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Aluva, December 30
From Vaikom to the World: The Boy Who Carried Don Bosco Home
News written by: Fr C M Paul SDB
A twelve-year-old boy stepped out of rural Vaikom, Kerala, in 1965, carrying dreams larger than the dusty lanes he left behind. That boy was Joseph Palackal, whose quiet determination reflected a generation that believed education could change destiny. His journey began at Don Bosco, Pachalam, Vaduthala, Kochi, as part of the 1965 batch of 62 boys bound by a fellowship that would endure for life.
In 1966, Palackal moved to Savio Juniorate, Shillong, where his spiritual grounding deepened, before continuing his schooling at Vaikom English Medium School. From a boy with big dreams to a man who would later champion pensioners’ rights, his life story is marked by resilience, loyalty, and fellowship. In his home, three portraits stand side by side — Don Bosco, St. Dominic Savio, and his parents—silent yet eloquent reminders of the guiding lights that anchored him in faith, family, and fellowship.
The Pachalam spirit endured across decades. In 2015, the 1965 batch reunited at Don Bosco, Pachalam, to mark their golden jubilee. The bonds crossed borders as well, with another gathering in Sri Lanka at the Negombo residence of batch-mate Fr. Thomas Ellicherayil.
Six decades after first walking through Pachalam’s gates, Palackal stood again among classmates at the 60th Pachalam Boys’ Reunion, held on 29–30 December at Rosy Villa Alchemy Homes on the banks of the Periyar. As dusk settled, twelve old friends gathered poolside, sharing grilled fish, laughter, and memories—rekindling a fellowship forged in boyhood.
Reflecting on the occasion, organiser Fr. Varghese Alangaden said Palackal’s presence was a reminder that bonds forged at Pachalam are stronger than time, noting that his leadership within the SBI Pensioners’ Association reflected values instilled by Don Bosco.
Batch-mate P. P. John, Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo, echoed the sentiment, describing Palackal as a bridge between their shared past and present. From Italy, Fr. Jose Njarley, former General of the Holy Trinity Fathers, highlighted Palackal’s unique tribute to Don Bosco and Dominic Savio alongside his parents, calling it a testament to fidelity to roots, family, and faith.
Today, as Vice President of the State Bank of India Pensioners’ and Retirees’ Association, Kerala, Palackal advocates for the welfare of thousands of retired employees. In a decisive breakthrough, he has also clinched the All-India Vice-Presidency of the SBI Pensioners’ Association, representing more than three lakh members nationwide, overcoming entrenched regional influence.
Palackal expressed deep gratitude to K. C. George of Kanjirappally for meticulous logistical support that ensured the landmark gathering’s success—reinforcing the collective strength of the pensioners’ movement and underscoring a journey that began in Vaikom and culminated in national leadership.
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