NEYYATINKARA: Pope Francis appointed Rev Dr Selvaraj as the successor Bishop of the Neyyatinkara diocese. He will take charge once the current Bishop Vincent Samuel completes his tenure. He is currently serving as the Neyyatinkara regional co-ordinator and Judicial Vicar of the diocese. Selvarajan, a member of Valliyavila Christ the King parish is the second of six children of Dasan and muthamma of Valiyavila Venkadambu Ottaplavila D M Sadanam. He joined the Palayam St. Vincent Seminary for priestly training on 1978, June 11.

He holds a degree in Philosophy from Carmelgiri Pontifical Seminary and received vestment from Monsignor Mark Netto. He completed Theology from Mangalapuzha Pontifical Seminary and received the Deacon Title from Jacob Acharuparambil at Thiruvananthapuram St. Joseph Cathedral. He received Priesthood from Jacob Acharuparambil on 1987, December 23.

He also got a doctorate in Canon law from Lovaine Catholic University in 2000. He currently holds the office of the Parish priest in Pathanavila St. Joseph Church. He has been serving on the advisory committee of the Bishop since 2007 and as chancellor of the diocese since 2008. He is also the Judicial Vicar of the diocese from 2011.