Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Padma Shri Father Kunnunkal, former CBSE chairman, passes away at 99
Father Thomas V Kunnunkal, a very important person in India's education system, passed away at the age of 99.
He was a Jesuit priest and received the Padma Shri award for his work.
He was the chairman of CBSE, a big school board in India, from 1980 to 1987.
He helped make CBSE better and more trusted.
He also helped start a special school system called the National Open School for students who couldn't go to regular schools.
He believed in simple living, helping poor people, and talking with people of different religions.
Many people remember him as a peaceful and wise man who always had good advice.
Father Thomas V Kunnunkal, a Jesuit priest and former CBSE chairman, passed away at the age of 99 in Delhi.
He served as the CBSE chairman from 1980 to 1987 and was awarded the Padma Shri in 1974 for his contributions to education.
Under his leadership, CBSE gained credibility and coherence, persuading many schools to migrate to the board.
He helped conceptualize and establish the National Open School under the National Policy on Education, 1986.
Known for his simplicity, austerity, and advocacy for interfaith dialogue, he was remembered as a peaceful and visionary educator.
- Who
- Father Thomas V Kunnunkal, a Jesuit priest and former CBSE chairman
- What
- Passed away at the age of 99
- When
- Wednesday evening
- Where
- Jivodaya Hospital, Delhi
- Why
- Natural causes (not explicitly stated)
- Full Name
- Father Thomas V Kunnunkal
- Age at Death
- 99
- Date of Death
- Wednesday evening
- Place of Death
- Jivodaya Hospital, Delhi
- Notable Roles
- CBSE Chairman (1980-1987), Padma Shri Awardee, Jesuit Priest
- Key Contributions
- Reshaped CBSE, Established National Open School, Advocated for Open Schooling
- Birthplace
- Alappuzha, Kerala
- Education
- Master’s degrees in English, Educational Administration, and Educational Measurement (US)