Thomas Kurian, the newly-appointed president of Oracle Product Development, has his roots in the sleepy village of Pampady off Kottayam town.

His uncle and cardiologist George Jacob says: ‘‘They were four brothers, born and brought up in Bengaluru, where my elder brother P.C. Kurian, a chemical engineer, was with Graphite India. Thomas and his twin brother George, after passing out from St Joseph’s Boys High School, Bengaluru, had joined IIT Madras. However, six months into their programme, they both went to Princeton University to pursue their studies.’’

Thomas has a BA in electrical engineering which he graduated with ‘‘summa cum laude’’ (highest distinction). In the second place was his twin brother George, Dr. Jacob says.

‘‘The boys had migrated to the U.S. at the age of 17, and have very little connections here,’’ he says.

He came to know of his nephew’s elevation on Friday. ‘‘Of course, we are all happy though we had not held any celebrations,’’ he says.

Mr. Kurian, however, used to visit his ancestral house annually after the retirement of his father who chose to settle down in Pampady. About three months back, his father passed away and that was the last time Mr. Kurian visited his ancestral home.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Business> Industry / by Special Correspondent / Kottayam – January 11th, 2014