Abraham Thomas Kovoor

Abraham Thomas Kovoor is a Tamil author and professor. He was a critic of various spiritual practices. He was born on 10 April 1898 in Thirvulla, Kerala in a Syrian Christian family. He studied science in Banganasi College in Calcutta. His father Thoma Kathanar, was the Vice General of Syrian Church. He worked as a professor in Botany at C.M.S College in Kerala. He was married to Kunjamma, a judge’s daughter. Then, he joined Jeffena College as a lecturer in botany and worked until 1943. For some years, he worked at Richmond College, Gale and St. Thomas College from 1947 to 1953.

Then, he retired as a teacher at Thurstan College in Colombo. The people in Sri Lanka and India were firmly believing in Tantrik practices. He personally met people such as magicians, fortune tellers or godmen. In his book ‘Begone Godmen’ he mentioned these people. Based on his scientific research, he stated that the para-psychological processes or spiritual practices were not rational. He said that he would offer Rs. 1000 to Rs. 25,000 to the people who could recognise the serial number after sealing the money in a cover. Nobody won the challenge. He received the National Award from Bharatiya Yuktivadi Sangam. He died on 18th September 1978 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.