Professor Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackadu
Professor Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackadu[i] is an Environmental Scientist, Environmental Writer[ii] [iii], and Environmental Activist[iv] committed to numerous environmental conservation efforts. During the 1990s, he pioneered the Green Church Movement[v] in India, showcasing his strong belief in the spiritual aspect of nurturing life on Earth. Dr. Punnackadu concluded his career as the Principal[vi] of Bishop Moore College, Mavelikara[vii], in 2011. His contributions to environmental concerns extended beyond academia, as he assumed the role of Honorary Director for the Department of Ecological Concerns within the CSI Synod, a position he held for a decade from 2014. He has initiated[viii] the idea of Earth Bible Sermons, Green Parables, Green Clergy and Green Teachers, Green School Programme in CSI, Climate Resilient Schools and Communities, Certificate Course in eco-theology, Eco-leadership training programme, Children’s campaign for Climate Justice and Green Protocol, and Green Ambassador programme. He is the Honorary Environmental Advisor[ix] to the CSI Synod and the Director of the Ecological Department of the CSIMKD[x] from 2023 onwards. The UNDP, UNESCO[xi], WCC, EMS and USPG appreciated the environmental work of the CSI Synod while he was in charge of the CSI Synod Department Ecological Concerns.
Additionally, Dr. Punnackadu held prominent roles, such as the President of CSI Madhya Kerala Diocesan Youth Movement, Chief Editor of Yuvalokam magazine, and the organiser for five international Ecological Conferences. He was one among the ten environmentalists honoured by Malayala Manorama, the leading Malayalam daily[xii], in 2012. He has been serving as the Editor of New Vision Magazine since 1992[xiii]. In addition, his active participation as a member of the Anglican Communion of Environmental Network Steering Committee[xiv] since 2016 underscores his global involvement in environmental causes.
Dr. Punnackadu's literary contributions are extensive, comprising 19[xv] authored[xvi] [xvii]books and the editing[xviii] of 19 others. As his doctoral study was on water pollution, he had been nominated as a subject expert for the Pampa River Basin Authority[xix] of the Kerala Government. He continues to make significant contributions as a member of the district biodiversity committee and various environmental committees of the Government.
He has been invited to address environmental conferences in various countries[xx], including participating in the UN World Environmental Assembly in Nairobi, where he shared his expertise and insights. World Council of Churches has nominated him as a Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development member. He is the Director of the Community Development Programme[xxi] of the CSI Church Punnackadu and actively involved many social issues[xxii].
[i] 1 www.drmathewkoshy.com
[ii] https://drmathewkoshy.com/net-zero-carbon-economy/
[iii] https://drmathewkoshy.com/learn-from-the-way-ants-live-and-be-wise/
[iv] https://drmathewkoshy.com/dr-mathew-koshy-moots-decommissioning-of-dam-the-hindu/
[v] https://drmathewkoshy.com/church/
[vi] https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mathew-koshy-punnackadu-364423b/?originalSubdomain=in
[vii] https://drmathewkoshy.com/bishop-moore-college/
[viii] https://drmathewkoshy.com/environmental-initiatives-in-the-csi-synod2014-2023/
[ix] https://ecologicalconcerns.csi1947.com/aim/604c5814dd0efce167751c7d
[x] https://csimadhyakeraladiocese.org/news-detail/0c3ba919-43d5-4261-93f4-f15eb82ba772
[xi] https://drmathewkoshy.com/church-of-south-india-eco-ministry-featured-on-unesco-website/
[xii] https://drmathewkoshy.com/environment-day-2012-manorama/
[xiii] https://newvisionmagazine.org/about-us-2/
[xiv] https://acen.anglicancommunion.org/about-us.aspx
[xv] https://www.bookerworm.com/resources/authors/4205729-mathew-koshy-punnackadu.html
[xvi] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/a-graphic-testament-of-hope-for-the-nature/article32216383.ece
[xvii] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/spirituality-with-a-green-touch-for-sunday-school-students/article30891274.ece
[xviii] https://www.amazon.in/Books-Mathew-Koshy-Punnackadu/s?rh=n%3A976389031%2Cp_27%3AMathew+Koshy+Punnackadu
[xix] https://mssrfcabc.res.in/?p=14447
[xx] https://drmathewkoshy.com/speeches-edinburgh-church-of-scotland/
[xxi] http://csipunnakkadu.org/Projects.aspx
[xxii] https://drmathewkoshy.com/society/