Ex Director of Christian Media Center India, Chennai, Dr. Suviseshamuthu, B.D, M.Th, LL. D,[U.S]. Part--I

Introduction:   Art, literature and music were patronized and nurtured by  Christian Churches, Christian Choirs, Christian Monasteries , and Christian Theological Seminaries: In line with the legacy and tradition , I.E.L.C [INDIA EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH} members have also  made remarkable contribution to Art, Music and literature . In this  Article   I  deal with the remarkable Dr. S Suviseshamuthu [Ex Director of Christian Media Center -Vanmalar, Chennai ] Dr Suviseshamuthu  was a native of Kanyakumari District, and  definitely he was a Milestone in the field Christian Arts and  Communication . When he was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Law degree in 1982 along with the  Press Secretary of the United States' President Mr. Ronald Regan by the Volparaiso University, Indiana, USA , the whole IELC and the Christian Community of  Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu and South India   became proud of  Dr. S. Suviseshamuthu.

Rev. Suviseshamuthu's Birth and Parents; Dr.S. Suviseshamuthu was generally called and known among his friends and public as Rev. Suvi or  Dr. Suvi. He was born at a beautiful idyllic tiny village called Voottuvalmadam, near Nagercoil   on 18th January, 1933  to the lovely couple Mr K. Swamidhas and Mrs Elisy Swamidhas.

Dr. Suvi's Siblings : Mr. K Swamidhas and Mrs Elisy Swamidhas were blessed  with 9 lovely children, namely:[1] Mr S. Kanaga Sundram, [2]Mr. S. Suviseshamuthu, [3]Mr. Martin Jesudhas,  [4] Mrs. S. Jesudiyal Cephus, [5]Mrs. K. S. Packiamani John, [6] Mrs. Agnus Chandra Kumar, [7] Mr.S. Raja Retnam ,[8] Mr. Thankiah, and [9] Ms. S. Mary.

Mr. Suvi's  Education : Mr . S. Suviseshamuthu was a brilliant student , he successfully finished his SSLC in 1947.In 1948 he joined Ambur Teacher Training School and successfully completed his Teacher Training Course in 1950.Then Mr. S. Suviseshamuthu studied one year Catechist Course at the Concordia Theological Seminary., Nagercoil.[1950-1951 ].

Mr. Suviseshamuthu  started his career as School Teacher: Mr S. Suviseshamuthu joined as a Teacher  at Pambankulam Lutheran Primary School in 1951. During 1951- 1952 he served at the Pamban kulam  Lutheran Primary School. During the year 1952-1953 he served as Primary  School teacher at he Vadesery Lutheran Primary School.

Mr Suviseshamuthu joined the Concordia Seminary, Nageracoil :  In tune with his burning ambition Mr Suviseshamuthu  joined the Concordia Seminary,Nagercoil and did his B.Th degree course during years 1953-1956.He successfully completed his B.Th course in 1956.

Mr. S Suviseshamuthu was ordained in 1957: Immediately after having successfully completed his BTh Mr Suviseshamuthu started his evangelical cum missionary work among Muslims at Eravaadi, near Vallioor, Tirunelveli Dist.. While he was serving as a missionary cum evangelist at Eravaadi he was ordained in 1957. As an ordained Lutheran Pastor he did his evangelical and missionary  work among the Muslims at Ervaadi till  the end of 1959.

He passed his B.D in 1962.: His  natural thirst  for knowledge forced him to pursue his BD Course.  As a private student he was studying his BD course and  he was sponsored by Concordia Seminary, Nagercoil..In 1962 he received his BD degree from the Serampur University.

He joined as a Teaching Staff at the Concordia Seminary, Nagercoil:  In 1962 with his B.D, educational qualification Rev Suvi joined as a full fledged  Lecturer at the Concordia Seminary, Nagercoil. While he was working as Lecturer at the Concordia Seminary, Nageroil , Rev S, Suviseshamuthu married Miss Margret , a lovely daughter of Rev Sebagnanam on 26th June 1963. 

He did his M.Th at the Gurukal Theological College, Madras: He was working at the Concordia Seminary as an efficient and efficacious Lecturer  But during the first week of July 1963, Rev Suviseshamuthu moved to Madras to do his MTh study at the prestigious Gurukal Theological College, Madras[Chennai].He did hid M.Th during 1963 -1965, at  Gurukal Theological College with Greek as his special subject. He passed his M.Th with flying colors in 1965.  While he was doing his M.Th at Gurukal Theological College, Chennai, his first child [ son] Selwin James was born in 1964 .

Rev Suvi's wife and Children:    While he was working as a Lecturer at  Concordia Seminary , Nagercoil, Rev Suviseshamuthu  married Miss. Margret [Daughter of  Rev . Sebagnanam] in 1963 as said before.. Rev S. Suviseshamuthu and Mrs. Margret Suveseshamuthu  were blessed with the following lovely children namely, [1]Mr. Selvin James Suthakar, [2] Ms. Gladys Elizabeth Daisy, [3] Mr. Prabakaran, [4] Mr. Mano.

He rejoined Concordia Theological seminary in 1965: Rev Suviseshamuthu after having passed his MTh rejoined as Professor of New Testament at  Concordia Seminary , Nagercoil. In the same capacity he was efficaciously working at  Concordia Seminary till 1967.

Rev. Suvi moved to Chennai :  During the second half of 1967 ,Rev. Suviseshamuthu moved to Chennai with his  family and joined ,B.C.T.N organization  as its Programme Officer for one year on deputation on the advice of Rev Meinzen's father.

Rev Suvi again moved to Nagaercoil: On completion of his one year deputation, Rev Suvishamuthu moved to Nagercoil  in 1968 and rejoined as Professor of New Testament at the Concodria Seminary, Nagecoil.

In 1969 he was at a Cross road :  While Rev Suvi was working as a Professor in the Concordia Seminary, Nagercoil, he was invited by Rev Meinzen's father to join as the Project Drector of Christian Media Center in Chennai.[ The Christian Media Center's Building  work was started in 1967 and completed in 1969] In this context Rev R.M. Zorn  offered a tempting proposal to  Rev Suviseshamuthu to do his Ph.D in USA. Rev Suvi was  really in a Cross Road  and experienced great difficulty to take a decision. However Rev S. Suvi decided to join Christian Media Center India[CMCI ], Chennai  as its Program Director. [The Lutheran Hour Ministries started  its Christian Mass Media Ministry in Madras, [Chennai.]. It was started in the name of Lutheran Center and changed its name as Christian Arts and Communication Service  and again changed as Christian Media Center India.[CMCI ]. The main purpose and aim  of  the Christian Media Center were to propagate the gospel of Christ through the vernacular native Indian Music, Indian folk Music, Dance, Drama etc,..] So when Rev Suvi was requested to assume the post of Programme Director of Christian Media Center India, he gladly accepted the post  in 1969.. Rev. Suvi was a multifaceted personalty.  By his creative mind and  innovative actions he led the Christian Media Center  to new heights.  . The concept of telling the gospel message to the natives through their cultural media was well received by the public and started to bring  the desired results and receptions. Then Mr. Chelladurai was working as the Director of Christian Media Center India, Chennai.

Mr S. Suviseshamuthu  was appointed as the Director of CMCI, Chennai in 1969 :: As Mr Chelladurai the then Director of CMCI died unexpectedly in 1969 , Rev Suviseshamuthu was appointed as the Director of Christian Media Center India . Thus Dr. Suvi succeeded Mr .Chelladurai as the Director of CMCI, Chennai.

Rev. Suviseshamuthu  went to USA for higher studies in 1970.  After assuming charge as Director of Christian Media Center , he was discharging his duties with great dedication and dynamism. In 1970 Rev.S. Suviseshamuthu  was sent to pursue his 9 month  Post Graduate Diploma Course in  Mass Communication. Rev Suvi went to USA and successfully completed his Communication Course and returned to India in 1971.

He rejoined  CMCI, Chennai as its Director: As soon as he  returned to Chennai after successfully completing his Comunication Diploma Course , he rejoined as the Director of CMCI in 1971.Dr. Suvi was a multifaceted personality: Rev. Suvi functioned as a cultural emissary between Christians and non Christians in Chennai ,Tamil Nadu and South India.  He had an innovative outlook and vision to use Indian art form like, South Indian Classical Music of both vocal and instrumental , Drama, Kathakalachabam, Dance-Drama, Bharathnatiyam,etc, to disseminate the Christian gospel among the non Christian Indians. He was a pioneer in this respect and was very successful to a remarkable extent. Rev Suvi used Cinema also to propagate the gospel of Christ. He produced and directed a Malayalam film  by name , KATTU VITHAICHAVAN.

Rev Suviseshamuthu was conferred an honorary Doctorate Degree: In recognition of his innovative vision to spread the Gospel of Christ , using the Indian arts, the famous VALPARAISO University, Indiana, USA conferred the degree of Doctor of Law[LL.D] on Rev.S. Suviseshamuthu in a dazzling convocation function  held at the Volparaiso  University  premises in U.S.A in 1982..  It would pertinent to mention here along with Dr Suvi,  the Voparaiso University conferred an honorary Doctor of Law degree on  the Press Secretary of the then US President Mr. Ronald Regan.. Rev.S.Suviseshamuthu returned as Dr. Suviseshamuthu with legitimate pride and happiness. The whole IELC and Christian Community in Chennai and South India  became proud of Dr Suviseshamuthu.,LL.D. .

Conclusion: Dr. Suvisesha Muthu loved his job, as a creative personality he introduced many new ideas and successfully led the Christian Media Center  and its broadcasting wing Vanmalar to new heights. After a long and fruitful service as Director of Christian Media Center India  for nearly thirty years, Dr Suvi retired from his active service  in 2001.. He developed a cordial relationship and friendship with all the Christian leaders and also with non Christian personalities like Padmashri. Kamalhassan and others. Reading and writing were his great companion during his retirement life. However due to old age and general weakness, he died on 14th January , 2011 in Chennai and the last funeral rites were done on 18th January , 2011.. He was very modest, unassuming, friendly, and he freely rubbed his shoulders with rich and poor, intellectuals and illiterates.  Really he was a remarkable  creative personality.

By P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A,  [Rights reserved. .This Article will be modified, altered and corrected if needed, later   Your comments on the Article and on the subject  are welcome].

  

The Great Tamil Christian Poet John Palmer's Epic CHRISTHAYANAM and his Genealogy.

Introduction: The Great Tamil Christian Poet Mr. John Palmer of Mylaudy,  Kanyakuamari Dist, was the Author of  the unsung Tamil  Christian epic ,"CHRISTHAYANAM" [ LIFE OF CHRIST}. In this connection, before dealing with the Genealogy  of Mr John Palmer, it is urgently  necessary to introduce the Tamil Christian Epic CHRISTHAYANAM and its Author, to the contemporary  Tamil Christians who are living throughout the length and breadth of this world. More over apart from his major Tamil literary poetical works namely [1] Christhayanam, [2] Gnanapatha keerthanam, [3] Messiahvilasam, [4] Sathiya Vetha Charithra Keerthanai, [5] Peranantha kummi ,and [6] Nallarivin Charakkavi [Watt's First Catechism in lyrics]; Mr John Palmer had written more than 53 available beautiful and meaningful Tamil Christian lyrics, which are  included in our Protestant  Christian Hymnal Book and  being sung by the Tamil Christians through out the world even today. 

CHISTHTHAYANAM.:   CHRISTHAYANAM means Life of Christ , this Christian Epic was written by Mr John Palmer in Tamil .  The great Christian Kavirayar John Palmer  resigned from  LMS  and moved to Trivandrum in support of  the great LMS missionary Rev Charles Mead.  Mr John Palmer  was living at Trivandrum [  1855   ----- 2nd April.1883] as a contemporary of Rev Charles Mead and Tamil Christian Poet Mr.Devavaram Biddulph [Devavaram Munshi ]..This epoch making Epic Christhayanam was authored by the  great Christian Kavirayar John Palmer of Mylaudy and this Epic Book was printed  at Nagercoil in 1865 , for the Christian Vernacular Education Society, at the London Mission Press, Nagercoil.

Some  Highlights and Comments on Christhayanam : Poet John Palmer's Christhayanam was the first Epic written in  Tamil that narrates the whole earthly  life of Christ . Christhayanam was published in 1865 long before H.A. Krishana Pillai wrote and published his famous  RETCHANIYAYAATHRIHAM  in 1894.  Even though he had not strictly followed the traditional grammatical rules of  an Epic,  Poet  John Palmer had written his Epic  CHRISTHAYANAM in a fluent,lucid, literary  poetic style and had wonderfully and beautifully explained the Gospel message in his Epic , in his peculiar lucid  and outstanding poetic style.

The Content of Christhayanam :  Mr John Palmer wrote the Life Christ  in  poetic Tamil as an epic.  This epic book  consists of 4 Divisions [ KANDAMS}, namely ,[1] Pala kandam [2]Kiriya  kandam,[3] Avastha kandam,[ 4] Arohana kandam..The whole Book consists of 842 stanzas. This monumental poetic book was written in the form of the Hindu Tamil Epics, "Kamba Ramayanam",  'Naidatham ', and Beschi's Thembavani.

                                   Poet  Mylaudy John Palmer's   Genealogy :

                                           Mr. SONAYAN OF MYLAUDY 

                                                                    |

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          [1]                        [2]                        [3]                            [4]

Mr. James Palmer. Mr.Gnanaprgasam.   Mr. George Palmer  Mr Devapragasam Palmer.

[Born in 1786  ]                 |

                                          |

                                          |
                         Mr. John Palmer[1812- 1883].
                                          |

                  [No chronological seniority is followed for Mr . John Palmer's Children]
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               |                                      |                               |                                   |

           [1]                                     [4]                          [3 ]                              [2]   

   Mr Abel  Palmer.       Mr. Solomon Palmer            Mrs Emeli          Mr. Retnam Palmer
                             [Mr. Solomon married Jessie]            |                                  |

                |                                     |                     {Not known ]                                            

  Mr. Retnam Palmer    Mrs.Manonmani Jesudasan.                            Mr Gnanapragasam
                                                                                                                      Palmer

                |                                     |                                                                   |
  Mr. Muthuraj Palmer.     Mr. Samraj  Jesudasan.                           *Mr.Anandan Swamidas
                                                                                                                      Palmer
                |                                      |                                                                   |
  Mr. Herbert Palmer.    Mr. Moses Manoharan.                          .Mr. William Dasan Palmer
                                                                                   
              |                                         |                                                                   |       .
              |                                                                                                                            
    Mr.Moses Palmer                Mr. Suresh  Manohar                          Mr. Andrew Palmer        
    [World Vision ]                                                                                                                  
                                                           
              |                                        |                                                                    |
        Ms.Abi                            Er. Immauel  Moses.                            Ms.Calista Abigail
                                                                                             

Conclusion :     The great Christian Tamil kavirayar [Poet ].Mr. John Palmer  was born at Mylaudy, Kanyakumari District , on 15th of November , 1812 and died  on 2nd April , 1883  at  Trivandrum at the age of 71 and was interred at the famous Christ Church cemetery , in Trivnadrum. We are  glad that he has been living with us in his immortal Tamil Christian  lyrics  In this Genealogy Tree I have not covered  all the descendants of Poet John Palmer . For example,  Mr Abel Palmer's granddaughter was Mrs .Mary Moses and she was blessed with the following children namely:[1]John Moses,[2]Mr. Earnest Moses,[3]Mrs. Daisy John, and  all them were and are living in Trivandrum , Tamil Nadu, Malaysia and in some other places, with their families  .. Tamil Christian Poet John Palmer's name and fame will live as long as Tamil Christian Church exists in this world.

BY. P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A, [Rights reserved. This genealogical Tree will be modified , altered, and corrected , later if needed ].


                                                   



    

Mr. Paulkandakku , Pastor Alwin Thomas and Mr.Dennis, M.A, Ex G.M.of Tide Water Oil Company, Calcutta, - Part Final

Mary Mariammal and her Children and Grand Children    Mary Mariammal was the third daughter of Paulkandakku .  Mrs.Mary Maraimma  and  her husband were blessed with the following children namely:[1] Mr. John Duraisamy,[2] Mrs . Rajammal Thimothy,[3] Mr. Gnaniah ,[4]  Mr. Paul Raj, [5] Mrs. Jane [6]  Mr. Robinson.[7] Mr. Albert ,[8] Mrs Sarojini.. As it is not possible to write about all the grandchildren and great -grandchildren  of Paulkandakku ,I will select some grand children and great -grandchildren  and high light their accomplishments for the pleasure of the contemporary  readers and students of   micro history. . I have not followed any genealogical seniority in this regard..

Famous Evangelist Pastor Alwin Thomas : Shree Paulkandakku's daughter Mrs.Mary Mariammal's daughter Mrs Jane begot Edwin and Edwin begot Pastor Alwin Thomas,  the famous founder of Ru-ah Revival Ministry.. Pastor Alwyn Thomas is well known among the Christians throughout the world..Pastor Alwin Thomas is an MBA graduate He is a multifaceted personality , he is a  Music Composer, Lyric writer and talented Singer , Powerful Worship Service Conductor. Administrator, Preacher and Evangelist. Pastor Alwin Thomas and his beloved wife Mrs . Joy Hannah Alwin Thomas  are blessed with two beautiful children namely:[1]Cherrie Michelle and [2] Beny Thomas.  Pastor Alwin Thomas is very much sought after in Europe , USA, Middle East and everywhere. It is really heartening to learn that Mr. Paulkandakku's  family has produced such a dynamic Christian Evangelist and Christian Musician..

Rajammal's Husband Mr. Thimothy worked as  a General Manager of Tide Water Oil Company: It is pertinent to mention here that Rajamml's husband Mr Thimothy worked as a General Manager of the famous, Tide Water Oil Company, Calcutta for many years efficaciously in an enviable manner. Mr and Mrs Thimothy's son Mr Dennis, M.A, also had the privilege to work as a General Manager of Tide Water Oil Company, Calcutta  with great distinction like his father.  Mr Dennis , M.A, married Dr.Irene Margret ,MBBS, from Vellore and Mr .Dennis  later moved to England with his family. Mr Dennis and Mrs. Dr. Irene Margret Dennis couple was blessed with one son and one daughter. Mr Dennis and his family became British citizens and it was learned that both Mr Dennis and his wife Dr. Irene Margret were dead and had been buried in England and their children are living  in England.  

Mr. John Duraisamy, B.A, : Mr . John Duraisamy was the first son of Mrs Mary Mariammal.. John Duraisamy was born at Oyaravilai in 1903 .  John Duraisamy did his High School studies at the famous Scott Christian High School, Nagercoil and did his Intermediate studies [1920-1922] at the prestigious Scott Christian College, Nagercoil. He did his BA at the famous Bishop Heber College , Trichy-[1923-1925]. Then Mr John Duraisamy went to Calcutta and worked in an International Oil company for a short span of time. However he returned to Kanyakumari Dist and joined as a Clerk in the Revenue Department of the then Government of Madras. Subsequently on promotion he worked in the Government of Madras in various capacities such as Deputy Thahsildar, Sub Treasury Officer, Acting Munsiff  , etc, . 

Mr. John Duraisamy married Anbu Margret from Madurai .Mr John Duraisamy and Mrs Anbu Margret couple was blessed with four children namely,[1] Stanely Rajappa,[2] Bently Asirvatham, [3]Sounderarajan, and [4]  Dharmaraj.. On account of Anbu Margret's death Mr John Duraisamy  married D. Rosline and Mr John Duraisamy and Mrs Rosline Duraisamy couple was blessed with the following children namely,[5]Lessley,[6]Anbu,[7]Robinson ,[8] Joseph, [9] Selvaraj, [10] Margret, [11] Paulsingh,. Thus Mr John Duraisamy was blessed with  11 lovely children through his two wives.  Mr Lessly Chelladurai  worked as Tamil Teacher for nearly 28 years in Delhi and at present  he is residing in Delhi with his wife Mrs. Ammani Sulochana [Ammanai is a daughter of Alfred Terah and Mrs Alice ] and his lovely children and their families.

Conclusion : After retirement Mr Duraisamy settled in Madras .And some of his close relatives namely Mrs Rajammal Thimothy, S.Robinson, S. Albert , Rajammmal Thimothy's daughter Glory and some others also settled in Chennai. All of them died in Chennai and had been  buried at Kilpauk CSI Cemetery. The CSI {LMS] Church at Oyaravilai  is one of the oldest Protestant Churches of Kanyakumari  District,[ 1808].This LMS[CSI]Church was founded by Maharasan Vethamanickam and Mr. Ringeltaube. . Chinnan Vaidiyan's daughter Annammal and Paulkandakku's cousin Yesudial  jointly donated their land of 54 cents for the construction  of the Oyaravilai LMS [Now CSI Church].  The descendants of Mr. Paul Kandakku   are living in a blessed way in many parts of TamilNadu, India and world, and some of them  regularly visit their native Village Oyaravilai  on 15th August, for the celebration of the Church day. Each house at Oyaravilai has some historical significance.  The history of Oyaravilai  has become  an inseparable part of Church history of South Travancore[Kanyakumari District]..

By P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A, [Rights reserved, This Article will be corrected, modified or altered  if needed . .]

The Remarkable Paulkandakku and family . Part II

Introduction: It is not possible to deal with each and every  one of Paulkandakku's children and their families in this Article. So I will  select some important people of Paulkandakku's family and narrate their profile in a precise way for the benefit of the contemporary readers.. 

Paulkandakku's  Eldest daughter Mrs Maliyammal Isaac Zechariah and Nanjinadu Bank Building :Miss Malaiyammal Paul, the eldest daughter of Paulkandakku  was very beautiful  in all senses of the word Mr. Paulkandakku  and his wife Rachel loved their eldest daughter very much  and she was given in marriage to Mr Z. Isaac, son of Mr Zechariah of Nagercoil [Mangalavadi, Duthie Iyer Street]. Mr.Paulkandakku bought the striking big Building that accommodated Nanjilnadu Bank,  at the Court Road, Nagercoil  and presented to his Daughter Malaiyammal as wedding gift. The Nanjil Nadu Bank played an important role for the economic development of South Travancore and Kanyakumari Dist for many decades.  For some reasons the Nanjilnadu Bank became  non- functional. 

Mrs Malaiyammal Zechariah Isaac and her children: Mr. Zechariah Isasac and his lovely wife Mrs Malaiyamml  were blessed with the following Children namely:[1]Dr. Joseph Raja , and he worked in the Leprosy  Hospital , at Chengalpet, Tamilnadu   [2] Mr. Robert Paul, and he worked as Forest Ranger, Madurai district [3] Mr.Oliver Chelliah  and he worked  in a Municipal School, Dindugal .


Dr. Joseph Raja's Son-in law became  Principal of TTC , Madurai: Dr Joseph Raja's lovely daughter married a CSI Pastor in Madurai Ramanaathapuram CSI  Diocese. Joseph Raja's son-in law  was highly educated and he has a  foreign Ph.D degree from England, and after having served in the Madurai Ramanad CSI Diocese, as a Pastor for 5 years ,  he joined as a Teaching Staff in the famous Tamilnadu  Theological College , Arasaradi Madurai and became  Principal of the famous ,Tamilnadu Theologiacal College , Arasari , Madurai.

Mr. Pualkandakku's Second daugter  Mrs. Abaranam and family: Miss. Abaranam  Paul was the lovely second daughter of Mr. Paulkandakku . And Mrs. Abaranam was given in marriage to a person from Oyaravilai  and this loving  couple was blessed with a beautiful daughter by name Miss.Alice. Miss Alice married  Mr. Alfred Terah , son of Mr Terah [ A Pioneer MELIM  Catechist] of Oyaravilai who settled in Nageracoil ]. it is pertinent here to mention that Mr. Alfred Terah's son Mr. A.Vijayakumar is the Managing Trustee of the famous St Johns'  Group Educational Institutions, Vellore.. It is also pertinent to mention here  that  Miss Ammani Sulochana, a daughter of Alfred Terah married her cousin Mr. Chelladurai ,son of  Mr. S. Duraisamy , B.A,.[  later an Article will be written about Mr. S,. Duraisamy , B.A].

By P. BABU MANOHARAN,M.A,.[Rights reserved. This Article will be corrected, altered or modified later if needed.  Part  III will follow soon].

The Remarkable Paul Kandakku of Oyaravilai and Family - Part I

Introduction : Mr Yovan Paul Kandakku of Oyaraviali was one the unsung heroes of Kanyakumari district. He was one of  the remarkable personalities of our District  and  , he was a good  Christian , Agriculturist, Philanthrophist ,  Entrepreneur, Social Thinker , and historical link, etc,.  The objective of this Article is to introduce Mr Paul Kandakku to the contemporary  readers and people .

His Ancestors, Birth and Parents : Mr. Paul Kandakku hailed from one of the pioneer Protestant Christian families of Kanyakumari district. The Patriarch of Paul Kandak's family Mr. Madan Vaithiyan [1739-1819] was a native of Oyaravilai village in Agasteeswaram taluk in Kanyakumari district and Madan Vathiyan begot Chinnan Vaithiyan[1770-1860[ and Chinnan Vaithiyan was a contemporary  and companion of Mylaudy Maharasan Vethmanickam and played a vital role along with Maharasan Vethamaonickam to establish an LMS Church in 1808  at Oyaravilai.]  and Chinnan Vaithiyan begot Mr. Yovan[John]  and Mr.Yovan begot Paul Kandakku the hero of this Article..  Mr. Paulkandakku was born at Oyaravilai, Agasteeswaram taluk, Kanyakumari district in  1840.

Mr.Paulkandakku's  wife and Children: Mr. Paulkandakku married Miss Rachel  from Srilanka . Mr Paulkandakku and Mrs. Rachel Paulkandakkuu bogot the following children:[1] Mrs .Malayammal[born 1873], [2]Mrs Abaranam [b. 1878], [3]Mary Mariammai[ 1880-1939 ], [4] Mr.  Ponnusamy.

Mr. Paulkandakku went to Ceylon and returned as a rich man : Even though Paulkandaku's parent's had moderate  and enough properties and means for livelihood , with a mission and vision in tune with   a popular Tamil adage , "Cross the sea and make money "   Mr..Paul went to Ceylon to earn more money Mr.Paul worked as a Conductor[Kandakku] in a famous Tea Estate in Ceylon  owned by an English man and under the administrative control of an English man . The English man  quickly recognized Paulkandakku's sincerity and efficiency and gave Paulkandakku many responsibilities and gave him high salary of the day,  as  a corollary Paul kandakku made  enormous amount of money and wealth and after having worked for many years in Ceylon Mr. Paulkandakku   returned to Oyaravilai , Kanyakumari dist,  as a very rich man . and bought many properties in and around Oyaravilai.

Paul Kandakku was a rich man:  Mr Paulkandakku was one of the rich men of kanyakumari district during his time and owned lands and paddy fields in many places in the District. To cite few :[1]  Mr Paul kandakku owned 55 cents of urban land near Nagercoil Municipal Office [Mead Street],[2]  Near Thamarakukulam village he owned 3 and half acres of fertile  Coconut Tope, [3] 70 cents of land and a big house  in Oyaravilai, [4] 9 acres of paddy fields at Lakshmipuram, [5] 100 Pathies of Salt Pans near Sami thoppu, [6] he also owned 5 and half acres of land at Mylaudy near  the present Dr Balasubramaniyam's Hospital ,[7] 3 and a half acres of  land in the  beautiful plains of  Medicine Hill[ Marunthuval Malai and [8] 7 acres of paddy field in Puthanarkulam area and so on.

Paulkandakku Presented Nanjilnadu Bank Building to his daughter Malaiyammal as wedding  gift: Mr.Paulkandakku loved his  eldest daughter Malayammal very much  and Malayammal married Mr Isaac , son of Mr Zahariah, who lived in Mangala Duthie Iyer street in Nagercoil. And as an expressive and impressive token of Paulkandakku's love for his daughter Malaiyammal , he bought the palatial building in the Court road, Nagercoil which accommodated the famous Nanji Nadu Bank , Nageracoil. and presented  the Building to his daughter Malaiyammal as wedding gift. [Nanjil Nadu Bank was one of the pioneer commercial Banks in Nagercoil and Kanyakumari district].


By P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A,.[Rights reserved,  this Article will be corrected, altered and modified if needed later. Part  II will follow soon  ]