Leadership

The history of Good News for India reflects the journey of an ordinary couple who went on to make a significant contribution through their social and educational initiatives.

Born in Kerala, a state in South India, George Kuruvila Chavanikamannil initially planned to pursue a career in law. Over time, he developed a strong personal commitment to community development and social engagement, particularly with a focus on northern India, a region known for its diverse cultural and social challenges.

George’s future wife, Leela, was also born and educated in Kerala. After completing her university studies, she worked as a schoolteacher in Kathmandu, Nepal, before moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1972. George joined her there in 1973, and they were married in St. Paul, Minnesota. The couple later moved to California in 1974, where George pursued graduate studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. After completing his program, he joined World Vision in 1977 and worked there until 1986. He later went on to earn a Doctor of Ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts.

During these years, George and Leela developed a shared vision to contribute to capacity-building and leadership development in India. In 1986, George left his position at World Vision to launch the initiatives of Good News for India, and Leela subsequently left her role at Bank of America to join him in this work.

Together, they worked toward establishing a training center focused on equipping individuals for community service and leadership. Through the support of well-wishers and donors, the Luther W. New Theological College was established in Dehradun, which was then part of Uttar Pradesh and is now the capital of Uttarakhand. NTC opened on April 15, 1989, and has since trained more than 3,000 students who serve in various professional and social sectors across the country.

Good News for India continues to function as a donor-supported body that focuses on funding and supporting educational and social initiatives. It does not govern or control the institutions or organizations it supports, but partners with them solely in a funding capacity.