MYLAUDY MAHARASAN VETHAMANICKAM'S GENEALOGY -PART I

INTRODUCTION:  Great Church historian C.B. Firth,in his famous book , "An Introduction To Indian Church History"  writes ,"Vedamanikam was a remarkable person". This single sentence signifies the greatness and importance  of the remarkable Vethamanikam. .Yes, he was a remarkable person in all sense of the word. He was a seeker of God and truth, he was a social activist and reformer , he was a visionary, he was a man  of  prayer and unquenchable faith, he was a fearless leader , friend and companion of  common people. In this article I am  glad to record and link  the genealogy of the great Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamanikam, with his descendants  who are living with us today.

Vethamanickam's family :Vethamanickam had two brothers.  Vethamanikam had an elder brother and his son was Sivagurunathan , and  Sivagurunathan  was baptized as Masillamani at Tanjore by Rev. Kohlhoff along with Maharasan Vethamanickam ,and Masillamani's wife  was baptized  by Mr. Ringeltaube at Mylady with a Christian name Yesudial .

Vethamonickam's younger brother's name was Gnanbaranam [ Sivanan]and his wife's name was Gnanayee and this couple's son was the great Christian Poet Devavaram Buddulph..

Perumal  was the head man of Vethamonaikam's the family  and he was baptized as Gnanamuthu by Rev. Ringeltaube .and Gnanmuthu's wife was baptized as , Nallai.
Vethamanickam's wife's  original  name was changed as Sathiayi  and Vethmanikam's daughter's  names were changed as Pakkiayi and Annammal  during the time of their baptism. at Mylaudy by Mr Ringeltaube
Vethamankam's eldest son's name was  Devasahayam [ His  original name was Chidambaram]
Vethamoickam's younger son's name was Moses.
The name of the eldest son-in-law  of Vethamanickam ,was Packkianthan.[Sivan]
And some important family  members of Vethamanickam who lived at Mylaudy and  baptized by Rev Ringeltaube were  namely : [1]Joseph[Agni], [2] Sathiyayi [Abirami], [3] Anananthayi [ Owavai], Mary [Sivagamy]

.
The Genealogy  of Vethamanikam through his eldest son Devasagayam[Chidambaram]:
Maharasan Vethamanikkam of Mylaudy[1763--1827]                                      I  generation
                                |  
Vethamonikam's eldest Son's name was Mr Devasagayam [Chidambaram ] II generation
                                |
Devasagayam's son was Mr. Masillamani.                                                     III  generation.
                                |
Masillamani's daughter was Mrs Malayammal.                                             IV  Generation.
[Malayammal married Mr Gnanapragasam , from                      
[Kanakkarkulam , near Ovari, Tinneveli Dist]
Mrs Malayammal's brother was Vethamanickam
and his son was Mr.V. Joseph, M.A., B.Ed.
and he worked as Head-Master of Ringeltaube
Higher Secondary School, Mylaudy]
                             |
                             |
                             \
                           
                             
                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                       
Mrs Malayammal's son was Mr Yesupatham                                             V  generation
                                |
Mr Yesubatham and his wife Mrs. Manonmani        
Yesupatham are blessed with two  daughters and
one son  namely :Mrs, Santhy Jessi ,[2] Sumathi,                                     VI generation
and a  son by name[3] Rajan  
                                |
Miss Priya Mary , B. Sc [Nursing ], [she is the                                           VII generation
daughter of Mrs Santhy Jessi Mohan ] and she
now [2015] lives with us.

Vethamanickam's Eldest Son Mr Devasagayam was an LMS Catechist and Poet and Singer :.Devasagayam was a great  and pious Christian leader with all the necessary Christian leadership qualities. Devasagayam was appointed as Catechist of Etamboly by Rev Ringeltaube. And he continued as a Catechist of Etamboly even during the days  when Maharasan Vethamonickam. When Maharasan Vedamanickam was in charge of LMS, Mylaudy Mission , from 1816 to 1818  Vethamanickam's cousin Mr. Gnanamuthu who was the head of the family and a good counsellor to Vethamanickam in Mission affairs suddenly died . Vethamanickam was taken aback and he was highly moved in that situation Vedamanickam's eleder son Mr .Devasagayam visited the members of the neighboring  LMS Churches and  corrected the members'  faults and exhorted and inspired them with his  captivating  and meaningful songs.  CM. Agur writes that Mr Devasagayam was an exceptionally good singer.  When Vethamanickam was getting old; Mr. Devasagayam  retired from the LMS Mission service, to look look after the affairs of the family.

After retirement,  Devasagayam  took active part  in the church affairs of Pichheikudiyruppu Church [James Town] and was conducting the Sunday services; during the other days of the week  he  used to preach the Gospel of Christ in the nearby villages without getting any remuneration from the Mission.Devasagayam was also blessed with poetical  gift  like his other family members. . Rev Mead published a collection Devasagayam's Christian Kummi Songs in a form of a small Book in 1823.

Vethamonicka's Younger son Moses: CM Agur writes that Vethamanickam's younger son Moses was also a worthy son of a worthy father. Moses studied  at the Nagercoil Seminary and he was an exemplary student  . He was a classmate of his cousin  Devavaram . Rev Mead selected  Moses and Devavaram and sent them to Tanjore , Tranquebar , and Madras to be educated in the best institutions then available for Indian youths. Moses and Devavaram after having received a superior education in Tanjore and Madras returned to Nagercoil with "Proficiency Certificate" as regards to  their progress in English, Tamil Grammar and Literature and Theology . Agur writes that some of the Hindus of Najenad welcomed Moses and Devavaram to their houses without prejudice and took them to their house and heard their discourses on various subjects with pleasure,admiration and attention. After having reached  Nagercoil, Mr. Devavaram worked as Assistant to Charles Mead and Mr . Moses Vethamanickam worked as Assistant to Rev Charles Mault. These two eminent Native Assistants played a crucial role and distinguished part in the History and progress of the early LMS Mission in South Travancore.  In the creation of the Travancore Tamil Christian Literature and in the extension of the Schools and Churches, in South Travancore , both Moses and his cousin Devavaram took an active part and played an important, commanding and commendable  role.

Vethamanickam's Younger Son Mr Moses catechist and  his cousin John Palmer were  the chief men who  assisted Mr Charles Mault in the preparation of religious tracts in the Nageracoil LMS Press. Mr. Moses became the local Secretary of the South Travancore Reliogious and Tract Society. Unfortunataely Mr Moses died of Cholera in 1828 after one year since the death of his worthy father Maharasan Vethamanickam. Moses was very much  loved and respected  by  Charles Mault and others . Agur writes , " Mr. Mault shed tears and wrote that his right hand was gone :" Mr .Mault wrote a biographical sketch   of Moses called Anbu Nilamai [State or Specimen of love -- One so loved] and issued 4000 copies of it from Nagercoil Press. 

Conclusion:  Definitely while typing these last lines of this Article  my heart is  filled with satisfaction and joy. I have been trying to connect  Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamanickam with a living descendant but  I could not do so, so far . But  fortunately in this Article I have linked Maharasan Vethamanickam with a living descendant through proper Genealogy  tree. I hope this Article will enlighten the Readers , Researchers, Church Historians and Micro historians  and the family members of Maharasan Vethamanickam who are living in diaspora throughout the world.  

Written By P. BABU MANOHARAN. M. A, [Rights reserved. This Article will be modified , corrected,altered if needed later, this is for your kind attention].

A Great Singer, Lover and Composer of Music Dr. Anand Chellappa, M.B.B.S, F.A.A.P.[U.S.A].

Introduction :Dr Christanand A Chellappa hails from  one of the most illustrious families  in South India. Even though he was born in Madurai, Tamilnadu , India , now he is a citizen of USA. He is a multifaceted personality , medical doctor , music composer ,  marvelous singer,  mind blowing  lyric writer, mesmerizing Accordinist  and a modest human being.   Through his Mother Mrs Mercy Sona Bai's side   he is connected with Kanyakumari district. 

His birth and Parents:  On 10th September, 1941, , in Madurai ,TamilNadu   a lovely beautiful male child was born to the  illustrious couple Dr. Ebenezer Sunderaj Chellappa and Mrs Mercy Sonabai Chellappa.  Dr Chellpa and his wife Mercy Sonabai christened their  new born son as, Christanand Arul Bharathy Chellappa. in a meaningful way . As Christ gave Anantham [happiness]  his parents put Christanand as the first name and Arul in remembrance of Mrs Arulammal Schaffter [Dr Anand Chellapa's maternal grandmother] and Bharathy, in remembrance of the the great Tamil Poet Bharathy.  However he is generally and popularly known as Dr Anand Chellappa by people throughout the world. 

Dr. Anand Chellappa's illustrious family back-ground: His father Dr.Ebenezer S.Chellappa was a famous Medical Doctor in Madurai and he served for many years as the Chief Medical Officer at the Mission [CSI ]Hospital at Madurai. And Dr Anand Chellappa's illustrious Uncle Dr. David Chellappa, M.A, D.D,  was the first Indian  Bishop of the newly formed CSI  Madras Diocese .Bishop David Chellappa  had passed away from this world in 1964. .[ It is pertinent to mention here that Bishop David Chellappa's Son Dr.Paul Chellappa , M.D, is a famous practicing general Psychiatrist in New York, U.S.A. ] Dr Christanand Chellappa's another uncle was Mr. George Chellappa and he was working in the Agriculture Department at Hydrabad in a senior level post. In this connection it is also better to remember Mr. AJ Schaffter and Mrs Arulamma Schaffter , the maternal grand parents of Dr Christanand Chellappa. Mr Schaffter was an ex-service man and he had  written a memorable book in English titled, "Reminiscences of My War Service in World War  1, [The great War of 1914].

Mr Schaffter and Mrs Arulamma Schaffter ::  Mr Schaffter hailed from one of the remarkable  Christian families of Kanyakumari district in South India . .Mr. A. Joseph Munshi of Nageracoil  married  Miss Marthal Fanny Paramanandam[ Mr.D. Paramanandam was the first Deacon of  the historical Nagercoil Home Church and this couple was blessed with the following children namely:[1] Jonadab, [2] J. T. Ambrose, [3] Robert [4] Joshua , [5] Lysa ,[6] A.J. Schaffter .[7] Packiam ,[8] Mathu, and [9] Suguna. Mr AJ Schaffter  married the beautiful Miss Arulammmal ,a daughter of Mr Zachariah writer  of Kanyakumari district..[ Mr JT Ambrose the brother of Mr AJ Schaffter married Mrs Lois Zakariah  the sister of Mrs Arulammal Schaffter].

Some High lights on the Musical background of Dr Anand Chellappa's family:  It is pertinent to mention  here that Mr JT Ambrose's grandson Mr Handel Manuel was honored by the Government of India with the prestigious Padma-Shree Award in 1984, in recognition of his genius in western music. Mr. Schaffter's cousin Mr. Chinnathambi Peter's  daughter Mrs Beatrice Amaladasan's Granddaughter Mrs. Sheila Arnald is considered as  one of the 10  greatest classical Pianists in the world today. She has played Piano in many of the greatest Concert  halls in Europe and US. She has participated in many international Competitions and won  and she has also won the  prestigious Wiesbaden Mozarat Society's Mozarat Prize .

Miss Mercy Sonabai Schaffter  :Mr A.J Schaffter and his wife Mrs Arulammal Schaffter were blessed with a lovely daughter and they christened her as  Mercy Sonabai. and she  was so beautiful, modest and was well liked by everybody in the family and specially her parents loved her so much. She successfully completed her BA degree .


Miss Mercy Sonabai Schaffter married Dr Chellappa of Maduai,.  Mercy Sonabai married Dr Chellappa of Madurai and settled  with her husband in Madurai.  .Dr Chellappa and his wife Mercy Sonabai were  blessed with five smart and lovely children namely: [1] Dr. Mrs Sathiavathy   ,[2] Dr. Christanand A Chellappa, [3]Mrs Punithavathy ,[4]Mr. Mithran, and [5] Mr. Chithran.

Dr Christanand A Chellappa's Education :  Dr. Christanad A Chellappa sucessfuly completed his MBBS Degree course in 1968, at the famous Christian Medical  College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu   Then he shifted to United States for his higher studies  in medicine and now he is an American Board certified  General Pediatrician with specialty in Neonatology and now he works as  a General Pediatrician and Neonatologist in United States.

Dr. Christanand A Chellappa's marriage and children: Dr Chistanand A Chellappa has married Miss. Vasanthy , [daughter of the famous Architect Mr. Pithavadian , from Chennai]. And Dr Christanand and his lovely wife Mrs. Vasanthi Chellappa  are blessed with  two smart sons namely: [1] Mr.Sangeeth [2] Mr.  Pavan .. Now Dr Anand Chellappa's family  resides at Morrisville , NC, U.S.

Dr Anand Chellappa as a Musician, Singer and Composer :Definitely we can say that music runs in the veins of Dr Anand Chellappa. . Music loves Dr. Anand and Dr Anand loves music .He is a born music lover and musician . Even while he was doing his MBBS at the famous Christian Medical College, at Vellore , TamilNadu , India, he had composed some lovely Christian Songs to cite a few we can say : [1] Athi Kaalaiyil Palanai Thedi,[2] Kaarirul Velai Kadungkulir Nerathhtil. ,and some other songs. He writes songs , composes music ,  he is a  versatile singer, is an instrumentalist ,  is a music conductor , and so on . His relative. Dr. Abideen Peter a relative of late Mr.Schaffter,  told me that even while Dr.Anand Chellappa was doing his MBBS in the CMC, Vellore, India, he was invited by the famous  Film Music Director  M.S. Visvanathan to play Accordion for  some of his Tamil Film songs composed by him, and accordingly  Dr. Anand Chellappa played accordion for some film songs like Thulluvatho Ezhamai and En Vazhum Vun Vizhiyum Chanthithal and a few other songs. .... [ Tamil Film Kudiruntha Koil ].Dr Anand Chellappa is a great fan of music. Nearly 20 Tamil  Christian songs he has written and composed music,and  to cite a few :[1] Athikllaiyi Paalanai thedi, [2] Karirul Valaiyil Kadungkulir Nerathil, [3]Yesuvin Namam, [4] Irul Sulntha Valvil , [5] Vulaham Tharatha Anbai,[6] Suthana Varuveer and so on.. Athi kaalaiyil Palanaithaedi song  is a  favorite household song in every Tamil  Christian home and in carol services , during Christmas time.


His musical  milestones and travel :      Amidst his heavy medical duties and activities,  he has been conducting musical concerts on invitations  throughout the world .He is an expert both in Tamil /Indian classical music and Western music . The  special original music score written and conducted  by Dr Anand Chellappa  at the World Bank Showcase Concert 2005, [Celebration of Cultures] , received the attention and appreciation of all.. In the same way the Tamil Christian songs  rendered in his own peculiar style by him at the concert held at St Peters Chaplaincy , Manchester U.K on 11th December ,2011 won the hearts of the music lovers globally..

Dr. Ananand A Chellppa  was honored :  In recognition of  Dr.Aanand A Chellappa's  extraordinary  life  long journey and  enviable  accomplishment , he was honored  with " Governor's Citation' on 10th September , 2011 on his 70th Birthday, by the Governor of Maryland State,U.S.

Conclusion : Dr. Anand Chellappa is one of the few who live by breathing music.. He is a lover of music , he is a fan of music , he is composer of music, he is a realistic and down to earth person . As a son , as a husband ,as a brother, as a doctor , as a friend, as a Christian , as a human he has imprinted indelible imprints in our minds and in human history.  Some weeks before when I received a personal mobile call from him,my joy knew bounds . I cherish his appreciation on my writings in my Blog . No doubt in some part of the world his songs are wafting in the air with serene musical fragrance while you read this profile of Dr Anand Chellappa.
Written By P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A, [Rights reserved.  This Article will be altered , corrected and modified if need later].

SILVER TONGUE ORATOR IN ENGLISH AND FORMERLY PRINCIPAL Prof. D. ARTHUR DAVIS & FAMILY

Introduction :   Prof. D. Arthur Davis was one of the famous Principals  and English Lecturers  in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu.  . As an English Professor he was very popular among students  and as a Principal he was a great administrator, he was a disciplined NCC officer , a very powerful and eloquent orator in English, an outstanding Rotarian and a popular Deacon in the Home Church Nagercoil.  in short he was a remarkable person. 

His Birth and Parents:      Prof.Arthur Davis was born on 20th July, 1927, to Mr Devadanam   and Mrs. Paripooranam of Punnarkulam [Located near Mylaudy] in Agasteeswaram taluk Kanyakumari district,. as a relative of great Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamonickam.  Originally Artur Davis' family  belonged to LMS Church. Mrs Paripooranam was a native  of Punnarkulam and  was very beautiful , As Mr Devadanam lost his first wife he married the beautiful Miss Paripooranam as his second wife ; and  Mr Devadanam and Mrs Paripooranam Devadanam, were blessed with one son .Mr. Devadanam  &.Mrs Paripooranam Devadanam christened their son as Arthur Davis.. As Mr. Devadanam died  unexpectedly at an early age,   Mr Arthur Davis was brought by his mother Paripooranam amidst great difficulty and impecunious conditions... So Prof. D. Arthur Davis loved his mother deeply and emotionally , and when his mother died he wept and cried uncontrollably like a child.  

His Education : After having completed his High School education in a successful manner Arthur Davis joined the Indian Air Force and   after  having served in the Indian Air Force for 5 years he returned to Nagercoil and  joined and continued his collegiate education in the famous Scott christian college  and passed his B.Sc,[ Botany] degree  with flying colors and joined his MA [English] in the  famous and prestigious Madras Christian College , Tambaram , Chennai.  and passed his MA[English ] degree with flying colors. 

Mr. D.Arthur Davis  joined as a Lecturer in the Scott Christian College , Nagercoil :  After having passed his MA [English] with flying colors Mr Arthur Davis joined as a Lecturer in the English Department,  the Scott Christian College , Nagercoil.. His tall , handsome  and appealing appearance, his  impeccable English accent and tone and teaching style attracted the students very much and he became a famous English Lecturer within a short span of time.  The general public used to admire him as a silver tongue orator because of his fluency  and command over  English language . While he was working as a lecturer in the English department at the Scott Christian college,  the English department  was having the best English lecturers of the time . To cite a few  I  can cite  Prof .Franklin,  Mr. Lysander, Mr. Fenn George,  Mrs Joy Gnandasan , Mrs. Angel Johnson and  a few other stalwarts were working in the English Department..Mr. Arthur Davis was also working as  N.C.C[R] officer ,in the  Scott Christian College.for many

years in an efficient manner

Rev. Prof .V. Santiago[Moderator of  S.I.U.C, 1919] was the Paternal Grandfather of  Mrs. Dorothy Arthur Davis: Mrs. Dorothy Arthur Davis was born in one of the  most famous and illustrious Christian families of Tamil Nadu and South India.  Prof. Arthur Davis married  Miss Dorothy Santiago, a granddaughter of  the great Christian Leader and Poet Mr. V. Santiago of Vaththalagundu,[Madurai District] . In this connection it is better to have some idea about Mr. V. Santiago. Santiago's father Mr. Vethamuthu was a Catholic Christian and he became a Protestant Christian and Mr. V Vethamuthu  was blessed with four  sons  and two lovely daughters. Out these four sons of Mr. Vethamithu , three were great Christian Poets.  Mr. V. Santaigo's brother Mr. V Masillamani [Author of the Christian Hymn, "Thanthaanai Thuthippome, Thiruchchabaiyare Kavi Paadi ] and Mr. V. Benjamin were great Christian Poets.. Mr V. Santiago was also a great Tamil  Christian poet . Mr V, Santiago had written the following famous Tamil Christian Hymns:[1] Varavanum Paaveeye , [2] Antha Naal Packianaal, [3]Vinthai Kiristhesu Raja, [4] Thevana Naan Vumathandial , [5] En Vullam kavarum, [6]Yesu Naan Nirkkum Kanmalaiye, ,[7]  Thanthan Ennai Yesuve, [8] En Siluvai Ediththu En Yesuva, [9] Nitham Muyal Maname Parisutha Seeviyaththil ,[10] Thsasara Ihththrainiai Annbaai Yesuvukku Sonthamaakuvom, and some more lovey  Tamil Christian songs. After having completed his  School and collegiate education Mr Santiago worked as a teacher at Pasumalai High school for 14 years since 1891. ThenMr Santiago  worked as Professor of Mathematics at the famous American College, Madurai  for some years. But Mr.V. Santiago was having a natural flair for theological education and evangelical work  Amid his busy activities Prof  V. Sangtiago finished his theological education and was ordained as a Priest  and worked as an ordained Pastor at Vaththalagundu and Pasumalai churches affiliated with the  Madurai American Mission . He was a God fearing man , creative thinker and great Christian leader. In 1917 Mr. V Santiago was elected as the President of the South IndiaUnitedChurch[SIUC], in 1919 he was elected as the Moderator of the  South India United Church.   Mr. V. Santiago  was a remarkable and multifaceted personality, he was a  Poet, Preacher, Pastor, Professor, Social Thinker .and great Christian Leader. Mrs Dorothy was Rev . Prof. V Santiago's son's daughter . Mrs Dorothy Arthur Davis worked as a PG teacher  at the prestigious Duthie Higher Secondary School, Nagercoil and retired as Assistant Head Mistress.

Prof. D. Arthur Davis  joined at  the Pioneer Kumarasamy college, Nagercoil  as its Vice Principal:  While he was working at the Scott Christian College as a senior English Lecturer, he was invited to work as the Vice Principal and Head of the Department of   English in the  Pioneer kumarasamy College, Nagercoil  . With great enthusiasm Prof Arthur Davis assumed the charge  as the Vice Principal of PKCollege and discharged his  duties with great distinction.

He was promoted as the Principal Of Pioneer Kumarasamy College, Nagercoil;  The management of PKC  quickly recognised the efficiency of Professor Arthur  Davis and appointed him as the Principal  of Pioneer kumarasamy College, Nagercoil . While Prof, D. Arthur Davis was the Principal of P.K. College, this college  stood first in the  University and  many students used to get M.B.B.S selection on merit.He served as the Principal of this college approximately for 7 years .As a Principal he proved himself as an efficient administrator and he was  liked both  by the  staff and students. 

Prof. D.Arthur Davis worked as  Principal at Muslim Arts College , Thiruvithancode: After his retirement from PKC,    Professor D. Arthur Davis was appointed as the  Principal at the Muslim Arts College, at Tririvithancode. And  he served as Principal of Muslim Arts College in an enviable and constructive manner for nearly 3 years. 

In NI Engineering College::Moreover in the initial and formative years  of N.I.Engineering College, Kumaracoil, KK District,  Prof. D. Arthur Davis worked as English Professor for nearly  2 - 3 years  

Prof.D. Arthur Davis was an outstanding  Rotarian: Prof. Arthur Davis was really an outstanding Rotarian in all sense of the word.. He served as the President of the Rotary Club of Nagercoil  during the Rotary year 1971-1972. in a remarkable way. Rotary Club members  and the general public   showed much eagerness  and spontaneous interest to hear  the eloquent  speeches of Rtn .Arthur Davis in English, while he was alive. .  In 1980 the then Rotary Governor for the RI District 321, Rtn PV Jambukasan sent Prof. D. Arthur Davis as the  Team  Leader of the Group Study Exchange Program to  the United States.  He also served as the  Editor  of the official Bulletin of  his Rotary Club for some years. While he was working as the Principal at PKCollege, he started the first Rotract Club in the RI district 321, in P.K.College, Nagercoil.. 

Prof D. Arthur Davis served as a Deacon of the Home Church Nagercoil until his death: Prof Arthur Davis took active interest in the Church related activities.  He was one the longest served Deacons of the Home Church, Nagercoil , . For nearly three decades he had been serving as a Deacon of the famous Home Church, Nageracoil with distinction , until  his  unexpected death in 1995.  Now his mortal remains had been interred in the Home Church cemetery , Nagercoil . 

Conclusion :  Prof Arthur Davis was a remarkable personality. He is no more with us .He met his death on 8th January, 1995..At his death  the English lovers lost a great companion and lover of English Literature.. The Rotary movement  had lost a dynamic Rotarian ..I had the privilege to be his student at Scott Christian College , Nagercoil during the years 1964 -1966. I still remember the striking way he read the immortal lines of Milton's Paradise Lost  He was a great  orator ;  the sound of  this silver tongue orator is not heard now So long as the  English language is there , in some corners of the world some people will be remembering our Silver tongue Orator Prof.. D. Arthur Davis..

BY. P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A,. [Rights reserved , Comments are welcome . This Article will be altered, modified if needed corrected later].