The English Engineer and Architect who built the Famous Pechipparai Dam in Kanyakumari District Free-mason Mr. Humphrey Alexander Minchin, C.E.[ 1868---1913]. PART... A.

Introduction:  English Engineer Humphrey Alexander Minchin was the engineer who built the iconic and magnificent and food feeding Pechipparai Dam in kanyakumari district during the period 1897-1906.  Pechipparai Dam and the Pechipparai Reservoir together play a motherly role for the cause of the people of Kanyakumari District; it irrigates thousands of acres of paddy fields in the district and quench the thirst of the people who live in Kanyakumari district and its surrounding areas and thereby plays a commanding role for the economic development and progress of Kanyakuamari District. Er. Humprey Alexander Minchin is rarely remembered by the contemporary citizens of Kanyakumari District. Definitely we are bound to recollect the life history of Er Humphrey Alexander Minchin with great gratitude and celebrate his birthday [ 3rd October] with joy, every year as a mark of our respect and gratitude to him. We cannot think of Kanyakuamri District without the Pechipparai Dam and Pechipparai Reservoir. 

                                                                                                                                             Mr. Humphrey Alexander Minchin, C.E.

                        

                                           ALVERSTOKE  VILLAGE, ENGLAND                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Er. H.A. Minchin's Grandparents:    Er. Humphrey Alexander Minchin was a scion of an illustrious and educated English family from England Er. Humphrey Alexander Minchin's paternal grandfather Mr James Minchin, B.A, M.A. was born on the 1st of October 1791 at Alverstoke village, Gosport, Hampshire, England. Mr. James Minchin began his collegiate education at Winchester College, Hampshire, England, and pursued his U.G. Degree course at the famous Trinity College, Cambridge University, England  and graduated in 1813 with a Bachelor of Arts degree[ B.A] He pursued his Postgraduate studies at the same Trinity College Cambridge University and passed Master of Arts degree [M.A}  He studied Law and served as a  Barister at Law As there were promising  opportunities for the England educated Barristers in India Mr. James Minchin, M.A moved to Madras in India and held the office of Master of the Supreme Cort in Madras, Mr. James Minchin's career as a Master of the Supreme court in Madras, India, reflects his significant contributions to the legal filed in India. Mr. James Minchin married Ms Jessie Innes in 1816. and she died in 1819 in Essex, England.  So, Mr James Minchin married Ms Susan Mary Cherry, daughter of Mr Peter Cherry on 18th of October 1821 and this couple gave birth to 11 children; [1]Susan Jessie Minchin [1823-1888], [2] James Innes Minchin [1825--1903], [3] Frederick Morris Minchin[ 1826- 1852], [4 ] Caroline Bracken Minchin[ 1828- 1829], [5] Lt. Gen. Charles Cherry Minchin [1829-1899], [6] Rosa Minchin[ 1831-1884], [7]  Rev. Harry Holdsworth Minchin[ 1832--1904], [8] Marion Smithson Minchin[[1834-], [9] John William Minchin [ 9th October 1836-- 1904], and he is the hero of this Blogspot, [10] Sara Eliza Minchin [ 1838-- 1856] and [11] Francis Cotton Minchin [ 1842-- 1912]. 

                   ST. MARY'S CHURCH AT ILLMINSTER, SOMERSET, ENGLAND

                                      St Paul's Street, Tiverton, Devon, and St Pul's Church 

Er. H.A. Minchin's Parents and His Birth:  Mr. James Minchin and Mrs Susan Mary Cherry couple gave birth to Mr John William Minchin on the 9th of October 1830.  Mr John William Minchin grew up in Madras, but he had the privilege to pursue his education in England as a pupil in Llminster town Somerset, England. After having successfully completed his education in England, he returned to India and started his own Coffee Plantation at Clovelly in Ootacamund. Mr John William Minchin thrived as a flourishing Coffee Planter and Businessman. Coffee became a hot property and Mr John William Minchin enjoyed the benefits of being an Indian Coffee business tycoon.   Mr. John William Minchin and Ms Julie Katherine Hill obtained a Marriage License on 7th of October,1867 at Tiverton Devon England.  Subsequently Mr John William Minchin married Ms Julie Katherine Hill at St. Pauls Church, Tiverton and this marriage was solemnised by the Revd. Aleander Dallas, Rector of Wanstow, and grandfather of the bride Ms Julie Katherine Hill. Mr. John William Minchin and Mrs Julie Katherine Hill couple gave birth to Mr Humphrey Alexander Minchin on 3rd of October 1868 at  Ootacamund, India. Mr A.H. Minchin was Christened on the 24th of October 1868 at Ootacamund. 

NEXT PART WILL FOLLOW SOON.

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

A Member of an IELC Congregation, Former Student of IELC Public School in Nagercoil, Daughter of Missionary Parents and the First Prize Winner of VOLKS - Spelling Bee- National Level Competition 2024-'25, Ms.A. Godline Manshiya Asir.

Introduction:    Ms. Godline Manshiya Asir, a former Student of IELC Public School Nagercoil, by winning the First Prize in the VOLKS Spelling Bee National Level Competition' 2024-25, has captured the attention of the thousands of School Children of India and she deserves our appreciation and love. By winning the First Prize in the 5th category of VOLKS Spelling Bee National Level competition Ms Godline Manshiya Asir has brought laurel to her Missionary parents, to the IELC Public School Nagercoil and Kanyakumari District and Tamil Nadu. VOLKS Spelling Bee National Level Competitions are structured Educational Events designed to enhance Students in English language skills, vocabulary and confidence. These competitions cater to Students from grade 1 to grade 10 and follow multi -level format, including Schools, Zonal, State and National rounds. VOLKS Spelling Bee Competition is a national Level Educational Platform committed to improve English fluency and develop confidence among School Students in India. A good command over English language and Spelling opens the door of manifold educational and employment opportunities for students, both in India and Abroad. A perusal of Ms. Godline Manshiya Asir's galvanising profile, will galvanise many young school students with new goals and aims to acquire mastery over English Spelling and Vocabulary and reach greater and higher heights in life. 

                                                         

                                                      Ms. GODLINE MANSHIYA ASIR 

Ms. Godline Manshiya Asir's Parents and her Birth   Ms Godline Manshiya Asir's father Mr Anand Asir, B.A is a native of Pondichery. In line with his natural inclination, he joined Friends Missionary Prayer Band [FMPB] and had the privilege to work in all the Staes in India including Andaman and Nicobar Islands except Odissa. Ms Godline's mother Ms Selvamathi also ardently wanted to serve God as a Missionary and so she joined FMPB, and served in U.P, Madhya Pradesh, and in Rajasthan before her marriage.  As both Mr Anand and Ms Selvamathi were working in the Friend Missionary Prayer Band, the leaders of the FMPB, arranged their marriage.  Mr Anand Asir married Ms Selvamathi on 28th June 2004 and their marriage. was solemnised at the Andithopu IELC Lutheran Church, God blessed Mr. Anand Asir and his beloved wife Ms. Selvamathi with all the connubial and other blessings and this couple gave birth to Ms Godline Manshiya on the 11th of November 2009 at Andithopu village. Andithopu village is located in Thovalai taluk in Kanyakumari district and this idyllic village is surrounded by fertile paddy fields, ponds and coconut trees, While serving in FMPB, they moved to Pondichery during the pandemic year and stayed in Pondichery. to save themselves from the pandemic. .During that period Ms Godline's parents decided to pursue a degree course in Theology and accordingly they joined the Concordia Theological Seminary in Nagercoil in 2022 to pursue, B.D. course and now both of them are doing their 3rd year B.D. in Concordia Theological Seminary, Nagercoil, which is affiliated to the Senate of the Serampore College [ University]. 

Ms. Godline Manshiya's Sibling:  Godlines's parents after marriage moved to Mumbai in Maharashtra and worked there for four years [ 2004-2008] God blessed Mr Anand Asir and his dear wife Ms Selvamathi with all the conjugal and other blessings and this couple gave birth to the   following children: [1] Ms. A. Adline Shelshiya Asir,  and she was born on 23rd May 2005 in Bombay. and currently she is doing her B.Sc, in Cardio Pulmonary Perfusion Care Technology in Tirunelveli Govt Medical College and [2] Ms.. A. Godline Manshiya Asir and she is the heroine of the Blogpost. 

                     

Ms Godline Manshiya's Educational track:  As Godline's parents were working as FMPB Missionaries in Andaman Islands, Ms. Godline  Manshiya did her 1st std and 2nd std in Andaman. Then as her parents were transferred to Bangalore, she pursued her 3rd std, 4th std and 5th std in  a school in Bangalore. The places of her education changed according to the transfer of her parents. She did her 6th std and 7th std in Pondichery. She pursued her 8th, 9th and 10th std in the IELC Public School in Nagercoil [ CBSE] and currently she is pursuing her 11th std at the famous Christi Corpus School, Peruvilai, Nagercoil 

Ms..Godline Manshiya  Participated in the Spelling Bee Competitions and secured 3rd prize in the District:  Since Childhood Ms. Godline Manshiya developed a flair for English Spelling, and she bloomed as an adept in English spelling.   On the advice of her parents and IELC School teachers she decided to take part in the Spelling Bee Competitions. Spelling Bee is a Competition conducted by VOLK's Educational Solutions and they conduct competitions at various levels to be qualified for, such as Inter-School, District level, State level and finally National level. Ms Godline Manshiya participated in inter-school competition, and she was selected to participate in the district level competition, and she participated at the district level competition, and secured 3rd Place and she was selected to participate in the State Level Competition. 

Ms Godline Manshiya Asir won Second prize at State level Spelling Bee Competition: Ms. Godline Manshiya Asir, , while studying in the 10th Std in the IELC Public School Nagercoil participated in the Fifth category of VOLKS Spelling Bee State Level Competition held on the 29th of March 2025  She secured SECOND RANK at the State level and was selected to represent her school at the National Level Spelling Bee Competition for the academic year 2024-25.  By securing Second Rank in the State Level Spelling Bee Competition, Ms Godline Manshiya Asir, brought laurels to her parents, IELC Public School Nagercoil, and Kanyakumari district. 

                  

Ms Godline Manshiya Asir Secured First Place in the National level Spelling Bee Competition: Ms Godline Manshiya Asir worked hard and mastered Spelling of English words. She participated at the National Level Spelling Bee competition ,2024-25, and secured First Rank [ Prize] and she was honoured with a cash price of Rs 15000= and Championship Cup.  By securing First Rank in the National level Spelling Bee Competition, amidst very tough competition, she has brought fame and laurel to her parents, family, IELC. Public School Nagercoil, IELC, Kanyakumari district. and Tamil Nadu.  

                

         Ms Godline Manshiya Stands with her National Level Spelling Bee Championship Cup

                       

Conclusion:  I will call Ms Godline Manshiya Asir, is not only the pride of her family but also is the pride of the India Evangelical Lutheran Church [ IELC}, because for the first time a student from IELC congregations has won First Rank [Prize] in the National level VOLKS Spelling Bee Competition. Ms. Godline Manshiya Asir is really a promising and brilliant star and will reach enviable heights in life. She is very intelligent, God fearing, smart, a girl with clear vision about her future. God has blessed her with a very pleasant smile and a brilliant mind. Her main hobbies are Cooking, Drawing, Painting and Reading. She has participated in Olympiads [ District, State, National and International levels]. She has participated and won prizes in various Bible competitions, Interschool Singing Competitions, Interschool Football Competitions and Interschool Throwball Competitions. She is God fearing, hardworking and honest. She surmounts all obstacles including impecunious condition with grit. and by the power of prayer.  Currently she is preparing for J.E.E. competitive examination and aims to pursue her higher studies in I.I.T. Madras. It is not possible to cover her full life story within the space of this Blogpost and so I will end this Blogpost with the following sentence. "Dear M Godline Manshiya Asir, we thank God for you, and we are sure that you will reach enviable places in life, and we are proud of you".

END

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

Current Bishop of Madras CSI Diocese, President of National Missionary Society and Executive Committee Member of the World Commission of Reformed Churches [WCRC] Rt. Rev. A. Paul Francis Ravichandran, M.A, B.D, Part Final

                                                

                                    BISHOP Rt.Rev. A. PAUL FRANCIS RAVICHANDRAN       

 Rt. Rev. Paul Francis is a Compassionate Social Thinker and Humanitarian:  Rt Rev Paul Francis is a born humanitarian and consuming and benevolent social thinker and egalitarian. All his humanitarian services and egalitarian initiatives cannot be accommodated here and so I will cite two or three examples only and the following are some of his Humanitarian activities: 

                                                

          Governor  Sri.Surjit Singh Barnala honours Bishop Paul Francis and Mrs Rev, Indra Paul 

[1] Rt. Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran conducted free Blood Donation Camps: Since his childhood days Rt Rev Paul Francis Ravichandran has been having a compassionate heart for the cause of the poor people. He follows his Lord's compassionate medical ministry and in 2022 he regularly conducted medical camps in rural areas of Madras C.S.I. Diocese. Blood Donation Camps were conducted by him in collaboration with Cross Blood Foundation, Villivakkam, Chennai. The humanitarian Blood donation Camps conducted by his initiative in rural areas, reached the kind attention of the then Governor of Tamil Nadu, His Excellency Sri Sujit Singh Barnala  and Rev Paul Francis and Mrs Rev Indra Paul were honoured by the then Governor of Tamil Nadu His Excellency Surjit Singh Barnala.

[2] He Arranged Free Tuition Classes for the Poor Students:  He has a natural concern for the removal of ignorance from the poor and neglected people by providing educational facilities to such people. While he was serving as the Presbyter of the Victoria Cross Church at Ashok Nagar, the  Rev Paul Francis took steps and conducted "Free Tuition Classes' to the poor students who resided at Ambedkar Nagar in Chennai.  He motivated 10 educated members of his Congregation to teach these poor students who resided at Ambedkar Nagar in Chennai. The Tuition classes were regularly and daily conducted to the poor students. These humanitarian activities were carried out by Rt Rev Paul Francis very silently in an unassuming way.

[3] He cared for the Uncared Lost and Last:  Bishop Rt. Rev. Paul Francis is a companion of the companionless and voice for the last and lost. While he was serving at the Kattumannaarkovil CSI Pastorate as a Pastorate Presbyter, he took keen and sincere interest and initiatives for the spiritual, physical and intellectual development of the uncared poor Irular community people who lived in that area. and he became a model Presbyter for other Christian pastors. 

           Rt. Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran, in Bernard College Columbia University [ April 2016]

Rt Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran had the privilege to address some important International Conferences:  As an eloquent English Speaker he had the privilege to address some important international conferences. In the year 2000 he was an invited speaker at the Youth Conference held in Tennesse in USA.  In the year 2002 Rt Rev Paul Francis was invited to speak at the South Asian Conference held in Sri Lanka. He was invited in 2003 to speak at the Haggai Institute Leadership Seminar in Maui, USA. The 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr Ambedkar was celebrated at the Bernard College, Columbia University, in New York on 23rd and 24th of April 2016 and Rev Rt Paul Francis was invited by the great Human Right Advocate, Ambedkarite and Social Activist Rev. Gideon Jebamani of ICDR, USA, to participate at the Dr Ambedkar 125th Anniversary Celebrations in USA Rev Paul Francis Ravichandran accepted the invitation and participated at the 125th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at the Columbia University in USA. This visit helped him to meet many intellectual Ambedkarites and scholars and share his views on Ambedkar with them and to understand the visionary thoughts of Dr. Ambedkar in correct perspective. The CSI Church at Sharjah invited him at speak at its Church Convention in 2023. I am delighted to say that Bishop Rt Rev Paul Francis Ravichandran is blessed to have global exposure and yet he is very down to earth and unassuming.

Consecration of Bishop Designate Rev Paul Francis as the 8th Bishop of the Madras CSI Diocese:

                   

On 3rd August 2025, Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran was consecrated as the 14th Bishop of the Madras Diocese and the 8th since the formation of the Church of South India (CSI). The solemn and grand Consecration Service was held at StGeorges Cathedral Chennai, and was witnessed by thousands of members from across the Diocese and Christian communities from throughout Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States The consecration service was led by The Most Rev. Dr. K. Reuben Mark, Moderator of the Church of South India, who installed the Bishop Designate Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran, as the new Bishop of Madras CSI Diocese, in the presence of fellow Bishops, CSI Synod General Secretary Advocate C. Rathina Raja, Treasurer Dr. Vimal Sukumar, Madras Diocesan Vice-President Rev. Jayaseelan Gnandickam, Secretary Rev. S. Augustin Prem Raj, Treasurer Dr. Samuel Cornelius, and the Bishop’s Chaplain Rev. B. Charles Prabhakaran. With gratitude to God and with new enthusiasm and dedication Rt. Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran has started to function as the new Bishop of CSI Madras Diocese. for the glory of God

Rt. Rev Paul Francis Ravichandran has been Elected an Executive Member of the WCRC:

World Communion of Reformed Churches [ WCRC] is the largest association of Reformed [ Calvinist] Churches in the World. It has 230 [ 227 Full members and 3 Associated members] in 108 counties. The full member denominations claim about 100 million Members. The WCRC is the largest or second largest Protestant communion in the World, and it is the 3rd or 4th largest Christian Communion in the World. The 27th General Council meeting of the WCRC was held in Chiang in Thailand from the 14th of October 2025 to 23rd of October 2025 and in this 27th General Council meeting of the WCRC our Bishop Rt. Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran was elected as a Member of the Executive Committee of the WCRC for the next 7 years as the Representative of the Asian Churches. CSI can really be proud of Bishop Rt. Rev Paul Francis Ravichandran

Conclusion: Rt. Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran has been elected recently as the President of the National Missionary Society. He is a remarkable and blessed man of God. God has kindly blessed him with many gifts and talents. He is an eloquent Speaker both in English and Tamil. He is a convincing and soul winning Preacher, Writer, Administrator, Social and positive Thinker, a powerful and fearless voice for the cause of justice for all. He is a devoted Evangelist, Good Theologian, Convention Speaker, and good organiser. His contribution to Literature includes editorial work on several publications such as "Peace at hand'[ 2002], Vibrations [2003] and "Perception for an Alternate World"[2014]. Recently he has been elected as the President of the Christian literature Society, Chennai, and we can hope under his leadership and guidance, the CLS will encourage Christian writers and bring out many useful Christian literary, theological and Church history related books. He loves Youth Ministry and believes in gender equality, and he rubs his shoulders with all without discrimination. Rt. Rev. Paul Francis is a hard worker, and he loves God and his fellow human- beings. God has kindly blessed him with all the blessings promised in Psalm 128. It is not possible to accommodate all the important chapters of his life travel within the space of this Blogpost and so I will end this Blogpost with the following sentence. ' Dear and respected Bishop Rt. Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran, we thank God for you, and we love you and proud of you".

END

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

 

  

Current Bishop of Madras CSI Diocese, President of National Missionary Society, and Executive Committee Member of the World Commission of Reformed Churches [WCRC] Rt. Rev. A. Paul Francis Ravichandran, M.A, B.D. Part B.

 

                                              

                                            Bishop Rt. Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran.

Bishop Rt. Rev Paul Francis Ravichandran's Wife:  Rt. Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran married Rev Indra and Rev Indra Paul is working as a CSI Presbyter in the CSI Madras Diocese. She is one of the pioneer women Presbyters in CSI Madras Diocese who boldly entered Lord's ministry and started to work as an ordained women Presbyter surmounting all types of obstacles placed before women before becoming ordained Presbyters. It would be very apt and appropriate to recollect one historical fact here that Rev. Indra Paul was the first women to enter the altar of the famous and old CSI St Peter's Church at Vepery, Madras. Rt Rev Paul Francis consider her as the great source of strength and constant support to him in all walks of life and admires her unbiased love and prayerful life [Proverb 31]. Mrs. Rev Indra Paul is a highly talented singer also. Mrs. Rev.Indra Paul Francis Ravichandran, currently serves as the Associate Presbyter at the St. Georges Cathedral, Chennai with distinction. 

                                         Rt .Rev Paul Francis with his Wife Rev. Indra Paul 

His Children: God blessed Rt. Rev Paul Francis Ravichandran and his beloved wife Rev Indra Paul with all the conjugal, and other blessings and this couple gave birth to the following children:[1] Mr. Arun  Immanuel, and he works as Deputy Manager at Mahindra and Mahindra, Chennai and he is a talented and gifted Singer, Music Composer, He is not only a great musician, but he is humble, down to earth and he helps the poor and needy and voice for them always and he takes great interest in Church connected activities. Mr. Arun Immanuel has composed and sung several Tamil Christian songs and the following are some of the songs composed and sung by him: [1] Desame Bayapathe,   [2] Inimaiyana Yesuvae, and [3] Vazhi Sergiren. Mr Arun Immanuel is married to Ms Elizabeth Diana, and she is working as an IT Professional in a reputed IT Company and [2] Ms. Dr. Divya Prasanna she is Medical Doctor working in Chennai and she is married to Dr. Loisen Nathan Daniel and this couple is blessed with a cute baby child by name Raelyn kristen Daniel. 

              Rt. Rev Paul Francis and Mrs Rev. Indra Paul with their beloved grandchild 

                           Rt. Rev. Paul Francis's Family and this Photo taken some years ago.

                                            

                             Bishop Rt.Rev.A.Paul Francis Racvichandran and His Blessed family 

The Congregations He Served:  Rt. Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran had the privilege to serve as presbyter in some important CSI congregations in the Madras CSI Diocese and wherever he served he served with concern, care and with relentless love for his sheep. Rt Rev..A. Paul Francis served as a presbyter in the following, CSI Churches namely:[1] CSI Christian Union Church, Annamalai Nagar, [2] CSI Church, Walajabad, [3] CSI St Mathews Church East Tambaram , [4] CSI St. Paul's Church at Choolai, Chennai, [5] CSI St Marks Church, Selaiyur, [6] CSI Church of the Risen Redeemer, Kodambakkam, [7] CSI St Peter's Church Kattumannarkovil , Cuddalore District and [8] CSI Church of the Victorious Cross at Ashok Nagar, Chennai and from here he was elevated as the Bishop of Madras CSI Diocese..

Positions held By Rt Rev. Paul Francis before becoming The Bishop of CSI Madras Diocese: Before becoming the Bishop of CSI Madras diocese, Rt. Rev Paul Francis Ravichandran decorated some significant posts and positions in the Madras CSI Diocese, and the following are some of the important positions held by him:-

[1] He had the privilege to serve as Coordinator at the famous New Jerusalem Garden Retreat Centre, for six years [ 1993- 1999] The New Jerusalem garden in Chennai is a part of the CSI New Jerusalem church in Chennai and it is a serene and blissful place, and it offers tranquil retreat for visitors. This garden is known for its tranquil atmosphere and spiritual climate.  Visitors reach this garden as a retreat spot for physical rejuvenation, spiritual regeneration and intellectual refreshment. At this Retreat Centre Rt. Rev, Paul Francis served as its Coordinator with great distinction and gained spiritual solace. 

[2] Bishop Paul Francis served as the Director of the CSI Synod Youth Department from 1999 to 2004 with great youthful enthusiasm, earnestness and efficacy. CSI Synod gives much importance for youth development, and this department plays a crucial role in fostering spiritual growth and community development among the young people within the Church of South India. Rt. Rev Paul Francis served as Director of the CSI Synod Youth Department from 1999 to 2004 with great dedication and interest and organised various activities and initiatives to galvanise and empower young people of the CSI Synod. 

[3] Rt Rev Paul Francis had the privilege to serve as the Bishop's Chaplain from 2014 to 2017 with great commitment and devotion.  As Bishop's Chaplain the then Rev Paul Francis served as a dynamic Assistant to the Bishop and provided support during liturgical functions of the bishop and helped the bishop to concentrate on the worship services.  Rev. Paul Francis acted as an able Private Secretary to the then Bishop. and served as a bridge between the Bishop and the congregations. 

[4] Rt Rev Paul Francis had served as Member of the Diocesan Executive and Administrative committees and had participated in the Synod Council and regional Synod Council meetings. 

We can say that these experiences will definitely help Rt. Rev Paul Francis Ravichandran to serve as a great efficacious Bishop and spiritual Shepherd of the Madras CSI Diocese 

Part Final will Follow soon. 

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

Current Bishop of Madras CSI Diocese, President of National Missionary Society [NMS] and Executive Committee Member of the World Communion of Reformed Churches [ WCRC] Rt. Rev. A. Paul Francis Ravichandran, M.A. B.D ,...Part...A;.

Introduction: The current Bishop of Madras CSI Diocese Rt. Rev. A. Paul Francis Ravichandran, M.A, B.D, is a Man of God, and friend of the lost and the last, we can call him" People's Bishop". He is a multifaceted personality, blessed with many talents. he is an Eloquent Orator, Convention Speaker, and Pulpit Preacher, prolific Writer, a companion of the Companionless and a Voice for the Voiceless within the Church and outside the Church. He spontaneously identifies himself with the voiceless marginalised people crossing all domestic barriers of caste, colour and creed.  Bishop Rt. Rev A. Paul Francis Ravichandran also serves as the President of the National Missionary Society, Executive Committee Member of the World Communion of Reformed Churches [WCRC] and President of Christian Literature Society [CLS, Chennai], with distinction. The Blood Donation camps conducted in the rural areas of Madras, by Rt. Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran while he was serving as a Presbyter of a Congregation in Madras Diocese, reached the kind attention of the then Governor of Tamil Nadu His Excellency Sri. Surjit Singh Barnala, and he was appreciated and honoured by the then Governor. A perusal of Bishop Rt Rev..A..Paul Francis Ravichandran's meaningful profile will galvanise the readers to live a meaningful and compassionate life in line with the true Christian values.

                                                                                                                                        Bishop of CSI Madras Diocese Rt. Rev. A. Paul Francis Ravichandran.

Rt. Rev. A. Paul Francis Ravichandran's Parents and Birth:  Rt. Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran's beloved father Mr Augustine Ponraj worked in the Postal Department, Government of India and his dear mother Mrs Leela Augustine Ponraj worked as a School Teacher and retired as a Head Mistress. God blessed Mr. Augustine Ponraj and his modest wife Mrs Leela Augustine with all the conjugal and other blessings and this couple gave birth to Rt. Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran on the 18th of March,1965. Mr. Augustine Ponraj hailed from Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu.  Rt. Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran's Christian parents brought up him with good Christian values and virtues, as responsible parents.  

                                          St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School, Chengalpattu.

                                     MADRAS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE, TAMBARAM

Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran's Secular Educational Track:   Young Paul Francis Ravichandran pursued his high and higher secondary school education at the famous St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School at Chengalpattu. After having passed his Plus Two examination he pursued his B.A. English Language and Literature [1982 to 1985] and M.A. English language and Literature [ 1985--1987] at the prestigious Madras Christian College, Tambaram, Chennai. [1985--1987]. He had the privilege to study English language Literature under Prof. G. Jeyaraman, Prof. G.K. Mathew, Prof. Vishnu Bhat and Rev. Prof. Dr. Francis Sounderaraj.  Prof, Dr. Francis Soundararaj taught English Phonetics to Rt. Rev Paul Francis Ravichandran at Madras Christian College.  Prof. Dr. Francis Soundararaj, was considered as one of Asia's best Phonetics Professor.  He passed his M.A.[English] in 1987, meritoriously. 

                          UNITED THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE, BANGALORE               

His Theological Education:   After having passed his M.A. English, Rt. Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran in line with his cherished desire, pursued his Bachelor of Divinity [B.D] Course at the prestigious United Theological College in Bamngalore [ 1988- 1992] and it is affiliated to the Senate of Serampore College [ University]. During his student days at UTC, the globally acclaimed Old Testament Scholar Rev. Dr. E.C. John, was working as the Principal of UTC., Bangalore.  As a brilliant student, Rt. Rev Paul Francis Ravichandran studied his theological subjects with great concentration and enthusiasm and passed his B.D. meritoriously.

                                                  Bishop late Rt. Rev. Masilamani Azariah.

He was ordained as a Presbyter by Rt. Rev Dr. M. Azariah:  After having passed his B.D. final examination, Mr. A.Paul Francis Ravichandran was ordained as a CSI. deacon in 1993. In 1994 Rev. A.Paul Francis Ravicandran was ordained as a CSI Presbyter at the CSI St George's Cathedral Chennai by the then Bishop of Madras CSI Diocese and trailblazer Christian theologian Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Azariah.

Next Part will follow soon. 

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

Writer, Reader, Social Thinker, Micro Historian, A Scion Of the illustrious family of Mharasan Vethamanickam and Former Financial Manager at UTG Foreign Exchange Kuwait, Mr. M. Swarnadas... Part Final

                                                       

                                                                 Mr. M. Swarnadas

Mr. Swarnadas Profeessional tract in TN Govt as a regular Govt Servant: Mr. Swarnadas cleared the MPSC examination successfully and was appointed as a Junior Assistant at the office of the Assistant Director of Industries and Commerce at Kadalur and he began his official duty as a Junior Assistant at the office of the A D of Industries and Commerce at Kadalur on May 1963. There he was appointed as a Special Revenue Inspector for Kadalur, Chidambaram, Vizhupuram, kallakurichi, Thirukoyilur, Dindivanam, Virithachalam, Chenchi districts.  He started to work as Special Revenue Inspector with great enthusiasm and gained valuable work experience. His duty was to peruse the Loan Application and to visit the house of the of Loan Applicants and to recommend loan for them. He did that job very well. These loans were issued to encourage the small-scale industrialists and entrepreneurs. In1964 he was transferred to the office of the Coir Manufacturing Training School at Ethamozhi in kanyakumari District.  and there he served as an efficient Junior Assistant and then he was promoted as Upper Division Clerk and transferred to the office of the AD of Industries and Commerce at Nagercoil While he was working in this office, he was transferred to the General-Purpose Engineering Workshop at Karur and there he worked as Accountant for one year. with great efficacy. Then in 1968 he was transferred to the Central Coir Marketing Society at Vadasery Nagercoil and he served as Secretary of this marketing society for one year. In 1969 he was transferred to the Coir manufacturing Training Centre at Ethamozhi and there he worked as Accountant with great enthusiasm and efficacy. till April 1971. In 1971 he was transferred to the Office of Deputy Director of Industries and Commerce in Tirunelveli and worked there as Accountant for one year with great distinction.  In 1972 he was transferred to the Temple Car Training Centre at Konam Nagercoil. While serving in this Office he applied for leave and got his leave approved by the competent authority and left for Kuwait in 1973.

    REGIONAL DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE, TIRUNELVELI

                                         Mr Swarnadas [right] with his wife Mary Nallammal 

 

                                                 Mr. Masil Navroj with his Wife and Son

                                         

                                                    Mr. Iyappillai and his Wife 

                            Mrs Starlet Gnanacy is flanked by her Husband and daughter
                                                    

Mr. M Swarnadas's Wife and children;  Mr. M. Swarnadas married Ms, Mary Nallammal a daughter of Senior Major Nathaniel, on 23rd April 1969 at karaiyankuzhi village, in Agastheeswaram taluk and God blessed this couple with the following children namely Mr. Masil Navaroj, D.C.E [ Diploma in Communications and Electronics] and formerly he worked as Customer Care Manager Sales at Maruti Suzuki, and Accounts Executive at Jesus Calls. He married Ms Mahibans Jesslin Devi M.Sc, B.Ed , daughter of Mr Iyapillai from Therekalputhur and Mr Iyapillai worked as Physical Education Teacher at the famous SLB Hr Secondary School for more than 20 years. and he played a pioneer, primary and crucial role to establish an IELC Church at Therakalputhur. Mr. Masil Navaroj and Mrs Mahibans Jesslin Devi couple is blessed with a son by name Mr Jonathan Samuel and [2] Ms Gnancy Starlet M.Sc [ Nursing ] and she is working as Secretary of Board of Nurses League of the Christian Medical Association of India [ South India Branch]. Ms Gnancy Starlet married Mr. M. Wesley, B.Sc [ Mathematics] son of Mr. Money and Mrs kamalam Money and this Gnancy Starlet Wesley couple gave birth to a lovely daughter by name Ms. Melinda Ruth kamly and she is doing her Doctor of Pharmacy [ Pharm.D] Mr. Wisely is working as Senior Manager in the Indian Bank in Bangalore.     

                       UNITED TRADING GROUP __FOREIGN EXCHANGE  OFFICE KUWAIT

Mr Swarnadaas in Kuwait: Mr Swarnadas's wife Mrs Mary went to Kuwait on the invitation of her brother Mr Christhudas who was working in Kuwait and she got a Staff Nurse job at the Government Hospital in Kuwait.  So Mr. Swarnadas resigned his govt job and went to Kuwait in 1973.  In Kuwait Mr Swarnadas got a job in a famous Fishing Company called United Fisheries of Kuwait. This fishing Company was having 100 fishing Boats and three Fishing Ships and in each Boat 15 persons worked to catch fish. This fishing Company was exporting fish to USA. Mr Swarnadas was in charge of the safety of the engines fixed in the boats and he worked in this Fishing Company for a few months with great concern and efficiency. However, he quit his job and joined another famous company in Kuwait as its employee.

Mr. Swarnadas worked as Financial Manager in a famous Company called UTG in Kuwait:  As an intelligent person he applied for the post of an Accountant at the famous United Trading Group [ Foreign exchange] company, and he was selected for the post of an Accountant. With great enthusiasm and hope he started to work as an Accountant at the prestigious UTG.. Foreign Exchange Company   in Kuwait.  The famous UTG [ Foreign exchange] Company was founded by Shiek Mubarack Fahd Al Saleem Alsaba with paid up capital of Kuwait Dinnar 3,000,000=. Mr Swanadas's hard work and efficacy was recognised by the management and within a short span of time he was promoted as Financial Manager of this prestigious Foreign Exchange Company. This UTG --Foreign Exchange Company's main business was to buy foreign currencies and sell them at favourable time at a higher price and this company was making notable profit. Mr Swarnadas was very well treated in the company and was paid a high Monthly salary .and he was provided with many facilities including annual leave with free air tickets. He was working in the company with great commitment and efficacy as a financial wizard .and he was enjoying his job well. 

Conclusion: Mr. Swarnadas wisely invested his earnings from Kuwait, in India. He bought worthy properties in Kanyakumari district. While he was working in the company UTG--FE, with good interest and distinction. the war between Iran and Iraq reached its full stormy and devastating heights in 1983 - 1984. During this time Mr Swarnadas was foretold in a dream that this war will soon spread to Kuwait. Mr Swarnadas instantly and wisely decided to build a comfortable house in Kottaram near his native village Krishnanputhur in Kanyakuamri District, although already he had 5 houses at Thalavaipuram village and 2 houses at Ganesapuram in Nagercoil. And as these house in Thalavaipuram and Ganesapuram were not up-to the standard for a comfortable living he wanted to build a new convenient house at Kottaram Mission Compound. Under the supervision of his Co-brother Mr Jenarthanam he built a beautiful, spacious and splendid house at the Mission Compound at Kottaram. The newly built House was blessed and opened by Commissioner Suganantham. As he feared, the War spread into Kuwait and the Owners of the UTG-Foreign Exchange Company closed the business operation of their company. Mr Swarnadas lost his lucrative job in kuwait due the spread of war in Kuwait. He accepted the situation boldly and planned to return to his home in India. On account of war, the air travel between Kuwait and India was stopped, but there was Air Travel between Jordan and India. So Mr. Swarnadas went to Bagdad to buy air ticket to Jordan. After having purchased the Air ticket to Jordan he returned to Kuwait by hiring a Tempo with some other Indian friends. Bu the Tembo driver stopped the Tembo in the middle of the desert and said they have to get down there and so Mr Swarnadas and the other fellow travellers started to walk through the desert in the night towards Kuwait. But they were blocked by an Iraq Military van and Mr. Swarnadas and others were questioned by the Iraq soldiers. But as the soldiers found out that Swarnadas and his fellow travellers were Indians the soldiers let them free and arranged another van for Mr Swarnadas and others to travel towards the Kuwait border. At last, Mr Swarnadasreached his home at Kuwait. Again, Mr Swarnadas reached Jordarn via Bagdad to buy air-tickets to fly to India. While travelling from Bagdad towards Jordan, Mr Swarnadas was blessed to see Lebanon, Cyprus, and Israel and also to see the Euphrates, Tigris, Jordan river and Babylon city from the sky. He reached Jordan and bought the ticket for India and finally reached his home at Kottaram, in Kanyakumari District safely. Now Mr Swarnadas lives in his beautiful house at Mission Compound Kottaram with his son and family .and his son and daughter in law are looking after him very well.  His wife Mrs Mary Nallammal, had already passed away. Mr Swarnadas is a wise Thinker, honest man, he is a creative Writer, and he has published his Poems and Articles in a Tamil private monthly called 'Santhippu".  He is doing his 87th year and due old age he is unable to read properly but was a voracious reader previously.  He is good and engaging conversationalist. God had blessed him with all the blessings said in Psalm 128. He believes in social equality of all human-beings, he is very kind towards the needy and helpless people. It is not possible to accommodate all the important chapters and aspects of his blessed life within the space of this Blogpost and so I will end this Blogpost with the following sentence. " We thank God for the meaningful life of Mr Swarnadas, he is an intellectual, and we are proud of him" 

END.

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