A Pioneer M.E.L.I.M . Pastor , the First Indian Pastor of Thorayeri Holy Sion Lutheran Church Vananiyampadi and Govindapuram Bethel Lutheran Church Vaniyampadi and Calvary Lutheran Church Nagercoil [MELIM] , the First Indian Professor at the Concordia Theological Seminary Nagercoil and Former President of Ambur Synod and Nagercoil Synod late Rev.M. Philip . Part Final.

Ordination of  Evangelist M. Philip           :  During  the years between 1934 and 1937 , Rev M. Philip had been working as an enthusiastic Evangelist in Thorayeri MELIM Holy Sion Lutheran Church Vaniyampadi, and Govindapuram Bethlehem Lutheran Church,Vaniyampadi and also in the surrounding villages from where some believers used to attend the Sunday Services in the Vaniyampadi Lutheran Churches, with great distinction, to win souls for Christ.  In the year  1938 the Thorayeri MELIM Congregation and Govindapuram MELIM Lutheran Congragation, jointly made a Call to the then Evangelist M. Philip to serve as a full time regular ordained Pastor in these MELIM Vaniyampadi Churches..The Call given to the then Evangelist M. Philip was approved by the competent MELIM body and Evangelist Philip also accepted the  Call. So the ordination of Evangelist M. Philip took place in the Govidapuram MELIM Bethlehem Lutheran Church in the year 1938 . Bro Rev. Kretzmann conducted the Ordination Service and  preached a captivating and fitting Sermon on the occasion and ordained Evangelist M. Philip as a M.E.L.I.M. Pastor in the year 1938,  in the presence of M.E.L.I.M Missionaries,  Vaniyampadi MELIM congregation members and many others Since 1938 Rev. M. P. served the MELIM Congregations in Vaniyampadi and a few other congregations in Ambur Synod with great sincerity and zeal till he accepted a call from Nagercoil Lutheran  Church As a mark of their gratitude the Bethlehem Lutheran Church [IELC ] Govindapuram,Vaniyampadi has built a beautiful Gospel Centre in  Memory of Rev. M. Philip . 

                                                                 Rev. M. PHILIP. 

Rev.M.Philip Served as the First President of the AMBUR MELIM SYNOD    : Ambur MELIM  Synod was founded in the year 1949 and it was the first I.E.L.C. Synod among the three MELIM Synods namely [1] Ambur Synod, [2] Nagercoil Synod and [3] Thiruvananthapuram Synod . In the year  1950  Rev Philip was elected as the First President of the Ambur MELIM Synod and he functioned as the President of the Ambur M.E.L.I.M Synod with great moral and pastoral responsibility for three years till 1953 [ 1950-- 1953] . During that period Mr A. Gideon Varaprasad , B.A, L.T, served as the Secretary of the Ambur Synod and Mr H. Joseph served as the Treasurer of the Ambur Synod .Under the leadership of Rev.M. Philip , the Ambur MELIM Synod and the congregations witnessed all round growth ;- the number M.E.L.I M  Church members increased , the number of MELIM Congregations increased and the financial strength and income of MELIM Congregations in Ambur Synod also increased in a notable way., Rev M. Philip loved the Ambur MELIM Synod  and its members and families so dearly and he served the people with great Christian compassion and concern till he accepted a Call from Nagercoil Lutheran  Church  in 1953. 

                                       Concordia Theological Seminary Chapel , Nagercoil 

Rev. M. Philip Moved to Nagercoil and assumed charge as the Pastor of Nagercoil Lutheran  Church    ; Nagercoil Luttheran Church was started in 1924, mainly for Concordia Seminary students, Seminary Professors and their families and the Sunday Worship Services were conducted in Girls Hotel situated in the present day I.E.L.C .General Treasurer's Office Compound in Nagercoil and from 1932 the Nagercoil Lutheran Church services were conducted inside the Concordia Seminary's Library hall and afterwards in the Concordia Seminary Chapel . The number of the members of the Congregation was increasing rapidly and the LCMS  Missionaries who were serving in Nagercoil area and the local M.E.L.I.M. Church leaders and members felt the need for a larger Church to accommodate more number of people and so they decided to build a larger Church in the the Tennis Court of the LCMS Missionaries situated  opposite to the Concordia Seminary Nagercoil . The foundation stone was laid by the then Nagercoil Lutheran  Church Pastor Rev. H.E. Miller in 1953. Dr. M.L Kretzmann started the Foundation work of the Church ,  In this Context  Rev. M. Philip succeeded Rev. H. Earl Miller  as the Pastor of the Nagercoil Lutheran Church in March 1953. As the Church building construction work was progressing at a very slow speed  a new Building Committee was formed to speed up the construction work of the Nagercoil Lutheran Church.  The Members of the Building Construction Committee were the following :-[1]  Dr. Rittman,[2] Rev. Herbert Zorn, [3] Rev.A.J. Lutz, [4]Rev. M.Philip,[5] Rev.B.H.Jackayya ,[6] Mr.T. Williams, and[7] Rev. L Lazer . From this we can understand  the truth that Rev. M. Philip played an important role  for the construction of the present day Calvary Lutheran Church Nagercoil along with other prominent members of the Building Construction Committee. 

Rev. M Philip served the Nagercoil Lutheran Church as  real Pastor , he regularly visited the houses of the members of the Nagercoil Lutheran Church . He took real concern and interest in Sunday School affairs . It is said that he conducted preparatory classes in line with Lutheran doctrines  every month regularly for the communicant members  who wanted to take part in our  Lords Supper  and those who failed to attend that classes conducted by Rev.M. Philip were generally not allowed  to take part in Our Lord's Supper .  Rev.M.Philip really cared for the spiritual development and regeneration of the members of Nagercoil Lutheran Church and the congregation members in turn  loved and respected Rev. M. Philip.  Thus with real missionary spirit  Pastor Rev. M Philip was serving  Nagercoil Lutheran  Church. till his retirement. on 3rd July 1966.  Rev. Lazarus succeeded Rev. M. Philip as the Pastor of Nagercoil Lutheran Church on 3rd July 1966.

                              

Rev.M.Philip Served as the First Indian Professor at the Concordia Thelogical Seminary, Nagercoil   :.  In line with the decision taken by the MELIM Missionary Conference  Rev. M.Philip was appointed on the 6th November 1955 as the first native Indian Professor at the Concordia Theological Seminary Nagercoil . Rev. M. Philip with the permission of the Nagercoil Lutheran Church, served as a Professor in the Concordia Thelogical Seminary Nagercoil and also as a  Pastor of Nagercoil Lutheran Church concurrenlty with great efficacy and enviable earnestness. Prof. Rev. M Philip had the privilege to work with L.C.M.S.  Lutheran Theologians and Bible Scholars like :- Rev. H.M.Zorn, Rev. M.L.Kretzmann,and Rev.R.M.Zorn in the Concordia Thelogical Seminary Nagercoil. Dr. B.H. Jackayya was his colleague in the Concordia Theological Seminary Nagercoil .

  

     Rev. M. Philip opens the Calvary Lutheran Church   

                             on  11 April, 1971.

Rev. M. Philip Served as the president of Nagercoil Synod    :   Rev. M. Philip had the rare privilege to serve as the President of Two M.E.L.I.M  / I.E.L.C. Synods. Rev. M. Philip served as the President of Nagercoil Synod with great distinction and efficacy. [ 1966 ---1969 ].

                               

Rev. M. Philip Got the Privilege to open the newly Built Calvary Lutheran Churh Nagercoil   : The construction of the Nagercoil Lutheran Church was completed and arrangements were made to conduct the Opening Ceremony of the newly built  Nagercoil Lutheran Church  . The members of the Nagercoil Lutheran Church, the Pastor of the Church and the LCMS Missionaries wanted to  select beautiful and meaningful new name for the  newly and uniquely built Church . On 21st February 1971 ,  the  members of the Nagercoil Lutheran Church Conference  provisionally selected two names namely [1] Calvary Lutheran Church  Nagercoil and [2] New Jerusalem Church Nagercoil  and subsequently the Nagercoil Lutheran Church Conference selected the  name , " Calvary Lutheran Church Nagercoil " as the name of the newly built Church .The Opening function and ceremony  of the Calvary Lutheran Church was conducted in very grand style and fitting manner  on 11th April 1971.   In this connection a Fare Well meeting was conducted at  the Nagercoil Concordia Seminary Chapel   After the Farewell Service the procession started from the Seminary compound towards the newly built Lutheran Church in the opposite ground .. M.E.L.I.M pastors , Church Deacons, the Church Choir , Children , Women and Men walked in the historical procession with great joy and gratitude. towards the newly built Church . The  procession  reached the newly built Calvary Lutheran Church. .Rev,M. Philip got the unique privilege to open the newly built Calvary Lutheran Church Nagercoil on 11th April 1971 . On that day  Rev. N.J Ezekiel   the then General Secretary of the I.E.L.C. delivered a historical sermon on this  solemn and historical  occasion .The Opening function came to an end with a great feast.. 

 

Conclusion        : Rev. M. Philip was a Chosen Man by God . He served both God and man through MELIM and later through IELC  with great dedication and consuming honesty..  He was one among the First Batch Students of Concordia Theological Seminary Nagercoil, he was the First Indian Professor of Concordia Theological Seminary Nagercoil, and  he was the First President of Ambur MELIM Synod .He was the only one who had the privilege to serve as President of two MELIM Synods . God used our dear Rev M.Philip in a wonderful and  meaningful way  to preach the Gospel of Christ to the people in line with Lutheran Doctrines . He was a strict follower of Lutheran Doctrines  expounded by Dr. Martin Luther and wanted the people to do the same. He was a Christian Theologian and powerful Preacher.   He had real concern for the salvation of the people, definitely I can call Rev. M. Philip as one of the pillars of MELIM and IELC . Rev.M.Philip slept in Jesus  on 13th September 1975..His real life story will definitely galvanise and ignite the lukewarm faith of the  present day IELC  members and other Christians . I will convincingly say we need  Persons and Pastors like Rev. M. Philip  to overhaul our I.E.L.C . It is not possible to accommodate  all the important aspects and pages of Rev. M.Phip's life  within the space of this Article . So I will end this Article with the following sentence , "Dear Rev.M.Philip , we miss you, you lived a fragrant life like a pretty jasmine flower of Thovalai,we thank God for your meaningful life and we are proud of you "

END 

By. P. Babu Manoharan, M.A,.[ All rights are reserved . This Article will be enlarged, modified or corrected later if needed ]. 

A Pioneer MELIM Pastor , the Fisrt Indian Pastor of Thorayeri Holy Sion Lutheran Church Vaniyampadi and Govindapuram Bethlehem Lutheran Church Vaniyampadi and Calvary Lutheran Church Nagercoil [MELIM] , the First Indian Professor at the Concordia Theological Seminary Nagercoil, and Former President of Ambur Synod and Nagercoil Synod late Rev M. Philip .

Introduction    :   Late Rev. M. Philip was  one of the Pioneer Indian M.E.L.I.M, Pastors  and he was one of the founding pillars of the Missouri  Evangelical  Lutheran India Mission  in India . Really Rev. M. Philip was a great Man of God, Man of prayer, powerful Preacher, and a Staunch Lutheran  Christian Believer . Earnestly and tirelessly he  strove to spread the  Gospel of Christ in Tamil Nadu and South India  through M.E.L.I.M . Late Rev. M. Philip was a practising Christian. He had the distinction and privilege to serves as the President of two MELIM Synods namely ,"Ambur Synod' and Nagercoil Synod ".. His simple, sincere and witnessing life will definitely ignite and  illuminate the lukewarm faith of the present day Christians. and will play a galvanising part to revive I.E.L.C .. 

        Rev. M. Philip  opens the new Calvary Lutheran Church ,Nagercoil, on 11th April, 1971.

Rev. M. Philip 's  Parents and Birth    : Thovalai is one of the famous and important Villages in Kanyakumai District. It lies on the beautiful southern end of the Western ghats near Aralvaoimozhi .. The Thovalai Taluk owes its name to this Thovalai  village . Thovalai is famous for the production of fragrant and pretty jasmine flowers and Thovalai is one of the largest flower Markets in Tamil Nadu and South India . In this beautiful idyllic village there lived a God-fearing man by name Mr. Masillamani with his beloved wife Ms Perinbam Masillamani . God blessed  Mr Massillamani and his wife Ms Perinbam Masillamani with all the  connubial blessings and this couple gave birth to Rev. M. Philip in the year 1900. Mr. Massillamani and his wife Ms.Perinbam Masillamani brought up their son Philip with all love, care and concern.[ Rev M. Philip's childhood history will be traced and provided  with some details here later ] 

Rev. M. Philip's marriage     :  .Rev. M. Philip married Ms Natchathiram from Marukal Thalai village near Azhahiyapandipuram village, Thovali Taluk, K.k.District, in the year 1922.and God blessed this couple's conjugal and pastoral life with all the blessings .

                                                       
                                  Rev. M. Philip with his wife Ms Natchathiram Philip 

Rev. M. Philips'  Children and their families    :   Rev. M. Philip was living  a blissful conjugal life  with his modest and smart wife Ms Natchathiram and  this blessed couple gave birth to the  following children namely :-[1] Rev. Charles Paul and he married Ms Annie Paul, M.Sc, B.Ed,  and she  retired as a Government High School Head Mistress [KGF ], and this couple gave birth to the following children namely ;- [a] Ms. Princy, M.Sc, B.Ed, [ late[, [b] Ms Viji, B.Sc {Nursing]  [ late] , and [c]Mr Jonathan Manoharan ; [2] Rev. P. Norbert , M.A,L.T,[ Former H.M.of Concordia High School Nagercoil ] and he married Ms Beula Doraisamy, B.Sc, M.A, B.Ed, from Palayamcottai and this couple gave birth to the  following children namely ;- [a] Ms. Anitha Vanaja  Irish Sekar , M.A, B.Ed, she retired as the Head Mistress of Concordia Hr, Secondary School Vallioor  and she married Mr Irish Sekar, B.Sc[Ag]and Mr Irish Sekar retired as Joint Director of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu Govt . This couple is blessed with two daughters namely ;-Ms, Sharon Shamma Abilash Balan, B.E, and Ms. Shiny Ashwin , B.E, [b] Ms, Percis Shanthi Jannet Shanthi Leslie, B.Sc, B.Ed, M.A, M.Phil, and she works as Principal IELC. Public School Nagercoil [CBSE]and she married Mr Leslie and this couple gave birth to the following children namely Ms.Gracia Ethen Danielraj , B.C.A ,  Ms. Emelin Rebecca Athen, B.Sc[N].M.B,A, and Mr. Samuel Leslie, B.E, [c] Ms Kathleen Dayalan , M.A. B.Ed, [Kathy]  and she married Er. Dayalan, B.E [ Agri] and this couple gave birth to two daughters namely Ms. Suzan Dayalan, M.Sc[ Bio Tech] and Ms Joan Dayalan, B.A,  , and [d] Mr Herbert Rajan, D.M.E,  and he married Ms. Hema John, B.A, and this couple is blessed with one daughter and one son ; [3] Ms Daisy and she married Mr. J. Devados, M.A, B.Ed, and he retired as Govt High School Head Master  and this couple gave birth to the following children namely ;[a]  Ms. Rani, [b] Ms. Deena Dayalan, and he worked as an Accountant in the Ambur Deaf and Dumb School [IELC], [c]  Mr. Prasad [late] , [d] Mr. Devapriyam , [e] Ms Devaki Swaranalatha and lives in USA with her Engineer husband and family and [f] Ms Dorothy Chandra kala,B,Sc, B.Ed,  [4] Ms Annie Benjamin and she married Rev. N.J. Benjamin and this couple gave birth to the following children namely ;-[a] Ms. Nalini Ezhil, B.A, and she married Mr. Ezhil , B.E and this couple is blessed with two sons namely Mr. Ben Nithin, M.E, and Mr Ken Nivin, B.D.S and [b] Ms .Starlet Cecelia Padmini, [Mini] M.A, M.Ed, and she married Mr Solomon Vincent and this couple gave birth to Mr. Gabriel and Mr. Michael, B.D.S, M.S[ Canada],  [5] Mr. P. Wilson , B.A, B.Ed  and he married Ms Sundara Bai, B.Sc. B.Ed. from Nagercoil and this couple gave birth to the following children namely ;- [a] Ms. Geeta, M.Sc, B.Ed ;[b] Mr Philip Prem, BASLP and [c] Ms Angeline, B.Sc,[ Computer Science  and [6] Ms Emily and she married Mr Frederick ..

1.            
   FIRST BATCH STUDENTS ,CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NAGERCOIL

Rev. M. Philip's Seminary Education  : Rev. M. Philip did his school education in MELIM schools. Rev. M. Philip's parents wanted  their son Philip to become  a Pastor in MELIM and Rev M. Philipp also longed to become a Pastor in MELIM . MELIM  congregations were growing rapidly in Nagercoil area, Ambur area and Trivandrum area and the available foreign missionaries were inadequate to meet the demand for the Pastors to serve in MELIM Congregations. Moreover the MELIM Missionaries wanted to start their own Theological Seminary in Nagercoil so that they can teach the Lutheran Doctrines and principles to the Seminary Students .  In the year 1924 Concordia Theological Seminary was started in Nagercoil by the MELIM Missionaries .Rev,Theodre Gutnecht served as the first Principal of Concordia Theological Seminary in Nagercoil with great commitment and efficacy [1924 to 1928 ]. The MELIM Missionaries selected 7 suitable and eligible  lads from the MELIM congregations to study at the the newly started Concordia Theological Seminary, Nagercoil . The names of the Students of the First Batch who studied at the  Concordia Theological Seminary Nagercoil were the following namely ;_ [1]  Mr. I. Swamidhasan [ Vadasery], [2] Mr. A.C. Swamidhas [ Nagapattinam], [3] Mr. M. Philip [ Thovalai] , [4] Mr. A. Perinba Nayagam [ Marukalthalai] ,[5] Mr. S. Arulanandam [ Vadesry] and [6] Mr M. Dharmakan [ keerangkulam] and [7] Mr. M. Swaminathan [ Shenbagaramanputhur ]. Mr. M. Philip studied the Theological Course with great curiosity and interest in the Concordia Theological Seminary for four years [1924--1928 ] and passed his Theological course in 1928. meritoriously 

Rev. Philip's Started his Pastoral / Ministerial Career in K.G.F   :  After having passed his Theological Course at the Concordia Theological Seminary Nagercoil in 1928 ,  Mr. M. Philip was appointed and directed by the MELIM missionaries in 1928 to serves as Pastor at a MELIM Congregation in  Kolar Gold Field area.  Rev. Philip gladly accepted the Call and went and served as a Pastor in a .M.E.L.I.M  congregation in K.G.F  area  for four years with  great sincerity  and zeal with a spirit of a real  Pastor till 1934. Afterwards there was no turning back in his Pastoral Career .

Next Part Will Follow Soon . 

By. P. Babu Manoharan, M.A ,. [ All rights are reserved. This Article will be enlarged, modified or corrected later if needed ].

 

An Economist, Writer, Researcher, Former Director at Dr. Johnmatthai Centre at Thrissur, Winner of the U.G.C. Researcher Award/ Career Award in 1999, Visiting Faculty at the centre for Development Studies at Thiruvananthapuram, An Awardee of the prestigious I.C.S.S.R. Senior Fellowship, Former Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Chairman of the Studies , Calicut University and Professor and H.O.D. of Economics of Calicut University Prof Dr. D. Retnaraj , M.A, M.C.T . Ph.D,. Part Final. .

                                             

                                            Dr. D. Retanaraj , M..A, M.C.T, Ph.D

Dr. D.Retnaraj was Awarded a PhD in and Promoted to Reader in Economics :  The Department of Economics , University of Calicut started to function  at Dr. Johnmatthai Centre Thrissur from October 1976.  Dr. D. Retnaraj had the privilege to work as  Director  at the prestigious Dr. Johnmatthai Centre  for some years  with great dedication and distinction .  While he was working as a Lecturer in Economics at  Dr. Johnmathai Centre, Thrissur  in line with his unquenchable quest for knowledge  he pursued his Doctorate in Economics in Calicut University under the  supervision of Dr. B.A. Prakash; and his Ph.D. Thesis  Title was, "Finances of Small Scale Industries in Kanyakumari District" Dr. D. Retnaraj was awarded a  Ph.D  in Economics in the year 1993.  On 26th November 1993 he was promoted as a Reader in Economics, University of Calicut . Dr.D. Retnaraj served as a Reader in Economics for 8 years and 3 months with great efficacy.

                                            

                L to R :- [2] Dr.D. Retnaraj , [4] Dr.B.A. Prakash [ Dr.D. Retnaraj's PhD Guide. 

                                      

                                      Dr. Johnmatthai Centre, Thrissur, Calicut University 

Dr.D. Retnaraj was promoted as Professor of  Economics   ; After having served as Reader in Economics for 8 years and some more months, Dr. D. Retnaraj was promoted as Professor of Economics , University of Calicut on the 1st March 2002  and he served as a Professor of Economics at the University of Calicut  for about 15 years and 2 months [1-3-2002 to 16-5-2017 ] with enviable efficacy and devotion .

He was appointed as H.O.D. of Economics Department, Calicut University   :  Dr, D. Retnaraj was not only an efficient Teacher but also he was a good Administrator.  He was appointed by the Vice Chancellor of the Calicut Univerity as the H.O.D. of the Economics Department of the University of  Calicut, on 28th February 2009  for a period of 2 years  and he discharged his official duties as H.O.D. of Economics Department from  28-2-2009 to 31-3- 2011  with enviable  efficiency and honesty.

He served as the Member of the Academic Council   : Dr. D. Retnaraj had the privilege to serve as a Member of the  Academic Council of the Calicut University for two years [ 11-06 - 2010 to  11-6- 2012] 

He served as the Dean of Faculty of Humanities and campus Director    :  Dr..D. Retnaraj was appointed as Dean of Faculty of Humanities of  the Calicut University for two years [ 11- 6- 2010 to 11-6- 2012 ]. Dr.D. Retnaraj also  served as the Campus Director of the Dr. John Matthai Centre Thrissur.

              [  L to R :- [1] Dr. M. Abdul Salam , [Former V.C, of  Calicut University ], [2] Sri Surya krishnamurty [ Founder Director of of the Soorya Stage and Film Society and Soorya  Festival is the most prestigious Cultural Event in India ] and [3]Dr. D. Retnaraj. ].

Dr. D.Retnaraj Served as a Member of the Board of Studies , Kannur Univesity : :Dr. D. Retnaraj also had the distinctive privilege to serve as a  Member of the Board of Studies of  the Kannur University, kerala from 27-10- 2015 to 27-11- 2017 .

Dr. D. Retnaraj served as Chairman of the Board of  P.G. Studies [Economics] , Calicut Uiversity   :Dr. D. Retanaraj served as the Chairman of the Board of P.G.Studies [ Economics] , Calicut University for six years [2010 to 2-13 & 2013 to 2016 ] with great distinction. .

                                     Centre For Development Studies ,Thiruvananthapuram

Dr. D.Retnaraj received the UGC Research Award  and subsequently served as a Visiting Faculty at the  Centre for Development Studies, Trivandrum  : Great Economist and Scholar Dr, D. Retnaraj received the UGC Research Award / Career award  in 1999 and subsequently as a UGC Research Awardee Dr. Retnaraj had the privilege to work as a Visiting Faculty at the Centre for Development Studies in Thiruvananthapuram . He worked as a Visiting Faculty for three years [1999 and 2002 ] with great enthusiasm, energy and efficiency. It would be appropriate to remember the fact that this Institute had hosted world renowned Economists like Dr. Joan Robinson and Dr. Amartya Sen. 

                            Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram

Dr. Retnaraj served as a Visiting Professor at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Development Studies  : Dr. D. Retnaraj  had the esteemed privilege to serve as a Visiting Professor at the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Institute of  Development Studies from 2013 for some years 

.

            Prof. K.J Joseph , a Former Student of Dr. D. Retnaraj in JMC & Director of  G.I.F.T.

He received the Senior Fellowship  of I.C.S.S.R  and served as a Visiting Faculty in GIFT   ;- Dr. D. Retnaraj is a born Researcher and he did not allow his  retirement to decrease and sideline his burning passion for Research. . In the year 2019 Dr.D.Retnaraj received the prestigious "Senior Fellowship " of the  prestigious "Indian Council of Social Science Research" ; a Research  Organisation established by the Govt of India. to encourage Social research  This noteworthy fellowship was a  deserving recognition for his lifelong contribution to Academia This honourable ICSSR Senior Fellowship affiliated Dr. Retnaraj with the famous Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation in , Thiruvananthapuram and helped him to strengthen and edify  his reputation  among the Researchers.  Dr. Retnaraj was very happy because during that period of time one of his old brilliant students in JMC by name Prof. k.J. Joseph was serving as the Director of the Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation, Thiruvananthapuram. 

 

 L to R :- [1] Mr. Vivek Matthai[Grandson of Dr. John Matthai],[2] Prof. Dr. M.A. Oommen [ Founder Director of Dr. John Matthai Centre Thrissur], [3]  Dr.K. Mohammad Basheer [ V.C , of Calicut University ]. 4] Prof. V.K. Ramachandran [ Former Vice Chairman of Kerala State Planning Commission] , [5] Sri. Nitya Matthai [ Grandson of Dr. John Matthai] and [6] Dr. D. Retnaraj. 

Dr. D. Retnaraj was a Remarkable Research Guide and Researcher     :  Dr. D. Retnaraj is not only  Researcher bur also  an outstanding Research Guide ., He was recognised and approved as a Research Guide by the Calicut University. To his credit Dr.D. Retnaraj had guided 15  Ph.D. Research Students  and out of them 14 had been awarded Ph.D. degrees and one is in the offing [work in the final stage ]. 

Conclusion      : Prof.Dr.D. Retnaraj, M.A. M.C.T, Ph.D,  is a colourful and dynamic  personality . He is a creative Thinker, he writes beautiful and thought provoking Poems in Tamil . He is a Connoisseur of Fine Arts like Carnatic Music, Film Music, Folk Music, Classical Dance, Folk dance etc..He is a prolific and  contributing writer and his thought provoking  economic, cultural,social and political Articles had been published in popular news papers like the New Indian Express , etc, So far Dr. D. Retnaraj had written and published 25 Research Articles in important  national and global Research Journals like IASSI Quarterly, Man Power Journal, Asian economic Review etc,. He has  a citation in the famous  Oxford Development Review... He  is great Educationist and Patriot and he has sincere concern for the overall development of India and Indians. Many of his students are decorating high and enviable positions in life. Dr. D. Retnaraj is a visionary and he wants our India must patronise world class higher education.  He wants Ph.D degree must be made mandatory for all the newly recruited College and University Teachers  irrespective of National Eligibility Test and  Ph.D Thesis must be evaluated by more number of Examiners and among the  Examiners one must be qualified Foreign Examiner.   Above all Dr. D. Retnaraj loves and wants  to have a Violence Free University Campus . He loves to visit beautiful scenic places with his beloved family and currently he lives in Thiruvananthapuram blissfully with his family.  He has developed and nurtured long standing friendship with some of the tall Intellectuals and Educationists of our time .He also maintains cordial  relationship with of some of the close and important  relatives of  former Finance Minister of India late Dr. John Matthai. Here it is good to remember that the present Dr.John Matthai Centre, Thrissur, stands on the land donated by the family of Dr. John Matthai in line with his wish. Dr.D.Retnaraj had the privilege to work under 9 Vice Chancellors during his  teaching career and he maintained  cordial relationship with them and won their love and respect. Above all in recognition of his  meritorious  Educational Service for nearly 37 years, Dr. D. Retnaraj's name was proposed for the Post of the Vice Chancellor of the Calicut University. It is not possible to cover all  the important events  and accomplishments of Dr. D. Retnaraj within the space of this Article . So I will end this Article with the following sentence, "Dear Dr.D. Retnaraj , we are proud of you  and really you have achieved greatness in life " .

END

By. P. Babu Manoharan, M.A,. [ All rights are reserved.  This Article will be enlarged, modified or corrected later if needed ].

 

An Economist, Writer, Researcher, Former Lecturer at Dr. Johnmatthai Centre [ Dept of Economics], at Thrissur, Winner of U.G.C. Researcher Award Winner / Career Award in 1999, Visiting Faculty at the Centre for Development Studies at Thiruvananthapuram, An Awardee of the Prestigious ICSSR Senior Fellowship, Former Dean of the faculty of Humanities and Chairman of the Board of Studies,calicut University and Professsor and HOD of Economics, University of Calicut Prof. Dr. D. Retnaraj, M.A, M.C.T, Ph.D . Part B.

Dr. D. Retnaraj Began His Professional Career [ 1 ]  :   Dr. D. Retnaraj started his Professional career as a Teacher in the Mahatma  Gandhi Tutorial College at Thalassery, Kerala and worked in the Tutorial College as a Teacher for 9 months. After that  Dr. D. Retnaraj  joined  the famous Dr. Johnmatthai Centre [Economics Dept] at Thrissur [ University of Calicut] as an Economics Lecturer, on the 26th November 1980. Since then there was no turning back, Dr. D. Retnaraj started his career  as an Economics Lecturer with full enthusiasm, preparation and devotion .

                                           

                                             Prof. Dr. D. Retnaraj, M.A, M.C.T, Ph.D,.                        

Dr. D. Retnaraj's Marriage  ;  It is said that marriages are made in heaven and this adage  was true in the case of Dr.Retnaraj  Dr. D. Retnaraj married Ms Kanchanaprabha , B.A[ Lit], d/o Mr. Chellappan vaithiyar and Ms Ammu kutty , on the 6th December,  1984 in Trivandrum.  Mrs Kanchanaprabha was working in the State Bank of India [S B.I ] for many years with great dedication and efficiency and she retired as a Branch Manager in the year 2021. Ms kanchanaprabha hails from an illustrious family and her .father Mr Chellappan's father was a famous indigenous Medical Practitioner [ Vaithiyar] and he served as a personal Physician to the Maharaja of Travancore State .

                  Wedding Photo: Groom Dr. D. Retnaraj and Bride Ms. Kanchanapraba Retnaraj

 

                             Dr. D. Retnaraj with his wife Ms. Kanchanaprabha Retnaraj

Dr. D. Retnaraj & Ms. Kanchanaprabha Couple's Children  :  Dr. D. Retnaraj and Ms kanchanaprabha Renaraj couple was blessed with all the conjugal blessings and this couple gave birth to the following children namely :[1 ] Ms. Preetika Raj , M.A, B.Ed, and she worked for some years as a Teacher in the prestigious Military School, Bangalore and after her marriage Ms Preetika Raj  moved to Thiruvananthapuram.  Ms. Preethika Raj married Mr Sajith , B.Tech, M.B.A and currently Mr Sajith  works as a Regional Manager of I.C.I.C.I.  Bank and this couple is blessed with  two children namely [a] Mr. Rohan Sajith and [b] Mr Jaden. P.S, [2]  Mr. Nithin Raj, B.A [English ],Mr. Nithin Raj is a blooming and promising Playback Singer in Malayalam and Tamil  Cinemas . He is a born Singer and he loves music and singing . As a Singing Contestant he took part  in various Reality Singing Competitions conducted by various Television Channels . Mr Nithin Raj was a Runner Up in Singing TV Show , " Sangeetha Mahayudham" held in 2010 by Surya TV and Mr.Nithin Raj  was a Finalist in "Star Singer  Hunt Contest " held in 2007 conducted by Asianet . He was a Semi  Finalist in Super Singer Contest conducted by Vijay T,V, in 2006. After achieving  great popularity through his Participation in Singing Competitions conducted by popular T.V. Channels, he got the privilege  to give his Vocal in the year 2010 for the Oscar  Award  maestro A.R. Rahman's private Album :-  "Semmozhi Yanna Tamizh  Mozhiyam" which was penned by the then  Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu honourable M. Karunanidhi. This Song was the official Song for the World Tamil Conference held in 2010.  In the same year Nithin Raj lent his Voice for a Gujarat Theme Song, "Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat " composed by A,R, Rahman . Impressed by the Nithinraj's voice A.R Rahman allowed Nithin Raj to provide Vocal for the Movie, "Enthairan"for the song , "Puthiya Manitha" . Nithin Raj got his first break in Playback Singing in a Tamil Movie ," SILANTHI ' , He worked in "Mirchi Plus" as a Radio Jockey from September 2013  to December 2020 , in Trivandrum.  Mr. Nithin Raj married Ms . Anila Raj, B.Tech on 16th May 2013 Ms. Anila Raj , and she works  as a Software Development Engineer in Lean Transition Solution [LTS]. Mr. Nithin Raj and Ms Anila Nithin Raj couple  is blessed with a  cute daughter by name Ms Hazel,  and  [3] Mr. Nivedraj, B.Tech [ he did his B.Tech at the prestigious N.I.T, Calicut] and currently he is doing a Journalism  Course in Bangalore .

Dr. D. Retnaraj with his three beloved Children 

         L to R ; [1] Dr. D. Retnaraj ,[2] Mr. Nithinraj, [3] Ms Preetika Raj &[4]Mr. Nivedraj 

Ms. Preetjika Raj stands with her Husband Mr Sajith, B.Tech, MBA  and their Sons

Ms. Kanchanaprabha's  Siblings  :   Ms Kanchanaprabha's parents Mr. Chellappan and Ms Ammu Kutti Chellappan couple  were blessed with all the conjugal blessings and this couple gave birth to the Following children namely :-[1] Ms Manoramma and she married Mr D.Benjamin Raj and he retired  as I.G of C.I.S.F.  This couple is blessed with one daughter by name Ms. Lovely Benjamin , M.B.A, and she got married to Dr. Prem John [ENT] Specialist and he is working as a Govt Doctor  in Kerala State,[2] Ms. Bhamini and she married  Mr Rupan  and he worked as Engineer in the P.W.D in Kerala State Government for many years and retired as an Executive Engineer and this couple has no children ;

    L to R ;-[1] Prof. Dr. Ratish Retnam ,[2] Dr. Ratish's Granddaughter &[3] Dr. Retnaraj.

[3]Ms Shobanavally and  she worked in Indian Overseas .Bank [I.O.B] and retired as a Senior Manager and she married Prof. Dr. Ratish Retnam . Dr. Ratish Retnam worked in the Madurai kamaraj University as a Professor and retired. Ms Shobanavally and Dr. Ratish Retnam couple gave birth to two children namely:-[a] Mr. Amith Ratish, B.Tech, and he married Ms. Ramitha Sunderesan, B.Tech, M.S,[ Currently both of them are working and living in Canada]  and this couple is blessed with two children,[b] Ms Amitha Rathiesh, B.Tech, M.B.A, and she got married to Mr Bharath M.B.A [ Currently he is an Entrepreneur and  film producer ],[4] Mrs. Malika and she married Mr Prasad [ expired] and this couple's  daughter  Ms Mauley Prasad,   currently she works in Ireland, [5] Ms.kanchanprabha Retnaraj , [6] Ms Nandhini and she married Mr Swamydas and  Mr. Samydas worked in Bhilai Steel Plant with distinction and efficacy and  retired as Deputy General Manager . This couple gave birth to two children namely:-[a] Ms Namith Das, M.B.A , U.K, [b] Mr Nihil Das , M.Tech, M.S and he works as an Automobile Engineer  Mercedes Benz in  U.K ;

     Prof  Dt. D. Retnaraj [left] is with his Brother in law Mr.Pramod Kumar, DGM , ICICI, 

[7] Mr Pramod kumar and currently  he works in I.C.I.C.I Bank, Mumbai,  as a Deputy General Manager[ Foreign Affairs] with efficacy and distinction  Mr. Pramod Kumar  married Ms Sheela and this couple gave birth to the following children namely:-[a] Ms. Pallavi Promod , M.Com and she works as a Bank Officer in the Axis Bank in Bangalore , [b] Mr Saran Pramod , B.Tech, and now  he is doing his MBA, and [8] Mr P.C. Retnakaran [ Eldest brother and expired] and  he was a promising  Politician [ K.P.C State Member] and he got married to Ms Valsala and this couple gave birth to three children namely ;-[a] Mr Priyadasan, MBA, [b] Ms Priyanka, M.A [ Fashion Designer]  and [c] Ms Priya Manjeri, M.Com and she  married  Mr Akhil P.B, M.Tech  and now he works as a College  Lecturer ..

Part Final will follow soon.

By.P. Babu Manoharan, M.A, .[ All the rights are reserved. This Article will be modified , enlarged or corrected later if needed ].

  

An Economist, Researcher, A Former Lecturer at Dr. Johnmatthai Centre [ Dept of Economics ] at Thrissur, Winner of U.G.C. Researcher Award / Career Award in 1999, Visiting faculty at the Centre for Development Studies inThiruvananthapuram ,An Awardee of the Prestigious ICSSR Senior Fellowship, Former Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Chairman of the Board of Studies Calicut University , and Professor and HOD of the Department of Economics University of Calicut Prof. Dr. D. Retnaraj, M.A ,M.C.T, Ph.D,. and Family Part . A.

Introduction    : A former Professor of Economics and H.O.D of Economics, University of Calicut, Kerala  Prof. Dr. D. Retnaraj , M.A, {Eco], M.C.T, Ph.D is a versatile and multifaceted personality and was an Awardee of the U.G.C /  Research Award/ Career Award in 1999  and  winner of the prestigious  I.C.S.S.R  Senior Fellowship. He had decorated many significant Posts and Places in his professional career and  personal life. No doubt  he is one of the outstanding sons of Nanjil Nadu in Kanyakumari district. His remarkable travel from his little known native village Puliyadi to  the  commanding heights of Economics Department  at the famous Dr. Johnmatthai Centre Thrissur, Calicut University and Centre of Development Studies in Trivandrum strikes and arrests our attention with awesome wonder, inspiration and happiness.  Definitely his real life story and his  educational and professional accomplishments will  galvanise the readers and the first generation graduates and the rural college students with new relentless hope and goals to reach better heights and pastures in life . He really is a shining and galvanising Milestones in the field of  Economics, Research, Education, and Intellectual and Social History of Kanyakumari district, Kerala State  and Tamil Nadu.

                                           Prof..Dr. D. Retnaraj, M.A,[Eco], M.C.T, Ph.D,.

Dr. D. Retna Raj and His Parents and Birth :  Puliyadi is a beautiful idyllic village located near Putheri Lake and Puthery Village [ The great modern Tamil Poet Sri. Desihavinayagam Pillai lived in Putheri village ] . Puliyadi village is surrounded by pleasant  paddy fields and ponds and Dr. D. Retnaraj's father  Mr. David  was a native of this Puliyadi village . Mr. David's father late Mr Packianathan was Freelance Evangelist and I was told that Mr Packianathan donated his Land to the MELIM to build the MELIM Church in Puliyadi village . Mr. David married Ms.Packiamuthu and this lovely couple  was blessed with all connubial blessings and this couple gave birth to Dr. D. Retnaraj on 16th May,1957.. Now Ms Packiamuthu David is no more living in this world and Mr David lives in Puliyadi. This Puliyadi village has produced some eminent Bankers. Lawyers, Educationists, etc,. 

                                             Mr. David and his wife Ms Packiamuthu David 
                                    

Dr. Retnaraj's  Siblings    : Mr. David and his beloved wife Ms Packiamuthu David were blessed with all the connubial blessings and this blissful couple gave birth to the  following children namely [1]  Ms. Jeya Bai [expired] and she  was married to Mr Enan[ expired] and he worked in the Indian Air Force. ,Ms Jeya Bai and Mr Enan couple gave birth to the following children namely ;[a]Mr. Vijaya Bhaskar , MBA[ Hospital Management] and [b] Mr. Rajesh, [ Lab technician ],  [2] Ms. Manonmani  and she married Mr Sam Raj from Sadayan Vilai village . Mr Sam Raj worked as a Lab Technician  and he was the brother the famous Inspector of Police late Mr Selvaraj , Ms. Manonmani and  Mr Samraj couple gave birth to four children,  [3]  Ms. Kasthuri and she married Mr Devanathan, B.A. B.L and Mr Devanathan, B.A, B.L, worked in the Judicial  Department, Govt of Tamil Nadu and retired as  as a Sub Judge; and  this couple gave birth to two children namely :[a] Ms Santhi, M.B.A and [b] Mr. Raja , M.B.A  [4]  Mr.Dr.D, Retnaraj [ The Hero of this Article,[5] Mr. Sathu and he lives in Puliyadi village with his wife Nalini and formerly Ms. Nalini  worked as a Staff Nurse in a foreign country and this couple is blessed with two children namely ;[a] Mr. Prem, M.Sc [Geology ]  and he is working in Saudi Arabia and [b] Mr. Benjamin,[ B.Tech] and he is also working in Saudi Arabia, and   [6]Ms. Padma  and she married Mr. Ramakrishnan and he worked in the Forest Department , Govt of Tamil Nadu for many years and retired as  Assistant Conservator of Forests and this couple is blessed with the following children namely :[a] Ms. Pavithra, M.Tech, [b]Ms Sujithra , M.Sc, M.Phil, and [c] Ms Apsara , M.B.A [ Annamalai University , Second Rank holder in the University].  .

Dr. D. Retnaraj's Educational Track   '   Ever studious  Dr. D. Retnaraj  did his Primary School studies at the Govt Primary School at Vadasery, Nagercoil and he pursued his High School education at at he famous S.M.R.V.  High School , Vadasery Nagercoil, . After having passed his S.S.L.C, Dr.D. Retnaraj did his P.U.C. in the Scott Christian College Nagercoil and after having passed his PUC, he pursued his B.A [ Economics] in the same Scott Christian College, Nagercoil  and passed his BA[Economics] with good marks . Then he pursued his M.A {Economics] in the Scott Christian College and passed his M.A [ Economics ] in First Class in the year 1979.. Then Dr. D. Retnaraj wanted to work as a Lecturer in a College and to fulfil that august ambition he did his M.C.T  course [ Master of College Teaching] course in the  Calicut University, Thrissur and passed his M.C.T. in the year 1980 in First Class .

Next Part Will  follow soon  

By. P.Babu Manoharan, M.A ,. [ All rights are reserved. This article will be enlarged , modified or corrected later if needed }.