The Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) is the first indigenous religious congregation of the Catholic Church in India, founded in 1831 by Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara—a man of profound vision, deep spirituality, and passionate commitment to education and social reform. He firmly believed that a nation is built through the hearts and minds of its children, and thus placed immense emphasis on forming both character and intellect. Rooted in this legacy, the CMI Congregation has continued its mission across India and abroad, bringing quality education, pastoral care, and social upliftment to people of all backgrounds. Education for the marginalized and the remote has always been a core priority—echoing the missionary zeal of its founder. The Sacred Heart Province, Kochi, is one of the vibrant provinces of the congregation, known especially for its commitment to extending education into underdeveloped regions. With a strong missionary spirit, SH Province has taken bold steps to reach the unreached—bringing light where there was none, and hope where it was needed most. Every institution under its care, including Rajagiri Christ Academy, stands as a testimony to this enduring vision of transformation through education, values, and service.

St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a saintly priest and social reformer from Kerala, was a pioneer in both religious life and education. As the founder of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), he emphasized a disciplined, prayerful, and community-centered spiritual life rooted in Christian values. Recognizing education as the key to social empowerment, he established schools attached to every church, making learning accessible to all, regardless of caste or creed. His visionary leadership saw the founding of the first Catholic Sanskrit school in Kerala and the introduction of midday meals in schools. St. Chavara strongly advocated for the education of girls, believing that an educated woman uplifts an entire community. Through his efforts, education became a tool for both intellectual growth and moral formation. His legacy continues today through institutions that carry forward his mission of faith, learning, and social upliftment. St. Chavara remains a shining inspiration in blending spiritual depth with social responsibility.