Kerala Student Secures Rs. 3-Crore Scholarship at World-Ranked University, Credits God and Family

Kerala, Jan 17, 2025: What began as a student’s curiosity in combining computer science with chemistry eventually unfolded into a breakthrough shaped by years of research and God’s intervention at a decisive moment. John Kottooran, a student from Cherthala in Kerala’s Alappuzha district, has secured a fully funded PhD scholarship worth Rs. 3 crore to pursue a four-year doctoral programme in computational chemistry at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s leading research universities with a strong international reputation. He also secured the first rank in MSc. Applied Chemistry in 2025.

Completing his schooling at Bishop Moore Vidyapith, Cherthala, John began engaging in research from his undergraduate years. His early exposure to computer science during the 11th and 12th standards, combined with his grounding in chemistry, gradually drew him towards computational chemistry. He earned a master’s degree in Applied Chemistry from CMS College, Kottayam. “It felt like solving a puzzle,” he said, explaining that the field helps researchers “understand chemical reactions at a much deeper level.”

The Initial Rejection

John credited his mentor, Dr. Vibin Ipe Thomas, for introducing him to computational chemistry and guiding him through his research journey. “My mentor was the one who spotted the opportunity and asked me to apply,” John said, explaining that he then contacted the professor on LinkedIn and shared details of his academic and research experience.

Following a selection process held in September, the professor expressed interest in accepting him as a PhD candidate. However, John said his application was initially declined by the university due to the limited international recognition of his college. Recalling the setback, he said, “That phase was deeply discouraging for me.”

The rejection left him grappling with disappointment and uncertainty about the future. “I truly felt I had lost all hope at that point,” John said, describing it as one of the most testing phases of his academic life.

The Power of Family Prayer

The rejection came in October, traditionally observed as the Month of the Rosary, and became a turning point for John and his family. Instead of giving in to despair, the family intensified their time in prayer. “My mother encouraged me to pray and trust that God would change the situation,” John recalled.

Raised in a traditional Catholic family, John described prayer as an inseparable part of his daily life, with evening family prayer remaining constant throughout the Rosary Month. In a moment that echoed his mother’s steadfast faith, the university revisited his application and reversed its earlier decision, granting him admission. “We received it as an answered prayer and praised God in thanksgiving,” he said.

Family, Gratitude & Future Aspirations

As an only child, John grew up in a close-knit family that placed strong importance on education and values. His father, Benny Kottooran T, worked as a service engineer handling heavy machines before retiring as a sales manager, while his mother, Rita Mary Sebastian, a former agricultural assistant, later became a homemaker. Speaking about them, John said, “They have supported me throughout my life and are like my friends who constantly encourage me.” He is presently a parishioner of St. Thomas Church, Nedumbrakkad in Cherthala, Kerala.

Expressing gratitude for this milestone, John said, “I thank God first, then my parents, and my mentor for helping me reach this stage,” he said. Beyond academics, he enjoys reading widely and hopes to continue in the research field as a research associate, aspiring to make meaningful contributions through scientific work.

By Catholic Connect Reporter