Shroro

The Syriac Orthodox Christian Digest - June, 2005

Dr. C A Ninan Received Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award

Dr. Paul Samuel

Dr. C A Ninan, an active member of the Trivandrum St. Peter’s Simhasana Church has received the ‘2004 Kerala Sahitya Akademi award’ for his scholastic writing “DNA Vazhi Jeevatmavilekku”(DNA to Divinity). The awards were announced at a press conference on Tuesday (24 th) by the Sahitya Akademi president, Yusafali Kecheri, and the secretary, P.V. Krishnan Nair.

Chirathilathu Andrews Ninan was born in Kerala, India on 7th April 1929.He took the B. Sc and M. Sc (both with first class and first rank) and Ph.D. degrees from the Kerala University. He was awarded the D.D. degree in 1987 by the St: Aphrem’s Institute, Sweden for his book “Cell to Self”. He was spiritually decorated (1989) with the Chevalier title by the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East.

He received (1999) the Th. D. for his book DNA to Divinity from St: Aphrem’s Theological College, Damascus, Syria. This book has also formed the basis for the award to him (1999) of the D.Litt. (Spiritual Sciences) from the International University of Contemporary Studies, Washington D.C., USA.

During his tenure of office as Professor and Head, Dept. of Botany and Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Kerala University, Dr. Ninan has published over 200 scientific papers in Life Sciences. He has also studied the liturgy (of timeless beauty) of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Syriac Language. Dr. Ninan has been the recipient of awards and distinctions for excellence in scientific research (Sri Chithra Prize, Kerala State Science and Technology Prize etc.)

Now adding another feather to the crown, comes the Kerala Sahithya Academy award for Scholastic writing in scientific literature. Dr. Ninan is an exemplary genius blending the Scientific principles with that of theology. He gives you the idea that Science and Religion are not meant to be opposing factions, rather should strive hand in hand for the betterment of human race and understanding of the cosmic principles. He is one of the leading figures in Theology of Orthodox Church. The quoting by R.C.Zaehner on Orthodox Churches in his book’ The Concise Encyclopedia on Living Faiths’ goes like this “The Orthodox Churches has among it’s theologians ,those who are laity too’. It holds good in Dr. Ninan’s case.

Besides many science related books, Dr. Ninan has wrote a number of Church related books namely, Cell to Self, Scientific Foundations of Faith, Ettu Nombacharana Sahai, Visudhha Mammodissa, Vissudha Sleebayum Daivaradhanyum, Suriyani Sabhayute Sathyaviwasa Sangathikal, Ente Karthaivinte Amma, Sabha Samadana Bulletinukal, Mor Geevarghese Sahadayute Ormma Perunnal-Suryani Sabha Viswasa Velichathil, Veda Vyakhianagal etc. He has about 200 articles to his credit.

You can witness in him the rarest blend of scientist and theologian in Syrian Orthodox Church.

I am indeed happy that he has been my Malpono and guide for many years right from my childhood. I am doubly happy in saying that I got the rare privilege and opportunity to be the proof reading Editor for this book which has brought him the laurel.

May God shower his choicest blessings on this great scholar.

Dr. Paul Samuel