Former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda conferring the Mahatma Gandhi Best Educationist Award to Dr. Oommen David at the British Parliament House.
Five decades in education, a legacy built on knowledge, values and service
The trust, respect and recognition that Dr. Oommen David has earned as the Founder, Principal and Director of Holy Angels School and Junior College under the Trinity Education Trust are a reflection of an extraordinary journey in education. Having completed 50 years in the teaching profession in Mumbai, Dr. David looks back on five decades marked by dedication, perseverance, leadership and an unwavering commitment to shaping young minds.
Hailing from Kuttamperoor in Mannar, Alappuzha, Kerala, Dr. David has carved out a distinguished place for himself in Mumbai’s educational landscape. A visionary educationist, compassionate human being and inspiring role model, he has sought to make kindness, empathy, discipline and service integral to the educational experience.
For Dr. David, education has never been confined to textbooks and classrooms. His philosophy has always been to nurture students into responsible, confident and value-driven individuals. His influence has therefore extended beyond students to teachers, parents and the wider community.
Completing 50 years in the teaching profession is more than a personal milestone. It is a celebration of a lifetime devoted to the noble cause of education. Over the decades, Dr. David has helped mould generations of students, many of whom have gone on to make their mark in different walks of life.
He considers it a privilege to have been able to provide value-based education to three generations of students and to occupy a place in the memories of so many of them. A deeply religious person, Dr. David attributes his achievements to the grace of God and believes that the knowledge and wisdom he has been able to share with his students are blessings that come with a responsibility to serve.
A Look Back at the Journey
After completing his Master’s degree and B.Ed., Dr. David came to Mumbai and began his teaching career at a school in Panvel at the age of 27. That first step eventually grew into a remarkable five-decade association with education.
Over the years, he moved far beyond the conventional role of a teacher. His dedication, knowledge, organisational ability and leadership helped him become a mentor and guide to generations of students and colleagues.
Looking back, Dr. David says he has countless memories of his years in education. The experiences, friendships and relationships built over the decades remain among his most treasured possessions. He has preserved the memories of his schools, colleagues and generations of students who enriched his journey.
The Dombivli Chapter
Dr. David joined Model English School in Dombivli in 1974 and subsequently became its principal. Even beyond the formal responsibilities of his position, he worked tirelessly for the development and welfare of the institution. His maturity, knowledge, practical skills and organisational abilities were remarkable for his age. He brought to education a distinctive vision and a strong sense of purpose, qualities that have remained central to his approach even today.
With Maharashtrian turned dignitaries… Hon’ble Home Minister of Kerala Shri. Ramesh Chennithala & Global Chairman of World Malayali Federation Dr. J Retnakumar at the Formation of Maharashtra state Council
His contribution to the educational development of Dombivli and the wider Mumbai region has touched several generations.
Holy Angels: A Dream Realised
The establishment of Holy Angels School and Junior College in Gandhi Nagar, Dombivli, on a sprawling 2.5-acre campus was the realisation of a long-cherished dream for Dr. David. Established under the Trinity Education Trust, the institution has grown into an important centre of learning.
Holy Angels Junior College, established in 2003, has steadily built a reputation for academic excellence. The institution has achieved an impressive 100 per cent success rate and has developed educational standards and facilities with a focus on holistic and contemporary learning.
Dr. David’s wife, Leela Oommen, served for many years as Principal of S.E.S. Junior College in Thane and continues to serve as the Managing Trustee of the institution. Their shared commitment to education has been an important part of the institution’s growth.
Today, their son Bijoy Oommen, who has an MA, B.Ed and M.Phil, is the principal of Holy Angels’ School and Junior College, while younger son Manoj Oommen is working in the United Kingdom.
Under the Trinity Education Trust, the educational group has expanded its academic activities to cover kindergarten, primary, secondary, higher secondary and higher education. The institution places strong emphasis on academic standards, infrastructure, discipline and value-based education.
The group has consistently recorded outstanding results, including a reported 99.6 per cent performance in the CBSE examinations. On one occasion, the institution’s topper was honoured by former Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani.
The Trust has also expanded into higher education by establishing Dr David’s College of Higher Education, which became operational in 2024. The college is committed to providing quality education with a focus on values, discipline, and holistic growth. Our vision is to build an institution that offers education from KG to PG, nurturing not only academic achievers but also confident, responsible, and future-ready individuals, says Dr. Oommen.
A Voice in the Loka Kerala Sabha
Dr. David’s contribution extends beyond education. He is a member and guest of the Loka Kerala Sabha, the Kerala government’s platform bringing together prominent Malayali personalities from across the world.
He regards his association with the Loka Kerala Sabha as an honour and an opportunity to contribute his experience and knowledge to the development of Kerala. The platform, he believes, provides a valuable opportunity for Malayalis from different parts of the world to exchange ideas, experiences and perspectives and contribute to Kerala’s future.
He is also associated with the activities of the Malayalam Mission and NORKA Roots in Mumbai.
Dr. David has raised several issues and suggestions through the Loka Kerala Sabha, particularly those concerning education and the welfare and development of the Malayali community.
In recognition of his five decades of service in education and his association with the fourth Loka Kerala Sabha, he has been felicitated by organisations including the Dombivli Press Club, St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Dombivli Keraleeya Samajam and Rotary Club.
A Signature in Social Service
Education is only one dimension of Dr. David’s public life. He has also played an active role in several socio-cultural, charitable and voluntary organisations in Mumbai.
Associated with organisations including Rotary and the YMCA, he has taken on various leadership and service responsibilities. His commitment to social service stems from a deep sense of compassion and a desire to translate his values into action.
His service during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him the title of “COVID Warrior”, conferred by former minister Ahamed Devarkovil. His contributions have also received international recognition, including the Mahatma Gandhi best educationist award presented at the British Parliament House.
Among his other honours is the KK Foundation’s Best Teacher – Mumbai Award. He has also received several other awards and recognitions from distinguished personalities, including former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, former Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan, former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, retired Justice Kemal Pasha and former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien.
These recognitions are not merely a list of awards. They represent the appreciation earned over decades of work in education, community service and social development.
A Legacy That Lives On
For Dr. Oommen David, 50 years in education is not simply a celebration of longevity. It is a celebration of the countless lives touched along the way.
From a young teacher who arrived in Mumbai with a Master’s degree and B.Ed. to an educationist who has built institutions and inspired generations, his journey is one of perseverance, vision and service.
His greatest achievement, perhaps, lies not in the institutions he has built or the honours he has received, but in the generations of students who carry with them the knowledge, discipline and values imparted by their teacher.
Five decades later, Dr. Oommen David continues to look back with gratitude—and forward with the conviction that education remains one of the most powerful instruments for building a better society.
Dr. Oommen David: Mob: 98210 64751