The Sagacious, modest leader was born on 16th November 1939 at Thumbarassery, Kuzhur panchayat, Mala in Thrissur district. He was the son of Mr. Vareed and Mrs. Annamkutty, He was ordained a priest to the CMI Congregation in 1969. Even prior to his priesthood, he was extremely a hardworking personality, deeply concerned with the plight of the downtrodden in rural areas. Fr. Paul Kodiyan’s love and concern for the poor and the destitute, irrespective of caste and creed had found expression in word and deed. Inspired by a charitable and non-sectarian outlook, he had always befriended the needy and poverty stricken.
He has left behind a deep impression of his charitable disposition, during the tenure of his pastoral assignments at various locations including Marthoma Ponthifical shrine, Azhikode (1970-1975), St. Paul’s Monastery, Kadalundy (1975-1978), St. Theresa’s Monastery, Ambazhakad and Snehagiri (1978-1986), Amala Cancer Hospital, Thrissur (1986-1988) and again at Snehagiri since 1988.
With great effort he was able to create massive awareness on the plight of the downtrodden masses. With the help of State Government authorities, he established several Child Care Centres under ICDS and other socio economic and rural development projects like lift irrigation project, drinking water supply scheme, construction of roads and culverts, small scale industries for training and employment for unemployed youth and backward communities of the coastal belt. Fr. Paul organised several seminars and awareness sessions to upbring the underdeveloped.
The most notable and ambitious project of Fr. Paul Kodiyan at Snehagiri, was the establishment of Snehagiri Mithralayam, under which a rehabilitation centre for the physically challenged, differently abled children and youngsters was set up. Also, a Day care Centre for the aged was set up under this project, without any caste and creed barriers, trying to give solace to the deserving aged people assuring them of care and good nursing.
With zest Fr. Paul Kodiyan always looked forward to serve God and men. His only prayer request to God Almighty was to give him more strength to render his humble services to the poor people around him who are in dire need of the love and care.