At Sacred Heart Mount High School in Kottayam, during the Jubilee celebrations in the early 1970s, a fifteen-year-old student spoke on behalf of the student body as Bishop Mar Thomas Tharayil looked on from the stage. He began with “Ad maioranatus sum” (“I was born for greater things”), honoring Bishop Tharayil, widely regarded as one of the Knanaya Catholic community’s greatest leaders. After the program, the bishop called the boy aside, asked about his family, and blessed him to become “great,” like Babu Paul, then the first Collector of the newly formed Idukki district.
Buoyed by that encouragement, the teenager devoted his life to pursuing greatness and happiness. He went on to became one of the Knanaya community’s finest orators and a highly respected professor and principal. Even after retiring, he continued to learn, publish several books, serve the community, and teach as a visiting professor at the Vadavathoor seminary.
His life centered on service and friendship. He guided many young people who later became accomplished leaders and professionals. Friends across the world remember his character, zest for life, and love of travel—and how he delighted in celebrating with others wherever he went.
To the world, he is Prof Babu Thomas Poozhikkunnel: to me, he is my brother.
I was his beloved younger brother by six years, yet he treated me as his closest friend and confidant. We shared everything; his problems became mine, and mine were always his to solve.
For years, we talked about what we would do after I retired: live together in India or the U.S. and travel the world to visit people and places we loved. We did something like that in October 2024—though for different reasons—spending as much time together as we could and reconnecting with friends, families and places we hadn’t seen in years. I believed it was the beginning of the life we had been planning.
But on April 7th, my world collapsed—he was gone in an instant, without a word, a hug, or a goodbye.
We didn’t get to have the parting words we deserved.  There are still many things that I wish I could say to you.  Here is but a small part of what fills my heart.

Dear Babu,
Where have you gone, my brother—and why? You spent your life moving quickly, always trying to get things done in a hurry; why rush this time? I have never felt so lonely, because your presence was my constant, and you were the one I could lean on anywhere, anytime. I miss our weekly conversations—talking through the week, reflecting on life, and making plans for what we would do next. We even had one last project we agreed to take on together in 2027, how could I do it alone? 
Ad maiora natus sum—you left too soon, yet in your lifetime you achieved more than most do in many. Wherever I went and whomever I met, I introduced myself as your younger brother, and those were among the proudest moments of my life. Your life shows what is possible for anyone determined to accomplish great things. Amidst your busy, full life, thank you for taking the time to be my brother and friend. 
Until we meet again my dear brother, rest easy.

Love - Sajan