A Catholic seminarian from Kerala has received the state government’s prestigious student talent award for his outstanding academic achievement. Brother Alex Velamkunnel, a minor seminarian of the Archdiocese of Tellicherry, was honored with the Vidyarthi Prathibha Puraskaram on March 10.
The award was presented by Kerala Education Minister R. Bindu at a ceremony held at Government College Thiruvananthapuram. The award includes a certificate and a cash prize of 100,000 rupees. Brother Alex was among 1,000 college students selected from across the state for this recognition.
Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in mathematics at the Central University of Tamil Nadu. Earlier, he achieved first rank in mathematics at Kannur University with an impressive score of 96 percent in his Bachelor of Science degree.
Brother Alex comes from Thomapuram village in Kasaragod district and is the youngest son of Tom and Shiji Velamkunnel. After completing his schooling at St. Mary’s High School Chittarikkal and higher secondary studies at St. Thomas Higher Secondary School Thomapuram, he joined the minor seminary of the archdiocese.
Recognizing his academic talent, Archbishop Joseph Pamplany encouraged him to pursue higher education. He studied at Government Brennen College Thalassery while continuing his seminary formation.
Brother Alex said his success comes from faith and dedication. He believes that seminary life, with its discipline and prayer, has given him the strength to achieve excellence in his studies while continuing his journey toward priesthood.
