Navapuram stands as an architectural and philosophical marvel | a living laboratory of a spiritual culture | curiosity is worshipped and critical thinking is nurtured | Global TV

By Global TV Features Desk

Welcome to Navapuram Mathatheetha Devalayam, the Secular Temple of Knowledge, located in Prapoyil, Kannur. This secular Temple is redefining the very nature of sacredness by placing knowledge at the core of devotion. A meaningful transformation is taking place in the serene dignity of a temple. Here, the idol is a book. The devotees are readers. The offerings are also books.

The Temple Where Knowledge is God
Founded in 2021 by the visionary Prapoyil Narayanan, the Navapuram Temple is a poetic metaphor and a functioning space of spiritual inquiry, intellectual engagement, and community celebration. Mr. Narayanan’s insight was simple yet profound: “Knowledge is the foundation of liberation.” He envisioned a space where wisdom itself is revered as divine, and books are honoured as the sacred carriers of light.

“Books are the embodied form of knowledge,” Mr. Narayanan explains. “They contain civilizations, questions, discoveries, dreams. How can they not be divine?”

And so, atop a tranquil hill surrounded by forests and fresh air, he consecrated a temple; not to a deity with a name and form, but to books themselves.

A Temple Without Boundaries | And Without Religion
True to its name, Navapuram Mathatheetha, meaning beyond religion, the temple transcends every boundary. It is a sanctuary where the Vedas, The Bible and the Quran may sit side by side with the Gita, Marx, Dostoevsky, and Dr. Ambedkar. Literature, philosophy, science, poetry, and politics; all genres are welcome. The temple is open to all. No rituals of exclusion. No conditions for entry. Here, reading is prayer. Writing is offering. Dialogue is devotion.

The very structure and philosophy of the temple challenge society’s entrenched notions of sanctity. What if every home had a sacred corner where a bookshelf replaced the altar? What if reverence shifted from blind belief to conscious reading?

Festivals of the Intellect
Twice a year; in April and October, the temple hosts literary festivals unlike any other in the country. Book discussions, writer meet-ups, reading circles, public dialogues, and cultural programs replace the usual rituals of incense and chanting. Instead of priests, the temple has curators of literature. There is exchange of thought. Hundreds of people arrive to contribute; they offer books as sacred gifts. These books form part of the temple’s ever-growing library, now numbering over four thousand volumes.

The festivals are fully free of cost. So is the accommodation and reading space, which invites guests to stay, explore, write, reflect, and rejuvenate their inner worlds.

A Spiritual Architecture for the Future
Navapuram stands as an architectural and philosophical marvel; a living laboratory of a spiritual culture, where curiosity is worshipped and critical thinking is nurtured. It dares to ask: What happens when learning becomes sacred? What if temples could be libraries? Can books guide the moral compass of society?

Navapuram quietly builds sanctity out of silence, sentences, and the solitude of reading. It opens the door to a new spiritual aesthetic, one where reason and reverence co-exist.

The Larger Message: Reading as Resistance
The Navapuram experiment is not just an isolated spiritual endeavor; it is a sociopolitical statement. In a time when book bans, information control, and intellectual apathy are spreading like toxins, a temple devoted to books is a powerful act of resistance. It reminds us that the freedom to read is as sacred as the freedom to pray. That libraries are temples of democracy. And that no society can evolve unless it respects both the written word and the thinking mind.

This temple teaches us to bow not in fear, but in curiosity.

From Hilltop to Horizon: A Model for the Nation

What began on a humble hill in Kannur could very well become a national phenomenon. Imagine temples of reading in every town, where knowledge is stored and celebrated. Where the next generation is taught that the most powerful prayer is a question well asked and well read.

Navapuram opens our minds to the possibility that India’s next renaissance may not come from political upheaval or economic boom; but from the simple, revolutionary idea that a book is divine.

A Sacred Turn of the Page
As schools and institutions organize routine events, Navapuram Temple offers a deeper metaphor. It teaches us that reading is a skill, a habit, and a sacred act, one that connects us to ourselves, to our ancestors, and to our future. May this temple inspire a thousand more, and may we all; regardless of faith, learn to worship knowledge, not noise. Because in the end, a book doesn’t just sit on a shelf. It sits on a throne.

Amal Jose | A New-Age Agripreneur Bridging Tradition and Innovation | Proud of You | Global TV

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

The soil holds stories and the air carries the scent of spices in the mist-kissed slopes of the Western Ghats. There, we see a silent revolution taking root with young Agripreneurs at its forefront. Meet Mr. Amal Jose, the dynamic CEO of Paithal Hills Farmers Producer Company Ltd. A visionary with a rare combination of technical skill, grassroots experience, and entrepreneurial insight, Amal represents a generation of young Indians reclaiming the legacy of indigenous agriculture while boldly charting its future.

Rooted in Values, Rising with Vision

Amal’s journey begins from Vayattuparamba in Alakode, Kannur, nestled amidst Kerala’s rich biodiversity. His early education, shaped at St. George TTE Pulpally, followed by a B.A. in English, Sociology, and Psychology from St. Philomena’s College, University of Mysore, laid a multidimensional foundation for understanding both the human and ecological aspects of development. The blend of psychology and sociology with a command over language gave Amal an edge, enabling him to connect, communicate, and catalyze change.

From his very first role as a school teacher at SVUP School, Karippal, Amal displayed an unwavering commitment to community development. But it wasn’t long before the spirit of entrepreneurship called him beyond the classroom.

Multi-Sector Experience: A Holistic Foundation

The diverse roles Amal embraced over the years were not mere jobs; they were stepping stones. His foray into real estate with Reliance Projects & Property Management Services Ltd. honed his sales acumen and people skills. As a Partner at Kanton Laboratories, and later as Managing Partner at Indigo Scientific and Chemicals, he built a strong command over business strategy, product development, and operations in the scientific and chemical domains.

His stint as IT Support Staff at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) added technical proficiency, further deepened when he joined Qualonix Cyber Park as an IT and Marketing Executive. These varied experiences carved in Amal a rare blend; one who could walk in both the high-tech corridors of IT and the muddy trails of farmlands with equal confidence.

A Green Revolution in the Making

Today, as the CEO of Paithal Hills Farmers Producer Company Ltd., Amal Jose is managing a company which is leading a movement. Under his leadership, the company is creating sustainable farming ecosystems, enabling small and marginal farmers to thrive through collective ownership, innovation, and better market linkages.

Amal’s core mission is profound in its simplicity:

“To transform agriculture into a sustainable, profitable, and dignified livelihood by empowering farmers with knowledge, innovation, and market access.”

When the world is chasing fast profits and mechanized agriculture, Amal brings a refreshing perspective: that even the smallest landholder deserves dignity, empowerment, and the right to dream big.

Partnering with Nature

Amal’s partnership with BlueGrass Nursery and Landscapes further showcases his deep interest in horticulture and the environment. Through this venture, he promotes eco-friendly landscaping, native plant restoration, and the aesthetic revival of green spaces; aligning with global trends of climate-conscious development. This commitment also reflects his philosophical grounding: that development and nature are not adversaries, but allies when led with awareness.

A Model for India’s Agro-Future

Amal’s story is is a template for India’s agrarian revival. His model aligns with the ideals of respectful citizen and a value based nation; wherein farmers are not just beneficiaries of schemes but entrepreneurs, technocrats, and change-makers in their own right. Through Paithal Hills Farmers Producer Company Ltd., Amal is enabling a cooperative spirit, encouraging young people to return to agriculture with pride, and proving that technology, tradition, and business can indeed walk hand in hand.

A Call to the Young and Bold

What makes Amal Jose’s journey so compelling is the message it carries: that our native strengths; the soil we walk on, the seeds we plant, the knowledge we inherit, all are not relics of the past, but resources for the future. He and his team along with the collective movement empower farmers, train communities, and engage with policymakers. Great things happen when young minds choose roots over routes, and when enterprise meets empathy. Let us celebrate Amal Jose, let us celebrate the young and the dynamic in the Agro – Renaissance.  It is truly heartening to witness dynamic individuals embracing our native possibilities. The richest innovations often spring from the oldest traditions, and that the fields of India are still fertile for crops, and for dreams.

Children with Special Needs – A Pressing Concern in Modern India

Eric J B D’Souza

Children with special needs are given countless labels—be it “mentally challenged,” “intellectually disabled,” “differently abled,” or “children of God.” Yet, just as a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, the challenges these children face in India remain significant, regardless of how we choose to describe them.

Although initiatives exist at the national, state, and local levels, it is still painfully evident that a comprehensive, fully functional support structure for these children and their families is lacking—especially when compared with many Western nations, where such children are recognised as “privileged citizens” and benefit from robust, lifelong care systems from “womb to tomb.”

Incomplete Data and an Overlooked Population

A serious concern is the lack of accurate data on the number of children (and adults) with mental or intellectual disabilities. The Indian census does not distinguish between those who are physically disabled and those who are mentally disabled; consequently, it is impossible to ascertain the exact number of individuals who need specialised care.

The last nationwide census was conducted in 2011, placing India’s population at 1.21 billion. By 2025, estimates suggest that figure may have risen to around 1.45 billion—a substantial increase. Naturally, the number of children and adults with special needs has also likely grown, yet we have no precise records of how many require vital support and services.

A Personal Glimpse: Vijay, Vimla, and Santhosh

To illustrate the dire need for more comprehensive care, consider the fictional case of Vijay and Vimla, who welcomed their son, Santhosh, in 2002, six years after the birth of their healthy daughter. Their joy was soon tempered by the gradual realisation that Santhosh’s development was delayed and his behaviour increasingly difficult to comprehend.

In 2005, they were informed he had a form of brain damage that necessitated lifelong support. The shock of this diagnosis reshaped their lives. Suddenly, everything revolved around Santhosh: his daily needs, his communication barriers, and his ongoing therapies.

Parenting a child with special needs can place immense strain on family life, marital relationships, health, and careers. Vijay and Vimla’s ability to focus on their work was severely compromised, as was their hope for an ordinary family life.

Although they eventually learned to cope, the most pressing question remains unanswered: Who will care for Santhosh after they are gone? Even if they manage to save and invest on his behalf, Santhosh will always require dedicated support and someone to help him navigate everyday tasks.

In India, where official records do not properly account for children and adults like Santhosh, there is no substantial, unified system to ensure they will be cared for in later life.

A Collective Responsibility: Areas for Improvement

Over the years, I have encountered parents, caregivers, and professionals who share similar worries and aspirations. Below is a condensed list of suggested measures spanning the Government, the corporate sector, medical and professional bodies, and the community at large. It is my earnest hope that, together, we can begin addressing these concerns more effectively.

1. The Government
2. Right to Special Education

Just as basic education is recognised as a fundamental right for every Indian child, special education must be similarly enshrined for every child with specialneeds. Although legislation suchas the NationalTrust Act (1999) and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act (2016) exist, implementation requires urgent reinforcement.

• Integrated Schooling

Mainstream schools should make every effort to integrate children with special needs, wherever feasible, or set up parallel special-education systems within their institutions. Early, consistent exposure will help typical children better understand and accept their peers with special needs, and in turn, help those with special needs acclimatise to society.

• Enhanced Special Schools and Infrastructure

The number and quality of special schools must be vastly improved, complete with residential facilities to support children and adults throughout their lives—from “womb to tomb.” Having a safe, nurturing environment that addresses varied and evolving needs is paramount.

• The Corporate Sector
• Job Reservations and CSR Initiatives

The existing job-reservation quota for people with disabilities in government services should be expanded to include those with intellectual disabilities. Although productivity in certain roles may be limited, such measures would significantly ease the burden on these individuals and their families. Alternatively, companies might allocate part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to support individuals with special needs or the institutions that serve them.

• Support for Employees with Special-Needs Children

Employers can dramatically enhance productivity by recognising the additional challenges parents face. Providing sponsored therapies, educational assistance, and access to residential services for employees’ children with special needs could offer relief to countless families.

• Parenting Workshops

Corporate-sponsored workshops on managing the stress and complexities of raising children with special needs would benefit employees and potentially the wider community. Government health departments could extend similar workshops in the unorganised sector.

3. Medical and Professional Support

1. Counselling and Psycho-Social Services

Parents of children with special needs often require professional guidance—psychological, financial, and emotional—yet affordable, regulated counselling services remain sparse outside major cities. This gap must be bridged if families are to secure a better future for their children and themselves.

• Medical Research and Prevention

The medical community must invest in more robust research aimed at preventing or reducing the incidence of certain disabilities. Advances in genetics could potentially ensure fewer children are born with preventable impairments, although such scientific progress should always be pursued with caution and ethical considerations.

4. The Role of the Community

1. Parent Support Groups

While such groups are prevalent abroad, they are conspicuously rare in India. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) could facilitate these networks, allowing parents to share experiences, resources, and guidance.

• Attitudinal Shift

Society at large must adopt a more inclusive outlook. Rather than pity, children with special needs deserve respect and acceptance. Integrating them into community events and daily life from an early age fosters understanding and compassion.

• Trained Care Professionals

The scarcity of skilled caregivers—nurses, domestic helpers, and others trained to work with special-needs individuals—is a pressing concern. Organisations should offer education and certification programmes to build a workforce of compassionate, capable helpers who see this work as both a profession and a calling.

• Media Engagement

Media platforms can be powerful agents for change. Regular coverage and discussions of special-needs issues would raise public awareness, encourage empathy, and shine a spotlight on policy gaps and success stories alike.

The Most Urgent Issue: Long-Term Care

The question that troubles every parent of a child with special needs is: What happens when I am no longer here to care for them? It is imperative that the Government, NGOs, and private organisations collaborate to establish residential and day-care facilities that cater to the long-term welfare of adults with special needs.

Whether for short-term respite or permanent care, such homes would offer stability and peace of mind for families. In essence, India requires the equivalent of“old-age homes” specifically designed for this community—a place where theyare not merely housed but meaningfully engaged, protected, and valued.

A Hopeful Vision

Addressing these challenges calls for coordinated efforts from all sectors of society. While there is undoubtedly much work to be done, raising awareness is the first step towards finding lasting solutions. I sincerely hope that, in time, each concern outlined here will be addressed in depth, easing the burden on individuals with special needs and their families. Ultimately, the measure of a society’s progress lies in its capacity for empathy, inclusivity, and care for those most in need-and it is past time that we rise to this task.

(Author is Member of the Advisory Board, Saanidhya Group of Institutions for Mentally Challenged Children)