....... An essential read autobiography for those who desire to sublimate their goals to enhance human values. It is a testament to author’s life as motivator, preacher and teacher, and his enduring passion for elevating the life of others. The life story of Fr. V. M. Thomas is about saintliness, diligence and perseverance; it is about his choice to be the servant of God, not the master of material world.

I have seen Fr. V.M. Thomas from my childhood. He is continuously working for the improvement of education in Assam. Iam grateful to Fr. Thomas for his dedicated work for the upliftment of the people of Assam.

It is with great admiration that I extend my heartfelt blessings to Father V.M. Thomas on the release of his autobiography. His remarkable journey, marked by faith, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to education and social uplift, reflects a life truly devoted to the service of humanity. His vision and compassion have touched countless lives. May this inspiring work continue to enlighten minds and inspire future generations to serve with purpose and integrity.

Fr. V. M. Thomas SDB is my close friend and co-worker, the former Secretary of the Catholic Education Commission of the region, one of the most respected leadership trainers ni India, and a guiding light for Catholic education in the country. I do not know if anybody can ever match his energy, initiatives and push to take the Salesian province and the Church forward...

I first met Fr. V. M. Thomas in the early eighties as Principal of my alma mater, Don Bosco, Guwahati. He is more than an educationist - a visionary leader, social reformer, and compassionate guide with a mission to empower youth and transform society through education, skill development, and human values. He is a pioneer ni shaping the educational landscape of Northeast India and beyond. His tireless efforts have opened meaningful pathways for thousands of young people, enabling them to lead lives with purpose and service. He truly embodies the spirit of a reformer and pathfinder - an evergreen personality whose work continues to inspire and uplift generations.

Fr. V.M. Thomas, known affectionately as V.M., has given us more than an autobiography. The arc of his life presents us with a compelling paradox: how does a child, barely 12, possess the clarity of vision and strength of will to leave behind everything familiar on the serene banks of Kerala's Periyar to pursue a calling that would take him to the distant northeastern frontiers of India? These pages offer an account of a man who discovered that serving God and serving humanity are not separate vocations but a single, indivisible calling. He is simultaneously a dreamer and builder, a spiritual guide and a meticulous administrator. His life demonstrates that genuine spirituality must be embodied in service, that faith without works addressing human suffering remains incomplete. The institutions he has built stand as architectural manifestations of an inner philosophy that recognises the inherent dignity in every human being, from the economically disadvantaged to those with special abilities, communities denied access to quality education and healthcare. Each initiative represents not merely bricks and mortar, but a radical act of faith in human potential. His story challenges us to examine our own com- mitments and consider what we might accomplish fi we pursued our convictions with similar courage and consistency.

God sends emissaries to serve the mankind and Fr. V. M. Thomas is one such emissary. My relationship with him is tested by generations as he was very close to my father- the late Surendra Nath Medhi, Senior Advocate and Law Minister. Coming all the way from Kerala, his dedicated service to the society, more particularly the North East India, is almost unparalleled. I only wish that God gives you the strength to keep up with your good works.

Fr. Thomas’ autobiography stands as a powerful testament to a passionately lived purpose - one devoted to igniting young minds and enabling the youth to chart their own future. As an ardent educationist, he has woven the fabric of character amongst the youth, empowering them to become architects of their own destinies. This autobiography is thus a beacon for believers in the transformative power of education. His career was one of quiet revolution, one that transforms society from within, with much empathy and patience. Within these pages, his voice reminds us that the greatest stories are never scripted, but lived. Thank you, Father, for sharing your journey with us.

Fr. Thomas has cultivated relationship with the civil society, where we have a vocation to serve as a leaven. Though he is my student, he has done what I could never dream to have attempted. I can only be vicariously proud of what he has accomplished. I thank him for his services to the Church and society.

You have distinguished yourself as an eminent son of our Church in the building up of which your contribution is great. Your sacrifices will not be forgotten. You have a vision for the Church in Assam. And it is animated by great love for the Church.

I cherish my collaboration with Fr. V.M. Thomas in a number of mission ventures. I was struck by his profound faith and trust in God, his deep love for the youth of the region, particularly those on the periphery. He was at ease and comfortable with the civil administrators and university professors as well as the youth.

You really were a one-man army. There is no institution in the province which has not seen your touch of improvement. You believed in offering the best to the poor. I am indeed glad that the mission has very much developed.

What defines Fr. Thomas is his ability to connect with everyone - a student, a fellow educator, a colleague or a stranger. His lectures inspire not just because they are well-crafted, but because they are rooted in lived experience, in a deep understanding of human potential. He has shown that knowledge is not meant to be hoarded, but shared; that authority does not require noise, but clarity, and that even a small gesture, like a smile at a child’s mistake, can carry meaning far beyond that moment. In a world that often celebrates speed and success, Fr. Thomas stands for something deeper: purpose, compassion and service.

Fr. V.M. Thomas’ journey is a testament to unwavering faith and selfless service. From humble beginnings to extraordinary achievements, his life unfolds like a living prayer rooted in compassion and driven by purpose. This autobiography is not just a story; it is a call to embrace humanity, inspire change and follow the river of faith that shapes our destiny. A profound narrative!

I have been interacting with Fr. Thomas since our first meeting in the early 1990’s. I remember his motivational and leadership talks to the State Government Civil Services Officers. His single-handed efforts towards setting up the Don Bosco Institute, Guwahati, and making it a premier vocational training institute, is a major contribution towards the upliftment of the youth of the marginalized section of the society in Northeast India. I must put on record his communication, integrity, adaptability and problem-solving qualities. His empathy for the deprived section of the society also impresses me enormously.

Fr. Thomas, who came to North-east India at the tender age of 12 years, has devoted his life towards building and nurturing institutions in the region, especially for the youth. He has been one of the most inspiring persons I have met. Compassion and empathy, which are essential for societies to flourish, have been among the core values of his mission, inspired by the person and life of Don Bosco. His autobiography will inspire many as they strive to build just and inclusive societies

With disarming honesty, a delightful smile and a deep commitment to the work and ideals of the Don Bosco institutions and his faith, Fr. V.M. Thomas has served North East India with passion and compassion for decades. He is an institution builder, mentor and friend to generations of students who have risen to great heights. He is also perhaps among the very few religious scholars to find a place as himself (under a different name) in Red River, a compelling novel by one of his former students of troubled times in Assam.

I first met Fr. Thomas at the LBSNAA, Mussoorie, where he conducted the MBTI personality assessment for our batch of officer trainees. From that moment, I sensed an uncommon combination of intellect, empathy, and purpose. He was an exceptional leader—passionate, deeply disciplined, and unwavering in his devotion to the disadvantaged, especially the people of the North-East. What began as a brief professional encounter became a friendship and mentorship that has now endured for over twenty-seven years. He has served far beyond the boundaries of an institution; he has served humanity itself. For me, he remains more than a mentor or guide, and even more than a father figure: he is a living reminder of what faith, intellect, and love can accomplish when lived as one.

Fr. V.M. Thomas has always been an inspiration to the students and many of us who look up to him as a positive force during periods of personal or social travails.In all my years of association with him, I have seen his empathy for the underdog, his ability to solve problems, administrative or otherwise, that at first had seemed insurmountable. In equal measure, too, is the gift he has for spreading goodwill and cheer among all: irrespective of race, colour or religion. A fine orator, with a down-to-earth approach to life, I have been moved by his deep concern for, and involvement with the services rendered by the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa.

Fr. Thomas, a visionary educationalist and revered leader, has been a true blessing to countless students like me. His life’s work reflects humanity, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to youth empowerment. Through his inspirational teachings and compassionate guidance, he instilled in us the values of integrity, discipline, and service. His presence was a beacon of hope and transformation, and his words continue to inspire my journey. He didn’t just teach; he touched lives and built futures.