Building A Future Rooted
In Integrity And Excellence
Our Legacy
Our Founder
Dr. John Zechariah: Visionary Founder
Born on February 16, 1945, in Solapur to Mary and Zechariah Gadhar, Dr. John Zechariah rose from humble beginnings at 217 Modi Khana to become a global scholar and dedicated servant leader. His 77-year life exemplified resilience, turning challenges into triumphs through unwavering determination. From a young age, his restless energy and big dreams propelled him forward, undeterred by setbacks.
Academic Excellence and Global Impact
Dr. Zechariah completed secondary education at Vijaya Vidyalaya School in Gulbarga, followed by a Bachelor’s from Sangmeshwar College and Master’s degrees in Economics and Political Science from Dayanand College in Solapur and Pune University. He earned a Ph.D. from Pune University and retired as Dean of the Graduate School of Business Administration at Spicer Memorial College, Pune, after 30 years of service. His international pursuits included research on the American Arbitration System at the University of Columbia’s Labour Studies Centre in Washington DC (1986-87), fellowships in Japan with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (1990), Doshisha University (1992), and Kobe University (2003).
A prolific writer, Dr. Zechariah authored key books on industrial relations in India, the USA, and Japan, including Administration of Industrial Labour Disputes in India and In Search of Christian Leadership-Character. He edited nine books for the Association of Christian Institutes of Social Concern in Asia, serving as Chairman from 2006-2014. His works continue to shape leadership training curricula worldwide.
In 1977, Dr. Zechariah moved to Pune with his family but kept his heart in Daund Taluka’s rural communities. Through the Indian Society for Social Action, he delivered drinking water to over 40 villages in partnership with the Japan Asian Friendship Society and established an Industrial Training Institute in 1999 with the Matsushita Electrical Workers Union, empowering over 8,000 families with skills and livelihoods.
Dr. Zechariah’s dream of quality rural education birthed Mary Memorial Schools- four high schools, one junior college, and two Industrial Training Institutes serving more than 5,000 children and youth over 28 years.
He also mentored the Mary Retreat Centre and Asian Academy for Leadership and Peace (AALP) since 2008, inspiring thousands of leaders, students, and pastors.
His determination built sustainable institutions supporting hundreds of employees and families.
Dr. Zechariah passed on October 28, 2022, reuniting with his parents. His wife, Ratna Zechariah, children Arun, Asha, Anita and a committed team now carry forward his legacy of dignity, service and inspiration.