English
Department of English: A Space for Words, Ideas, and Transformation
The Department of English at Mar Thoma College, Tiruvalla, stands as a vibrant centre of artistic curiosity, creative expression, and academic excellence. Rooted in a tradition of literary scholarship and cultural engagement, the department strives to foster holistic development among its students by offering a dynamic blend of curricular, co-curricular, and extension activities.
The Department was established in 1952, the year of the inception of the college. It started offering M.A. in English Language and Literature in 1966, and B.A. in English Language and Literature in 1967. The Department was recognized as a Research Department in 1985. Comparative Literature Research and Study Centre (CLRSC) started functioning in 1998.
The Department offers the following programmes:
- B. A. English (Hons)
- M. A. English
- Ph. D. in English
At the heart of the department’s academic culture is the English Literary Association (ELA), a lively and inclusive forum that cultivates literary appreciation, critical inquiry, and interdisciplinary thought. Through a thoughtfully curated calendar of seminars, competitions, outreach programmes, and cultural festivities, the ELA provides students opportunities to engage with literature beyond the classroom and to grow as thinkers, communicators, and socially responsible individuals.
The department’s strength lies in its dedication to nurturing critical inquiry and research-oriented learning. Both postgraduate and undergraduate students actively participate in national and international seminars, presenting papers on themes as diverse as literature and cinema, ecology, gender, and postcolonial studies. The impressive achievements in intercollegiate literary fests, debates, and university-level competitions reflect this enduring spirit of excellence.
Beyond academic rigour, the department remains deeply rooted in community engagement. Through extension programmes, social awareness campaigns, and charity events, students are encouraged to connect literature with lived realities. The department envisions transforming its literary space into a nurturing ground for critical thought, cultural dialogue, and innovative scholarship. It is more than just a place to study literature – it is a community where words, ideas, and people come together to create something meaningful. It is a space where students find their voice, challenge ideas, and discover the beauty of language in all its forms.
The department is driven by a dynamic team of twelve permanent faculty members, expertly led by Dr. Susan Thomas. Together, they foster a stimulating academic environment, sharing their knowledge and passion with students.
The department of English, Mar Thoma College, Tiruvalla nurtures readers, thinkers, writers, orators, and, most importantly – good human beings. If you are someone who loves stories, whether in books, songs, films, or everyday conversations – you will find a home here!
Faculty
Former Faculty
| Name | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Prof. C. C. Joseph | (Late) |
| Prof. Mariam Alexander | (Late) |
| Prof. Thomas. P.P | 0469-2664978 M0b-9446812248 |
| Prof. Thomas P. Varghese | (Late) |
| Prof. C.T. Titus | 0469-2602969 |
| Prof. Dharmishta R. Chacko | (Late) |
| Prof. Lazar Mathew | 0469-2601945 |
| Prof. V. A. Chacko | 9048133919 |
| Prof .O. A. Ninan | 0469-2664552 Mob-9447029046 |
| Prof. Babu Zachariah | 9446938493 |
| Prof. A.T. Samuel | 0469-2601822 Mob-9048646972 |
| Dr. C. S. Philipose | Mob-0447029046 |
| Dr. A.P. John | 0469-2600825 Mob-9447180825 |
| Prof. Abraham Mathew | Mob-9495438589 |
| Prof. Thomas George | 0469-2660825 Mob-9400560861 |
| Prof. Leelamma Joseph | 0469-2600492 |
| Prof. V .J. Thomas | |
| Prof. Babu G. Varghese | 0469-2601035 Mob-9447160555 |
| Prof. Susamma George | 0469-2701307 Mob-9847701443 |
| Prof. Thomas T. Varghese | 0469-2782821 Mob-9349832270 |
| Prof. Mariamma Mathew | 0468-2261574 Mob-9847346326 |
| Dr. Abraham Karickam | 0474-2454087 Mob-9446593013 |
| Prof. Jessy Thomas | 0469-2630021 |
| Prof. Anna Jacob | (Late) |
| Prof. N.M. Mathew | 0469-2702480 Mob-9847341179 |
| Prof. Pushpalatha Kurien | 0469-2603376 Mob-9895726104 |
| Prof. Aleyamma Philip | 0469—2604803 Mob-9526877593 |
| Dr. Shiela Elizabeth Abraham | Mob-9447026749 |
| Dr. Annie Varghese | 0469-2601715 Mob-9349505170 |
| Prof. Bejoy Varghese | 0479-2360399 Mob-9445193139 |
| Dr. Elizabeth J. Thomas | 0469-2701836 Mob-9947283740 |
| Dr. Leena B. Cherian | 0469-2631311 |
| Dr. G. Koshy | 0469-2634906 |
| Dr. Annie Susan Mathew | 0469-2634906 |
Gallery
Activities
The academic year 2024–2025 was a remarkable one, marked by events that not only enriched the campus experience but also extended the department’s presence into wider academic and social spheres.
Highlights of 2024–2025
• ELA Inauguration: The academic year commenced with the formal inauguration of the English Literary Association, graced by noted poet Ms. Aleena Akashamittayi, setting an inspiring tone for the year’s activities.
• Freshers’ Day & Cultural Initiatives: New students were warmly welcomed with a day of interactive games, performances, and camaraderie, nurturing a spirit of community and belonging.
• Academic Seminars: National seminars like EMERGIO: Alpha and FLAMINGO: INCEPTA served as platforms for scholarly discourse, with themes ranging from cinema studies to contemporary narratives. In collaboration with the Department of Malayalam, the department successfully organized a one-day national seminar titled “Borders, Belonging and Beyond: Exploring Mobility and Migration in Literature and Media” on 13th March 2023.
• Ethnic Day & Literary Fest (RAMPAGE: MUSES 2025): Tenzin Tsundue, the Tibetian poet, was featured on Ethnic Day, celebrating India’s rich cultural diversity. The ELA hosted Rampage: Muses 2025, its annual inter-collegiate literary fest, on February 20–21, 2025. Distinguished guests, actor Dhyan Sreenivasan and actress Sminu, added glamour to the event, with Sreenivasan inaugurating the fest and Sminu flagging off MERAKI: The Creator’s Guild. Actor Prasanth Alexander also graced the occasion. The fest drew participants from across the region, showcasing their creativity and competing in various events.
• Extension Programmes: The department’s outreach initiative at Thirumoola Vilasam UP School, Thiruvalla, included language enhancement sessions and the inauguration of an English club, underscoring its commitment to community engagement.
• Social Advocacy: The ELA organized a silent protest condemning violence against women, demonstrating solidarity with humanitarian causes.
• Festive Celebrations: Christmas, New Year, and International Women’s Day events promoted inclusivity, compassion, and gender equity through meaningful programmes and performances.
• Student Achievements: The department proudly celebrates numerous accolades, including victories in intercollegiate literary fests, university youth festivals, and UGC-NET qualifications, reflecting both academic and extracurricular prowess.
• Publication & Research: The department’s manuscript magazine Phoenix clinched the First Prize for Best Manuscript, while students and faculty contributed scholarly papers and creative works to reputed platforms. The department’s official newsletter, The Spectator, which serves as a vibrant chronicle of the academic, literary, and cultural life of the department, was released during the annual alumni meet.
• Annual Alumni Meet (NOSTOS): Strengthening the bond between past and present, the alumni gathering featured cultural performances and discussions on plans for upcoming Diamond Jubilee initiatives.
