“In a world chasing greatness, he chose goodness—and greatness followed quietly behind.”
Introduction
Dr. Valiyaveedu Nelson Antony’s life is proof of the wonderful things that can happen when faith, strength, and kindness come together in one person. His journey started in miraculous ways and turned into a life of service, humility, and giving children and communities who had been without opportunity for a long time the power to change their lives. Dr. Nelson is different from most people because he chose quiet action over fame, kindness over convenience, and human dignity over his own gain. His story isn’t just a list of accomplishments; it’s a real-life example of how one person can change the lives of thousands by following values that go beyond ambition.
Dr. Nelson was born on September 29, 1974, during the lively festival season in his village, near Kovilathottam St. Andrews Church. He came into the world with both good and bad things happening. A doctor said he was dead just after he was born, and his parents, who were sad, got ready to take his body home. But fate stepped in with an odd event: the sudden explosion of Confria Festival crackers brought the baby back to life. That moment, which his parents would never forget, was the beginning of a life touched by God’s grace. It was like the world had already chosen him for a higher purpose.
Dr. Nelson grew up in a poor family in Kerala, so he knew what it was like to be poor. Poverty was not something that happened far away; it was a part of everyday life. But it was in these hard times that he learnt the values that would later shape his mission. His parents taught him that being generous doesn’t mean having a lot of things; it means wanting to help others. “Even when you don’t have much,” they would often say, “give from what little you do have.” This early exposure to selflessness made him promise to help others for the rest of his life, no matter what problems he was having. He completed his SSC at the age of 15, marking a significant milestone in his early education.
Spirituality had a big impact on his early years. Going to church, singing in the choir, and seeing acts of devotion made him more aware of other people’s pain and motivated him to help. When a priest came to his school and preached, it was a big turning point in his life. The young Nelson felt a strong calling and decided to go to the OIFM Capuchin Seminary after he finished school. He spent years of his youth studying philosophy and theology there, trying to understand faith, compassion, and the rules of service. The seminary helped him think more clearly, made him a better person, and helped him become a man whose life would be centred on giving. He also studied Theology at Pushpagiri under the supervision of Fr. Paul.
But things changed unexpectedly when he had to leave the priesthood for some reason. He had planned to be a spiritual leader, but he chose to go home because he wanted to honour his parents’ wishes. But the choice caused a lot of emotional pain. People in his village had high hopes for him; many thought he would become a priest. Leaving the seminary made him feel ashamed and out of place. He left Kerala and moved to Andhra Pradesh in search of comfort and a new beginning. All he brought with him were his determination and the values he had learnt. After leaving the seminary, he joined Bharat Matha, Kottiyam for learning Electronics.
“Some lives enter the world quietly; his entered twice—once through birth, and once through grace.”
Phase 1: The Child Who Returned From Silence
The life of Dr. Valiyaveedu Nelson Antony began with an event so extraordinary that it would forever shape his sense of identity, purpose, and faith. He was born on 29 September 1974, on the day when his village in Kerala was alive with the vibrant celebrations of the Kovilathottam St. Andrews Church and the Confria Festival. The air was filled with hymns, the scent of incense drifted through the streets, lamps glowed in devotion, and the community gathered in spiritual harmony. In the middle of this sacred atmosphere, his mother went into labour, surrounded by the comforting presence of faith and tradition.
Yet, what should have been a moment of pure joy for his family quickly transformed into a tragedy none of them were prepared for. Moments after his birth, the attending doctor examined the newborn and declared that he had no heartbeat and no signs of life. His parents, already fatigued from the struggles of daily poverty, were pushed into a depth of grief that words could not contain. The festival outside continued in celebration, but inside that room, silence took over—a silence of loss, disbelief, and helplessness.
Because of the overwhelming crowds and restrictions caused by the festival, his parents were unable to immediately take the child home. With broken hearts, they requested permission to return the next morning, when the village would be calmer and the roads less chaotic. They left the hospital that evening, preparing themselves to bring home the body of their newborn son. It was a night unlike any other, filled with sorrow even as the sounds of festival drums and hymns echoed faintly through the village.
As the church procession passed near the hospital later that night, firecrackers began exploding in the sky, their sharp crackling sounds filling the air. The vibrations travelled through the walls of the hospital and into the room where the newborn lay still. And then, in a moment that defied logic and human understanding, the baby moved.
“Love is the only real wealth when there isn’t much to give.”
Phase 2: Where Compassion Comes From in a Home of Scarcity
Dr. Valiyaveedu’s early years Nelson Antony grew up in a world where things were simple and there wasn’t much of anything. He was born in a miraculous way and grew up in a home that didn’t have much money but had many values that would shape the course and honesty of his life. His parents always remembered how close they came to losing him, and even though they didn’t raise him to feel entitled or superior, they taught him that life itself was a sacred duty. Their home was small and often financially difficult, but it was a place where kindness was a part of everyday life and generosity was a part of everyday life.
During the early years of Nelson’s childhood, his family had to deal with the real problems of trying to keep their dignity while living in poverty. His father worked hard, doing any job he could find, even when it was difficult, to make sure the family stayed alive. His mother was incredibly patient as she balanced the needs of the family, using every resource to its fullest and making up for what they didn’t have with strong emotional support. She strongly believed in the power of prayer and made sure that faith was a strong part of their lives. Every night, she would talk to her kids about being thankful, being strong, and how important it is to trust God even when the future seems uncertain.
In this setting, young Nelson learnt to see life not as a gift but as a challenge. He saw with his own eyes how hard his parents worked to get even the most basic things. There were times when the family could only afford new clothes once every few years, and there were times when they had to choose between two equally important needs. Even though there were problems, the family always had a spirit of sharing. Nelson remembered times when his mother would give food to a hungry neighbour, even if it meant giving less to her own family. She was obvious about what she believed: “Whatever we give will come back to us in some way.” “Don’t keep everything for yourself.”
These events shaped how Nelson felt as a child. He saw people who didn’t have much give a lot when he was a kid. He saw his parents help sick people, lend money to people in trouble, or reach out to people who were lonely or depressed.
“Before he could lead others, he had to learn how to give up control of himself.”
Phase 3: The Seminary Years: How Faith Changed Me
When Dr. Valiyaveedu Nelson Antony turned 13, he entered the world of spiritual formation, which was the next big change in his life. He grew up poor, humble, and kind, but it was during his teenage years that he began to feel a stronger calling—a clear pull towards faith, service, and self-discipline. This calling didn’t come out of nowhere. It grew slowly, shaped by the church life he lived, the values his parents taught him, and the miracle of his birth that was always in the back of his mind. He didn’t fully understand it at the time, but the seeds of his future path were already in his heart.
Nelson was naturally drawn to the church as a child. The church had always been a place of comfort for him. Its calmness, music, and steady rhythm of devotion made him feel like he belonged. He would often watch the priests from a distance, admiring how calm and disciplined they were and how much respect the community had for them. He was very moved by how they could lead, comfort, and lift others. He saw in them a kind of strength that came from being spiritually grounded, not from being in charge. These feelings stayed with him and changed how he thought about what it meant to live a meaningful life.
He met a priest in high school who would change the course of his life. The priest gave a sermon during a school visit that deeply and inexplicably moved Nelson. It wasn’t just the words that moved him; it was the honesty behind them. The message was clear: the best thing you can do is serve others. The idea of devoting one’s life to helping others really struck a chord with a boy who had grown up around struggle, generosity, and sacrifice. That day, something inside him woke up. He felt like his life might have a higher purpose.
This feeling got stronger as he got closer to finishing school. The more he thought about his future, the more he felt that the path of spiritual service was in line with the values he had held since he was a child.
Note of Thanks
In expressing his gratitude, Dr. Valiyaveedu Nelson Antony acknowledges with humility that his journey has never been a solitary one. He extends heartfelt thanks to every student, parent, colleague, and well-wisher who stood beside him through every season of his life. He believes deeply that Holy Angels School grew not because of his efforts alone, but because countless people contributed their trust, encouragement, and prayers along the way.
He offers special gratitude to the families who welcomed him into their lives, to the community that embraced him beyond language and region, and to the children who became his greatest teachers. Dr. Nelson also extends his deep gratitude to Parimi Radhakrishna (Radhagaru) – BJP State Leader, Parimi Hari Charan – Ex-Municipal Vice Chairman, Bavana Benny Garu – Ward Counselor, Varacheril Varghese Anish – Montesory EM High School, Tallapudi, Kodavali Bullabai Garu, Kantamani Raghu Garu, Kakarla Subba Rao Garu, the Police Department, the Municipality, and the Education Department for their continuous support and contributions to his journey.
Dr. Nelson also bows in silent thanks to God, whose grace carried him through challenges and shaped his purpose. In his heart, he holds each person with affection and acknowledges that whatever he achieved is a reflection of the love he received.
Thank You
Dr. Valiyaveedu Nelson Antony