DIRECTORS' CHRONOLOGY (1971-2022)
Since its inception, JYOTI Movement has been headed by many stalwarts whose foresight took forward what JYOTI is today. These Directors or the Coordinators, supported by many Moderators and Area Leaders, over the years worked hard to unite, guide and mentor the youths of Jamshedpur. They fashioned JYOTI into one of the most enduring youth movements in India. A short description of each of the Coordinators is priceless.
Fr.Joseph Currrie, SJ
Jan 1971-april 1976
THE FIRST COORDINATOR
Fr. Joseph Currie, SJ was the First Director or Coordinator of JYOTI after JYOTI took a formal shape in January, 1971. He laid the foundation to its organizational structure. He streamlined the youth activities and steered the nascent platform into a great Students’ Movements in Jamshedpur. He initiated a number of activities for this nascent youth organization. Under his able leadership this dynamic Organization began to spread its wings in Jamshedpur, Dhanbad and Chaibasa as its members immersed in humanitarian services.
Fr.Joseph Njarakulam, SJ
24 May 1976—10 Jan 1977
THE SECOND COORDINATOR
Fr. Currie was transferred and the mantle was passed on to Fr. Joseph Njarakulam, S.J. in 1976. He not only carried forward the good works began by his predecessor but gave a formal structure to this nascent youth platform. He systematically planned the youth activities like leadership training programs, outreach programs, Literacy Programs, Shramdaan, etc. He introduced creative writings for the Members to bring out Hymnals, Magazine, News Letter, etc.
DN.Emile Coelho, SJ
01 Feb 1977—JULY 1979
THE THIRD COORDINATOR
Deacon Emile Coelho, SJ took over from Fr.Joseph Njarakulam, SJ. He who had co-founded JYOTI with Schol.Freddie Rodrigues, SJ, became its Third Coordinator. He worked towards making the youth actualize the vision and mission of JYOTI. After he took over as the Coordinator, he supervised the relief work in Andhra Pradesh that was hit by a super cyclone in 1979.
Fr.P.D.Thomas, SJ
Aug 1979--05 DEC 1980
THE FOURTH COORDINATOR
Fr.P.D.Thomas took over from Fr.Emile Coelho, SJ. He remained in SJWC, Golmuri since he was the Director of SJWC. In addition he headed JYOTI as its fourth director. He was ably assisted by Bro.Stanny Lobbo, SJ as his assistant who resided in Loyola School, Bistupur. His dynamic approach to youth activities added many new Units to JYOTI. He amalgamated college youths into JYOTI. The total number of Units increased substantially during his tenure .
Bro.Stanny Lobbo SJ
June 1979--10 MAY 1981
Fr.Joseph Njarakulam, SJ
11 MAY 1981—June 1982
THE FIFTH COORDINATOR
Br. Stanny Lobbo left the office handing over the reins to Fr. Joseph Njarakulam, S.J. He headed the Organization for the second time who had left a mark during his first assignment. He systematically planned the youth activities like fellowship activities, village outreach programs, etc. He introduced a number of talents based activities and competitions like painting and drawing, music and dance, drama, etc.
Fr.Abraham Enthemkudy, SJ
June 1982 —30 DEC 1983
THE SIXTH COORDINATOR
Fr.Abraham Enthemkuzhy, SJ took over from Fr Joseph Njarakulam, SJ. He was instrumental in shifting the JYOTI Head Office from St.Joseph’s Welfare Centre (SJWC), Golmuri to Loyola School, Bistupur. It was during his tenure as the Coordinator, Odisha was affected by a cyclonic flood. Fr.Abraham sent seven youths to Puri with relief materials who stayed several days to render service to the flood-affected people of Puri besides repairing a thatched roof school.
Fr.Augustine Ezhakunel, SJ
01 Jan 1983—March 1987
THE SEVENTH COORDINATOR
Fr.Augustine Ezhakunnel, SJ succeeded Fr.Abraham Enthemkuzhy, SJ. During his tenure as the Coordinator he emphasized on the leadership programs, creative communication, personality development, etc. Many new initiatives were taken under his able leadership to widen the youth platform in the city of Jamshedpur. He initiated the JYOTI Basketball Tournament for high school boys and girls which went on to become one of the premier tournaments in the Steel City.
Fr.George Fernandes, SJ
APRIL 1987—April 1990
THE EIGTH COORDINATOR
Fr. George Fernandes, SJ succeeded Fr. Augustine Ezhakunnel as the Coordinator of JYOTI. A total of 18 JYOTI units were active in the prominent schools in the Jamshedpur during his time. JYOTI’s traditional activities were carried out as usual in all the Units. Youth Training sessions were organized in different schools in Jamshedpur. Visiting the leprosy colony in Bhalubasa, paper drive works, etc. were some of the main social works carried out by JYOTI Members under his supervision.
Fr.Flavian Topno, SJ
01 May 1990—Jan 1992
THE NINTH COORDINATOR
Fr.Flavian Topno SJ was appointed as the Coordinator of JYOTI after Fr.George Fernandens, SJ left the office. Under the leadership of Fr. Flavian Topno, JYOTI further became active in the city of Jamshedpur. Inter-school folk dance competition was conducted during his tenure which became a big hit in the Steel City. Many activities which were being done traditionally were carried on by JYOTI during his tenure.
Fr.Alex Gnyanapragasam, SJ
FEB 1992—JUNE 1995
THE TENTH COORDINATOR
Fr.Alex Gnyanapragasam, SJ was appointed as the Coordinator of JYOTI after Fr.Flavian Topno, SJ. Under the leadership of Fr. Aex, JYOTI continued to remain active in the city of Jamshedpur. Lot of social work engagement became part of JYOTI activities in the Steel City. He encouraged village trips to different places and relief works were carried out in different places due to flood, riot, etc. during his tenure.
Scho.George Joseph, SJ
25 SEPT 1996—01 June 1996
THE ELEVENTH COORDINATOR
The duo of Scho.George Joseph, SJ and Schol. Syrinus Topno was appointed as the Coordinators of JYOTI after Fr.Alex who went for his Tertianship. Under the leadership of the two of them, JYOTI remained active doing varieties of activities in the city of Jamshedpur. The traditionally held activities like competitions, personality development programs, fellowship camps, etc. were carried on by JYOTI under their able guidance.
Scho. Syrinus Topno, SJ
29 SEPT 1995—01 JUNE 1996
Fr.Mike T.Raj, SJ
01 June 1996—June 2003
THE TWELVTH COORDINATOR
Fr.Mike T. Raj, S.J took over from Scho.George Joseph and Schol.Syrinus Topno as the JYOTI Coordinator in 1996. He was known for his planning and organizational skills. He was ably assisted by Schol.Donald D’Silva, SJ who was a Regent then in Loyola School and was an Assistant Coordinator of JYOTI. Both of whom brought a tremendous growth to JYOTI. Raising fund for the Blind Association of Jamshedpur was an outstanding contribution done in collaboration with Mr. Bailey Bodhanwala, a noted philanthropist in Jamshedpur.
Fr.Sebastian Puthenpura, SJ
JAN 2003—2007
THE THIRTEENTH COORDINATOR
Fr. Sebastian Puthenpura, S.J succeeded Fr. Mike T. Raj as the Coordinator of JYOTI. He was assisted by Schol. M. Savarimuthu, SJ who was a Regent then in Loyola School, Jamshedpur. One of the praiseworthy efforts of this time was that JYOTI Members reached out to people of Rajnagar area that was affected by cyclone and hailstorms. JYOTI Members collected relief material and a cash amount of Rs.50000 and made a trip to Rajnagar Area to reach out to hailstorm affected people. Financial help was given to the villagers to repair damaged houses.
Fr.Sunil Lakra, SJ
JAN 2007—MAY 2009
THE FOUTEENTH COORDINATOR
Fr. Sunil Lakra, S.J headed the organization and made it vibrant during his tenure by leading it with great a dedication. He was a good sportsman himself and therefore he gave importance to sports activities of JYOTI, namely Basketball Tournament and Volleyball Tournament. Moreover, he emphasized on socially useful works of JYOTI where every member was encouraged to involve himself/herself in unit-level activities. He stressed on the contribution of every JYOTI member in Social Service and other outreach works.
Fr.Jaison Joshua, SJ
JUNE 2009— June 2014
THE FIFTEENTH COORDINATOR
Fr. Jaison Joshua, SJ took over as the JYOTI Coordinator from Fr. Sunil Lakra, SJ. His Coordinatorship underlines some of the notable growth and development in the Organization during his tenure. JYOTI remained very active in the city of Jamshedpur under his able leadership in terms of creativity and involvement of students in common programs. Aspects of discipline, commitment and dedication were stressed upon for JYOTI Members and their Moderators to reach a greater level of efficiency.
Scho.Ranjit Minj, SJ
June 2014—MARCH 2016
THE SIXTEENTH COORDINATOR
Sch.Ranjit Minj, S.J succeeded Fr.Rakesh Kandulna, SJ. He was appointed as the Regent at Loyola School. While teaching in the School he was appointed as the Coordinator of JYOTI. During his brief period in the office as the Coordinator he organized usual traditional annual events like Basketball Tournament, Volleyball Tournament, Rhapsody and other competitions. During this time JYOTI’s common activities were downsized by the School Principals Association of Jamshedpur.
Fr.Anthony Pancras, SJ
MARCH 2016—31 July 2016
THE SEVENTEENTH COORDINATOR
Fr. Anthony Pancras, SJ took over as the JYOTI Coordinator from Scho.Ranjit Minj, SJ. Apart from heading JYOTI, he was appointed as Headmaster of the Loyola Hindi School. During his short period as the JYOTI Coordinator he organized SANDS and Rhapsody, the two annual events of JYOTI, the former was held in Sacred Heart School while the latter was held in Loyola School. He encouraged every unit to engage in social services.
Fr.Dayanidhi Bisoi, SJ
01 Aug, 2016—01 March, 2021
THE EIGHTEENTH COORDINATOR
Fr.Dayanidhi Bisoi, S.J took over from Fr.Anthony Pancras as the Coordinator of JYOTI, who was also the Headmaster of Loyola Hindi School. He revived JYOTI activities especially the Leadership Programs or the Motivational Seminar to equip the youths with needed skills in leadership and to rejuvenate them with a sense of social commitment. During his odd four and half years of tenure he invited reputed personalities to interact with JYOTI Members.
Fr.Thomas C.G., SJ
01 March 2021—31 Aug 2023
THE NINETEENTH COORDINATOR
Fr. C.G.Thomas, SJ took over as the JYOTI Coordinator from Fr. Dayanidhi Bisoi, SJ. He worked energetically to carry on the traditional events. He initiated the Golden Jubilee Celebration of JYOTI in the Unit levels in Jamshedpur and now he is planning for the mega celebration of the Golden Jubilee of JYOTI in the Head office. JYOTI collected of 12 tons relief material for the people of Assam in the month of August, 2022 under his supervision.
Fr.Anthony Pancras, SJ
1 Aug 2023--30 june 2024
THE TWENTIETH COORDINATOR
Fr. Anthony Pancras, SJ took over as the JYOTI Coordinator from Fr. C G Thomas, SJ. He is the present Coordinator of JYOTI who is holding the fort for the second time. He is committed to carry forward the good work where his predecessors left. We wish Fr Anthony all the best for the his second inning of the Coordinatorship of JYOTI.
Fr.Praveen Jose, SJ
1 July 2024--
THE TWENTY-FIRST COORDINATOR
Fr. Praveen Jose, SJ took over as the JYOTI Coordinator from Fr. Anthony Pancras, SJ. He is the present young and dynamic Coordinator of JYOTI. He is enthusiastic to enthuse life into the organization. We wish Fr Praveen all the best for mission of JYOTI.