The solution to the crisis in human values in Indian society lies in our own hands. We need visionary leaders who can think, plan, influence, and execute with intelligence and imagination policies and programmes that benefit everyone and the environment. Visionary leaders require early exposure to moral values and emotional literacy. To shape young people into policymakers and influence decision-making at the highest level, our students must be exposed to high-quality university education. Admission to reputable higher institutes is conducted after rigorous screening of the candidate's personality, not merely based on marks. Graduates of such institutes are encouraged to develop critical thinking and prioritise society's welfare. Producing such a cadre of dedicated young people of calibre to work for the welfare of all, especially the deprived and the marginalised in a socially and economically divided society, is the purpose with which START was established.
The idea of establishing an institution exclusively for Christian students after Plus Two, to mould exemplary public-spirited leaders, was conceived by Msgr Dr Antony Kozhuvanal. His vision was to generate dynamic, future-oriented Christian leaders by nurturing students through values-based education and emotional intelligence. He shared this novel and transformative vision with the then Bishop of Thamarassery, Mar Sebastian Mankuzhikary, who endorsed the proposal and encouraged Fr Antony to develop a comprehensive action plan.
Supportive benefactors and global well-wishers came forward in the persons of His Eminence Adrian Cardinal Simonis of the Netherlands, Rev Dr Gerard Bruggink, and Rev Dr George Paimpillil—who are regarded as the founding members and the enduring strength of START.
Fr Antony identified a suitable location and secured it. The idea was introduced to parishes, parents, and Plus-Two students and was met with widespread enthusiasm. Since constructing the permanent campus would take time, the Diocese of Thamarassery, under Mar Paul Chittilapilly, decided to commence classes in a rented building near Chevayur, on Chevarambalam Road.
The girls were initially housed at the Bethany Convent premises, and the boys in a nearby rented facility.
With 46 students (boys and girls) enrolled, START was officially inaugurated on 1st June 2006 by Bishop Mar Paul Chittilapilly in a rented building in Kozhikode city. The leadership team comprised:
Msgr Dr Antony Kozhuvanal – Administrative Director
Mr Abraham Kurian (IPS Rtd) – Academic Director, former Director General of Police
Mr Matthew J. Parel – Warden and Dean of Studies
Classes began on 2nd June 2006.
In the second academic year (June 2007), START moved to near ‘Home of Love’, adjacent to the current campus. Girls continued to reside at Home of Love, while boys stayed in a nearby building. By the end of the second academic year, the new START campus was ready and was blessed by Mar Paul Chittilapilly on 1st January 2008, marking the beginning of a new phase. The boys moved into the newly constructed dormitory. The girls remained at Home of Love until their new hostel was blessed and inaugurated by Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil, in the presence of Emeritus Bishop Mar Paul Chittilapilly, on 16th January 2016.
