Johnson G. Therattil
A Couple dedicated to Social Service
Johnson G. Therattil, a businessman, dedicated towards social work. His wife, Alice Johnson Therattil, a contributor to society through her role as a Corporator and through other social involvements. Together, they make a dedicated pair, determined to work for the betterment of the society and its people, as Petrina D'Souza interviews,
Mr. Therattil, you have been a businessman all these years; tell us about your life as a businessman so far?
I started my business career in 1977-78 in the name of Shineorit Inks at Goregaon. Prior to entering the business, I was employed in Larsen & Toubro Ltd in their packaging division as a Research Chemist. While working with them; I was keen on developing important substitute items. My services were recognized by Larsen & Toubro and also at the national level as I was awarded the Shramvir National Award by the President. This award gave my company a lot of financial benefits. This factor made me realize that instead of being an employee, I could have my own business which will provide me with better earnings and status. Hence; I started with my business career.
My company manufactures liquid printing inks for packaging items especially for biscuit wrappers, bulb wrappers, soap wrappers and even pharmaceutical product wrappers. Inks are developed for the end use of wrappers for Hindustan Lever, Britannia, Parle G, Philips and other such industries. As the business was growing, I expanded it to Navi Mumbai. At present, my business is going reasonably well.
Mrs. Therattil, you are now the Corporator of Kalina, tell us how your experience as a Corporator has been so far?
My experience as a Corporator has been good. My husband inspired me to get into social work as he himself was involved in it, which ultimately has let to me being the Corporator of Kalina of Ward 84.My sole aim is to help the poor and provide the people with the basic necessary facilities. I have been involved in a lot of work for the development of the place and the people which in turn has led to people encouraging me further. People were happy when I got the pipelines cleaned and got them cement coated so that clean water could be provided. I also got a pipe put up between the Indian Airlines & New Air India Colony and the Mithi River so that there is no water logging in future. There was also a water problem in Ward 84 which I sorted out by fixing an 18 inch water pipe so that sufficient water could be available after commissioning of the same line. I considered these works as some of my major achievement and contributions as a Corporator. I believe that by being the Corporator, I have been provided with a very good opportunity to serve and help the people.
You both have been involved in a lot of other social work specially relating to our society; tell us about some of the social work you have done?
Mr. Therattil: Along with business, I also got involved into social activities. At present, I am involved into a lot of social work and groups. I was the President of the Kerala Catholic Association which deals with the underprivileged being supported, sports and cultural activities among the community are encouraged and also problems or crisis among and outside the community are taken up and sorted. Since 2001, I am the General Secretary of the International Society of Peace and Harmony which aims at peace and harmony within the country and with other countries. In 2002, I was the Chairman of the Kerala Christina Council which is a registered organization projecting the aspirations of all Christian denominations spread across Mumbai and its satellite townships. I have also been an active member of A.L.M, Kalina since 2003, Special Executive Officer of the Government of Maharashtra since 2004 and Chairman of Activities of the Lions Club of Bombay since 2005.Along with these major involvements, I have also been an active member of various organization namely the Willington Catholic Gymkhana, Santacruz, the Y.M.C.A, Mumbai, the Indian Catholic Secular Forum and also the All India Printing Ink Manufacturers Association. I am also an activist of the Congress Party since 1974.
Mrs. Therattil: Like my husband, I am also involved into a lot of organizations and social work. I am the Life Member and I was First Lady of Kerala Catholic Association since 1985 and play an active role in the Association's multifarious activities under the guidance of my husband. I also serve on the panel of members, scrutinizing and approving loans granted to weaker sections of society. I am also an active member of the Lions Club of Bombay (Kalina Unit) organizing fests, social activities, sports, donation drives, eye camps, medical check-ups etc. for people of all walks of life. Lately, I have been associated with several welfare activities for Ward No. 84, post the floods and torrential rains which lashed Mumbai on 26th July, 2005.Like my husband , I am also an active member of the Congress Party since 1985.
Mr. Therattil, what has been your greatest achievement so far, as a businessman and as a man of service and Mrs. Therattil, What is you main aim and goal with regards to the betterment of our society?
Mr. Therattil: As a businessman, the greatest achievement was that I could rise upto the National level and be awarded the Shramvir National Award by the President. Presently I am the director of Chriastian Chember of Commerse & Industry registered. And as a man of service, the greatest achievement is the immense satisfaction that I get while serving the people. I feel that I am the most fortunate for getting an opportunity to serve the poor people of Santacruz.
Mrs. Therattil: My main aim is to provide awareness to the people about the development of society. I want to give the poor people a better and a decent lifestyle by providing them with the basic necessities and also by providing them with proper medicines and treatment.
Tell us a bit about your family?
Mr. Therattil: I have been born and brought up in Trichur, Kerala and have been settled in Mumbai since 1969. We have been married for almost 34 years now and have a son; Dr. Justin Therattil. Our son has completed his education as a Doctorate from UICT, Matunga. Being the only son, we were fortunate to see that he entered into our family business. Along with business, he is also involved in social service.
What are your views on our society? Do you'll have any hopes or suggestions for the development and growth of our society?
Mr. Therattil: We both feel that people in our society are not aware of their responsibilities which they should be made aware of. The underprivileged people should be provided with education facilities which will give them employment and which in turn will help them progress in their career and in life. Education is thus a must for the society's development which can eradicate poverty and mould people into good citizens. The youth should also be made aware of their responsibilities. They should know what's happening in the society. They should track down all atrocities around them and help in the betterment of the society. Today's youth will be responsible citizens of the country tomorrow. For the proper handling of the country, youth development should be concentrated on. We also strongly feel that educated people should be aware of their right to vote and should choose proper leaders who can lead the country to its progress and success. Many educated people do not cast their vote, due to which wrong candidates are chosen who in turn deteriorate the development of the country.
What advice or guidance would you'll give the youth of today in their attempt to succeed and contribute towards society?
Mr. Therattil: One very important advice that we would give to the youth would be to get educated. The youth should take up a career in different fields like doctors, engineers so that it can be utilized for the benefit of the country in future. The youth can even get involved in politics and become political leaders in the future, so that they can provide help to people at the grassroot level and contribute in eradicating poverty and also contribute to the country's development. Thus, a career taken up with a right meaning and in a right spirit will help in the growth and development of oneself and also of the society.