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Catholicos releases ‘Legacy of a Plastic Surgeon’, a book on Dr Chona Thomas, hails him
as a ‘forerunner in diverse fields’
KOTTAYAM: HH Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, Malankara Metropolitan and the Supreme Head of the Indian Orthodox Church, has hailed eminent plastic surgeon Dr Chona Thomas Kalluthundil’s contribution towards making a big impact as an Orthodox member and forerunner in diverse fields.
“You have made a big difference in the lives of so many people globally and to those associated with our Church and the Indian nation in particular,” adds the message.
Bestowing blessings upon Dr Chona, the Patriarch also credited the surgeon’s persistence to serve the church and society through notified efforts and appreciated his modest exertions.
His Holiness also delivered the blessing speech and released ‘Legacy of a Plastic Surgeon,’ a 248-page book about Dr Chona Thomas on November 17, 2020. His Holiness also acknowledged his work and dedication in multiple fields, both scholastically and generally.
The event live streamed on YouTube in keeping with COVID-19 protocol also has a felicitation note from HG Dr Geevarghese Mar Yulios, Ahmedabad Diocese Metropolitan, in Malayalam.
Dr Thomas is the member of the Ahmedabad Diocese Council appointed by Diocese Metropolitan HG Dr Mar Yulios.
Classmate and buddy, Dr M V Pillai, Professor of Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, in his foreword mentions the senior consultant plastic surgeon as a ‘brilliant bridge builder.’
The book depicts the persistent perseverance of a village boy from Kaipattoor, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, who went on to achieve the ambitions of his life.
In 1991, Dr Chona Thomas was conferred with the ‘Order of Oman’ Civil Service Award and granted Omani citizenship to him and his family.
The book was compiled by Fr Dr John Thomas Karingattil who also wrote the editorial.
‘Legacy of a Plastic Surgeon,’ provides an account of Dr Thomas’ early life and education, life at American Mission Hospital in Oman, higher surgical training in plastic surgery, plastic surgery service, degrees and memberships, Khoula Hospital and finally leading to Omani citizenship. There is also a summary of the development of plastic surgery service, religious activities and visions in his life.
The book also provides a summary of the development of plastic surgery service, religious activities and visions in his life and archives his articles published in various journals, magazines and books.
Felicitations for the book has come in from a long list which includes HH Shabib bin Taimur Al Said, former Oman Health Minister Dr Ali Mohammed al Moosa, Dr C Mathew, Dr P M Mathew, Dr S Venugopal, Dr John Valliattu, Dr K Vinayachandran Nair, Dr M M Sudhakar Krishnan, Dr K S Krishna Kumar, Dr N M Semalesan, Adv Yohannan Konnayil, C G Abraham, and Dr Jacob Varughese and spouse Mrs Santha Thomas.
‘Legacy of a Plastic Surgeon,’ is published by Bodhi Books, Pandalam, Kerala, and printed at Dona Printers, Kottayam with designs by Greeshma.
Dr C Thomas also personally handed over a copy of the book to Liju Cherian, senior journalist, Oman Daily Observer, who edited and proofread the book.
Dr Thomas provided a vote of thanks during the online event which was anchored by Biju Parumala.