, 11 postgraduate, and 6 research programmes, with a student strength of nearly 1000 and over 90 dedicated faculty members. Yet, the core identity – academic rigour blended with service – has never wavered.
Beyond founding the college, Bishop Lawrence Mar Ephraem’s contributions to the diocese and to Catholic education in India are monumental. He was instrumental in establishing the Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy of Marthandam as a vibrant hub of faith and service. His leadership extended to:
Every year, the college celebrates Founder’s Day with special lectures, service drives, and a remembrance ceremony. Students are encouraged to imbibe his qualities of humility, vision, and dedication. A portrait of the founder hangs prominently in the college lobby, and his words continue to guide the institution’s strategic plans.
Today, under the chairmanship of Most Rev. Dr. Vincent Mar Paulos, the college honours the founder’s dream by embracing innovation while staying rooted in values. The Institutional Development Plan (IDP) 2025–2040 focuses on global collaborations, green campus initiatives, research excellence, and student‑centric learning – all aligned with the founder’s original vision of holistic education. New programmes, industry partnerships, and digital infrastructure expansions are testament to the living legacy of Bishop Lawrence Mar Ephraem.
The history of Malankara Catholic College is inseparable from the life and mission of Most Rev. Lawrence Mar Ephraem. From a small beginning to a respected institution of higher learning, every milestone carries his imprint. As we move forward, we do so with gratitude for his vision and a firm resolve to uphold the ideals he cherished.
