Born on 22 July 1957 to Joseph and Elikutty, Prof. T.J. Joseph was educated in St Thomas College, Palai, Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, and NSS Training College, Changanassery. He started his career as a lecturer in Pavanatma College, Murickassery, in 1985. He also worked in Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha, and Newman College Thodupuzha. In 2010, following the question-paper controversy, he was attacked by religious fundamentalists. He was dismissed from service subsequently. Reinstated on 28 March 2014, he retired on 31 March 2014.