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] 

Writer, Reader, Social Thinker, Micro Historian, A Scion of the historic Mylaudy Maharsan Vethamanickam's Family, Former Finance Manager at UTG --Foreign Exchange, Kuwait Mr. M. Swarnadas, Part.. A.

Introduction:   Former Finance Manager at UTG, Foreign Exchange, Kuwait Mr.M.Swarnadas is a multifaceted personality. He is a Writer, voracious Reader, Micro Historian, sharp Thinker, Humanitarian, and an Intellectual. The vast professional experience that he gained by working in many departments and fields had moulded him as a matured person and galvanised him to live a meaningful life. His reach from an unknown tiny village from the southern tip of India to a prestigious professional chair in the famous trading company called U.T.G. in Kuwait speaks about his vision, intelligence and hard work. Definitely a perusal of his meaningful profile will galvanise the readers to face challenges with grit and live a meaningful life 

                                                                   Mr. M. Swarnadas

Mr. M. Swarnadas' Parents and Birth:   Krishnanpudur is a beautiful small village flanked by the seashore of the Bay of Bengal on the eastern side and the other three sides of this village is surrounded by beautiful ever green coconut trees and this enchanting village is located near the historical VatttaKottai and  Kanyakumari town. In this beautiful village, there lived a gentleman by name Mr. Subbiah, and he married a modest lady by name Ms Mariamma from the historical family of Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamonickam. In this connection it will be useful to the Church historians to know the genealogy of Ms Marriama. Catechist Maharasan Vethamanicakm married Ms. Sathiyayi and this couple gave birth to  Devasahayam  and Devasahayam gave birth to Mr Masillamani and Maillamani gave birth to Ms Mariammaa. This Ms. Marriamma was married to Mr Subbiah from Krishnanputhur and this blissful couple gave birth to a son by name Mr. Masillamani and Mr. Masillamani married a beautiful young lady by name Ms. Natchathiram and this couple gave birth to the hero of this Blogpost Mr Swarnadas on the 16th of February 1938. In this context, it will be apt and useful to the readers to read some lines about the genealogy of Mrs Natchathiram.Masilamani.  Puthugramam is a beautiful idyllic village, and it lies on the eastern side and at a distance of 3 miles from Nagercoil city. This pleasant village is surrounded by ponds and paddy fields. In this beautiful Puthugramam village there lived a farmer by name Mr. Yeseph with his smart wife and this Yeseph couple gave birth to 5 sons and 5 daughters namely: [1] Mr. Abraham, [2] Mr Varam Pettan, [3] Mr. Dharmakan, [4] Mr. Arulanandam [ 5] Mr Masilamani , [6] Ms. Malaiammal, [7] Ms Mariammal, [8] Ms Yesuvadial, [9] Ms Packiam and [10] Ms Lekshmi. I think it will be useful to trace the root of Mrs Natchathiram Masilamani. The 4th son of Mr Yeseph was Mr Arulanandam and Mr Arulanandam married Ms Narayanavadivu from  Aththanimarkulam, near Suchindrum and this couple gave birth to Ms Natchathiram and Ms.Natchathiram married Mr Masilamani from Krishnanputhur and this couple gave birth to the Mr M. Swarnadhas the Hero of this Blogpost. 

                                                              THE HISYTORICAL   VATTAKOTTAI.

Mr Swarnadas' Educational Track:  Young Swarnadas started his educational track at the Government Primary School at Leepuram. After having passed his 5th class he pursued his Middle school education and high School education at the famous St. Antony High school at kanyakumari and he passed his SSLC in 1952. He pursued his collegiate education at the famous St Hindu College, Nagercoil and did his Junior Intermediate and Senior intermediate at the same College and   he could not pass his English Paper in the Senior Intermediate. and consequently, his burning ambition to become a medical doctor came to an end.  

His Professional Track:  After having finished his collegiate education Mr. M. Swarnadas got a job in 1958, in the District Employment Office Nagercoil as Junior Assistant Grade 2.  He started his professional career with great enthusiasm, and he quickly masted the Office Procedures prescribed in the District Office Manual. He discharged his official duties with great interest and efficacy and worked in this office for 2years.  In 1960 he got the opportunity to work as Junior Assistant at the District Police Office, for one year in a leave place., There he worked with great efficiency with the help of his previous experience. He dealt with the matters connected with the appointment of the Police Constables, and their leave applications, and their transfer etc. And also, he had the responsibility to peruse the leave applications of the Police Inspectors and to get the approval of the Superior officers.  As the correspondences were done in English automatically, he got a chance to improve his English standard. Because of the nature of his job, he became familiar with all the Polie Stations and Police officers, in Kanyakumari district. Here also he acquired valuable and useful work experience. Then in 1961, he was privileged to work at the Survey Department office at Nagercoil as Junior Assistant for one year and six months.  And in this office Mr Sowrnadas was in charge of preparing the Salary Bill for 700 employees connected with this Survey office and he became an expert in preparing the Salary Bill. While he was working at this office with full enthusiasm and efficiency, he wrote the Madrasa Public Service Commission examination for Junior Assistant Post and passed. He got the appointment order from the Madrasa Public Service Commission in April 1962 and joined as Junior Assistant at the Commerce and Industries Dept office at Kadalur as Junior Assistant. 

NEXT PART WILL FOLLOW SOON. 

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

A Patriot, Former Senior NCC Under Officer, Good Singer and Shrewd Social thinker, Adminstrator Former Head-Master of a Hr Sec. School Mr. P. Rajiah, M.A. M.Ed, and his illustrious Children

Introduction:   Former Higher Secondary School Head -Master late Mr. P. Rajiah, M. A, M. Ed was a colourful personality. He loved his mother land and so he served as a Senior N.C.C. Under Officer during his College days and, later for some years he served as an Officer in the Education Corps of the Indian Army. He was a visionary educationist, a good public speaker and talented singer, and a great social thinker. He reached some enviable places in his real life due his visionary thinking and relentless hard work. From an unknown tiny, remote village he bloomed as the first University graduate of his village and proved himself as a trailblazer for the rural students. A perusal of his real-life story will galvanise the readers with a good motivation and mould them to live a meaningful life.

                                                            Mr. P. Rajiah, M.A. M.Ed,.

Mr. Rajiah's Parents and Birth:  Keekulam is a small and sweet village situated in Vallioor Block in Tirunelveli district and in this idyllic village there lived a farmer by name Mr Perinbanayagam with his beloved wife by name Mrs Yesuvadial . God blessed this couple with all the conjugal blessings, and this couple gave birth to Mr P. Rajiah on the 16 th of January 1937. 

Mr. P. Rajiah's Educational Track: After having successfully completed his School Education in Loal Schools Mr. P. Rajiah pursued his Teacher Training Diploma Course at Ambur Concordia Teacher Training Institute and passed his D.T.Ed meritoriously. He pursued his theological studies at the famous Concordia theological Seminary, Nagercoil and passed his D.Th[ Diploma in Theology].  He did his  his B.A, at the famous ST Hindu College Nagercoil While he was doing his B.A he passed the required NCC examinations and served as a Senior Under Officer. In 1965 he participated in the Independence Day Parade in New Delhi and he and his NCC friends were invited by the then President of India Dr. Radhakrishnan for Tea. On the occasion Mr. P. Rajiah sang the famous Tamil Song," THAMILAN ENTTU ORU ENAMUNDU THANIYA   AVARKKU   ORU KUNAM VUNDU" and his song was much appreciated by all. He did his B.Ed at the famous VOC College Thoothukudi, and passed his B.Ed degree course. While working as High School teacher in line with his natural thirst for knowledge he did his MA and M.Ed post graduate courses and passed his M.A and M,Ed  examinations.

                                                 Senior NCC Under Officer Mr. P. Rajiah.

Mr. P. Rajiah began his Professional Career:    After having completed his Teacher Training Certificate course successfully Mr. P. Rajiah joined as a teacher in a IELC Lutheran school. Then he did his B.A, in the S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil, and passed his B.A and after having passed his B.A, he joined as an Officer in the Indian Army Educational Corps and served as an Education Officer for some years. in Pachmahri Cantonment, in Madya Pradesh and then he returned to his native village.  As, a visionary thinker he pursued, B.T. and passed his B.T.  After having passed his B.T, he joined as a BT Assistant in a IELC Lutheran High School. Simultaneously he was serving as Lutheran catechist also. He took active part in IELC Administration. In 1980s he served as the Secretary of IELC Nagercoil Synod with great efficiency. He also served as a Member of IELC Medical Board. 

                                              Mr. P. Rajiah and his Wife Mrs Indirani [L]

His Wedding:  Mr. P. Rajiah married Ms Indrani, B.Sc, M.Ed and she hailed from an educated family from Tiruchendur. She worked as P.G Assistant at Govt Hr Sec Schools at Kayalpattinam, Tiruchendur, and Vallioor.  God blessed Mr. P. Rajiah and his dear wife Ms Indrani with all the conjugal blessings and this couple gave birth to the following children:

            [   L to R: [1] Mr. Joel Maneksha,[2] Mr. Jawahar Rajiah,[3]  Mr. Niven Mathew, [4]                         Mrs.Sara Christina Niven [6] Mrs Violet Malar Jawahar and [6 Dr,Joshua Navin Raja.] 

[1 ]  Mr. Jawahar, B.E[ Agri] he worked in Muscat, Dubai and currently he works in Doha, Qatar as Senior Irrigation Engineer with an American Multinational Technology company called Parsons Corporation and it focusses on infra structure engineering, etc. Parsons Corporation was included in the Fortune 1000 in 2020 and added to the S&P 400 in 2024. Er Jawahar married Ms. Violet Malar, a daughter of late Mr Mariadhas [ Indian Army] and this couple gave birth to the following children: [a] Dr. Joshua Navin Raja, M.B.B.S, and currently Dr. Joshua is working in Kanyakumari Mission Medical College, Muttom, [b] Mr. Joel Maneksha , B.Tech [ Agri Eng] from Karunya University and he works in Qatar, [c] Ms Sarah Christina, M.Sc [ Agri] and she is married to Mr Niven Mathew, M.E[ Mech] and he works as Software Engineer,  and this couple is blessed with a baby boy by name Jaden Lucas[ 2 months old],

  

[2] Dr. Rajesh, M.B.B.S M.D, D.N.B. [Forensic Medicine] works as HOD at Govt Medical College Asaripallam. He married Ms Merlin Magesh, M.Sc, M.Phil, M.Ed, and she is working as Head Mistress in a Govt Hr Sec School at Sanmugarengapuram. And this couple gave birth to the following children: [a] Ms. Dr. Rensha Caroline, MBBS, and she got 245 th rank in all India Neet exam and has joined M.D, in Tirunelveli Medical College recently, and [b] Ms. Hanah is doing her BDS in Raja Dental College, Vadakankukulam,

 

[3] Mrs. Dr. Priyadharshini, MBBS and she is working at a Primary Health Centre at Thirukanankudi and she is married to Dr. Mathivanan, MBBS, DCH, and he practices at Kalakadu This couple is blessed with the following children: [a] Dr. John Kingsley, MBBS and he is doing his MD [ Pathology in Chennai and [b] a daughter and she is doing her M.A[ English] in Tirunelveli 

[4] Mr. Ravindran, B.E, M.S[ IT] has completed his service with Bahwans Toyota Dealer in Muscat and Abu Dhabi. Now he resides at Vallioor. He is working as a Manager and Correspondent of an IELC. School. He is a Trust Board Member of IELC.  He is married to Ms Eailin Rency,M.sc[ Microbiology], M.Sc, [Biotechnology], M.Phil, B.Ed, and she is a daughter of late Former Territorial Commander, Salvation Army, Col. Moni and she is working as PG Teacher at Vallioor Concordia Hr Sec School and this couple gave birth to the following children [a] Ms.Angelin Rociny and she is doing her MD in Philippines, and [2] Ms. Helen Jessica is doing her 12th Std[CBSE, Kings Scchool].

Conclusion:  Mr. P. Rajiah, M A, M.Ed, worked as BT Assistant and PG Assistant in Concordia High Schools and Hr. Sec Schools at  Putetti, Vallioor, and then he worked as the Headmaster at the Concordia High School in Nagercoil from 1st of June 1991 to 30th of May 1994. and finally, he worked as the Headmaster of Vadakkankulam Concordia Higher Secondary School from 1st of June 1994, till his retirement on the 30th of May 1995, with great efficacy and distinction.  Mr. P. Rajiah after having fought a consistent and relentless fight for the cause of justice for all, passed away from this world on 10th of August 2020; but he lives in our minds. He was a smart man, he always dressed well and looked handsome, he always used to walk like a Soldier. He was an efficacious Teacher and good administrator. He rubbed his shoulders with all sections of people with ease. He lived like a trailblazer for the cause of education of his children and rural students. He had special compassion and concern for poor and marginalised people. He was honest, bold and a God-fearing man. He believed that education would liberate the under privileged people from all types of chains and ignorance...It is not possible to accommodate all the aspects of his real life within the space of this Blogpost and so I will end this Blogspot with the following sentence. "Dear Mr P. Rajiah was a remarkable man, he loved his mother country and its people, we thank God for him, and we are proud of him"

END

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

A Former Diocesan Council Member of Kanyakumari CSI Diocese, A Remarkable Christian Believer, Educationist, Writer and Composer of Christian Songs, , and Former Chief Education Officer Mrs. P. Lydia Jessie Daniels, B.Sc, M.A, [Lit,], M. Ed,.

Introduction:  Former Chief Education Officer, Tamil Nadu Government, late Mrs P, Lydia Jessie Daniels, BSc, M.A. [Lit], M. Ed, was a remarkable and multifaceted lady. She was a woman of God, efficacious Teacher, good Administrator, and talented singer. Mrs Lydia Jessie was a visionary educationist, honest, efficient, unassuming and she was an ideal mother to her children, affectionate daughter to her parents, caring sister to her siblings and was a good citizen.  She hailed from an illustrious Christian family in Kanyakumari district, and her husband late Mr P.G Daniels was a direct descendant of Mylaudy Marasan Vethamanicakam. A perusal of her fertile profile will definitely galvanise the readers with high values, moral principles and guide them to live a meaningful life. 

                                                        Mrs. P. Lydia Jessie, M.A, M.Ed,.

Mrs. Lydia Jessie's Parents and her Birth:    Ms. Lydia Jessie's beloved father Pastor Packianathan, served as a MELIM/ IELC, Pastor. God blessed Pastor Packianathan and his beloved wife Mrs. Deivayee Packianathan with all the conjugal blessings and this couple gave birth to Ms Lydia Jessie on the 15th of January 1940 at Charalvilai village, in Kanyakumari district. As Ms Lydia Jessie was the youngest daughter of pastor Packianathan, he made sure that his youngest daughter Ms Lydia Jessie accompanied him on his various missionary and ministry travels, all the while sharing his Christian life and faith, he galvanised young Ms. Lydia Jessie to grow in Christian faith and also taught her many Christian hymns and lyrics, known to him. 

Mrs. Lydia Jessies' Siblings:         God blessed Mr Packianathan and Mrs Deivayee Packianathan couple with all connubial blessings and this couple gave birth to the following children: [1] Mrs. Sorna Bhai [Nurse] and she married Mr. Ponniah [Indian army],[2] Mr. Isaac Samraj [ Teacher  ] and he married Ms Nattachithram, [3] Mrs Grace Annapackiam [Teacher] and she married Mr Manuvel [Teacher] [4] Mr. Wilson karunakaran and he married Ms. Sarammah, [5] Mr. Bennet Vedachalam [Worked in Indian Railways] and he married Ms. Indu Kumari [ Teacher],[6] Mrs Lydia Jessie, M.A, M.Ed. [ The heroine of this Blogpost], [7] Mr. Asir Chellappa [Medical superintendent] and he married Ms Shanthi Chellappa [ T.N. Judicial Dept], [8] Mr. Robert Paul [ retired as Dy Thahasildhar] and he married Ms Selvapoorani [ Teacher]. and [9] Mr. Livingston, M.S.W, [ passed away in 1979 at an early age]

Mrs. Lydia Jessie's Educational Track:  As Ms Lydia Jesie's father Mr. Packinathan was serving as a pastor in Lutheran mission he was transferred from congregation to congregation frequently.  Ms Lydia Jessie did her Primary School studies and High Schools studies at various schools. She pursued her B.Sc, in Scott Christian College Nagercoil and passed her B.Sc. Later she passed her M.A  [ Lit] and M.Ed, at Mardurai Kamaraj University.

Mrs. Lydia Jessie's Wedding:    Ms. Lydia Jessie married Mr. Paules Gerald Daniels, B.Com, son of Mr. Devavaram Raj Daniels and Mrs. Mathal Packiam Daniel on 20th of August 1969.   Mr Paules Gerald Daniels hailed from an illustrious pioneer Christian family in Kanyakumari district. Mr. Paules Gerald Daniels' mother late Mrs Marthal Packiam's mother Mrs Jeevaretnam Cleb's father Mr.P. Vethamonickam[ Junior] was the son of Mrs. Packiyayi Packianathan of Mylaudy and Mrs, Pakiyayi Packianathan was a daughter of Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamonickam, the real Founder of Protestant Christianity in South Travancore [ A Hundred Years in Travancore , 1806-1906, compiled by Rev. I.H. Hacker, , London Missionary Society, LONDON , 1908. P.20 ] Mr. P.G. Daniels worked in the Govt of Tamil Nadu and retired as Industrial Co-op Officer.  Mrs. Lydia was really a like a fruitful vine in the heart of her home and by her prayers, built her home as a blessed green pasture for her husband and children and grandchildren. 

                                           Mrs. Lydia Jessie with her Husband and Children

Mrs Lydia Jessie Daniels' Children:    God blessed Mr P.G Daniels and Mrs Lydia Jessie Daniels with all the connubial blessings and this lovely couple gave birth  to the following children namely : [1]  Ms. Stella Packia Priya, M.Sc [ Physics],M.Ed, and she married Computer Engineer Mr Elil Arulraj, B.E, and he is working in I.T. sector in USA . The following are some of the important posts that Mr. Elil  held and holds  in USA:-[a]  From August 2017  till Feb 2021 he served as the Executive Director, Cybersecurity / Global head of Network Security [ HSBC] , Greater  New York City area, [b] He served as Senior Director, Global Head of Cybersecurity Engineering , and- Full Time, from June 2021 to Oct 2024  [3  years 5 Months], [c]  Currently he serves as Director , Cyber Security Engineering and Operations. The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation [DTCC}, from Feb 2025 till date with great distinction and efficacy. This couple is blessed with two cute daughters namely [i] Ms. Jennifer Elil, M.P.H[ Masters in Public Health], University of Pittsburgh, USA and [ii] Ms. Jessica Elil, B.A. {psychology], Temple University, Philadelphia. Ms Stella Elil. M.Sc, M.Ed,.  is currently working as a Kindergarten Teacher in New Jersey, U.S A and [2] Mr. Clement Daniels, B.Sc. M.C.A, and he married Ms. Krithika Adrene daughter of Mr. A.J. Allan, B.Sc, and Mrs Ponmalar Allan on 24th May, 2002 at the CSI Home Church Nagercoil.  It would be interesting to remember one important fact that Mr Clement Daniles' paternal grandmother Mrs Martha Packiam and Mrs krithika Clement Daniels' maternal grandmother Mrs Davamani were sisters.  Mr Clement Daniels and his wife Krithika Clement are the great grandchildren of late Mrs Jeevaratnam Caleb and Mrs Jeevaratnam was a great granddaughter of Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamonicakam.. God blessed Mr. Clement Daniels and Mrs Krithika Adrene Clement with all the connubial blessings, and this couple gave birth to the following children namely:[1] Mr. Timothy Daniels and he is completing his B.Com at St. Joseph's Bangalore., [2]Ms. Joanna and she is doing her 2nd   PUC at Jyothi Nivas  P.U. College, Bangalore.. 

L to R: [1] Ms. Krithika Daniels [2] Mr. Timothy Daniels, [3[ Ms. Joanna Daniels [4[ Mr.Clemet Daniels and [5] Mr. P.G.Daniel[late}. 

Mrs. Lydia Jessie's Professional Track: After having passed her B.Ed examination she was appointed as a teacher at the Little Kanchipuram Govt High School in 1965. She worked as a responsible and efficient teacher in many Govt High schools and Govt higher Secondary schools in various districts in Tamil Nadu.  She was promoted as Head Mistress in the year 1981 and later she was promoted as an Inspector of schools. She served and decorated the education department in Tamil Nadu by her dedication, teaching efficacy and laudable administration and finally she retired as Chief Education Officer in January 1998.

Mrs. Lydia Jessie and Her Church Ministry: After her retirement Mrs Lydia jessie lived in her house at NGO Colony Nagercoil and took an active part in the Church related activities at St Pauls CSI Church, NGO Colony, Nagercoil. As an active member of the St Pauls C.S.I. Church, N.G.O. Colony, she made a special place for herself in the Church Choir and Women's Fellowship, and wherein she played different roles as Music Composer, Writer and music teacher.  Mrs Lydia Jessie had the honour of being the member of the Church Committee and Diocesan Council Member of Kanyakumari CSI Diocese from 2003 to 2006.  She had been a supporter and contributor towards various Christian outreach programmes of the Organizations like FMPB, IMS, Vishvavani, Tamil Village Gospel Mision and and Anaikumkarangal.

Conclusion:   Former Chief educational Officer Mrs Lydia jessie, had passed away from this world like his forefathers. After having fought a good fight for the cause of the cross, and after having finished her faith race successfully she was promoted to glory on the 5th of February 2017 to receive her crown of justice from her saviour Christ.  She lived a witnessing life and spent her days usefully and she lived a meaningful life. It is not possible to accommodate all the important chapters of her blessed life within the space of this Blogpost and so I will end this Blogpost with the following sentence. :"Mrs. Lydia Jessie was an efficacious and dedicated teacher. She was a woman of God, and she resembled the virtuous woman talked about in Proverb 31. We thank God for her meaningful life"

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

Co Founder of the Protestant Christianity in South Travancore, The Man who Built the First Protestant Church and English School in Travancore, A man who Fought against Cruel Taxes Rev. W.T. Ringel Taube. PART FINAL.

Rev. W.T. Ringel taube reached Mylaudy on 25th of April 1806:   On the 13th of April 1806, Mr Ringel Taube left Palayamcottah, taking a few men with him and started his journey towards Mylaudy in Travancore.  He did not travel straight but passed though some important congregations at Manappar, Trichendur, Alvar Tirunelveli, Samariapuram, Vundunculam and reached Vadakankukualm on the 24th of April 1806 and spent the night at Vadakanculam. During the early morning of 25th April 1806, Ringel Taube left Vadakankulam in Tirunelveli district, and travelled, and at noon he reached Aralvaoimozhi in South Travancore and passed through the Aramboli Ghat, the great green doorway to Travancore.  He reached Mylaudy the native Village of Maharasan Vethamanicakm, on the 25th of April 1806 and stayed at their small house for two days., where Mr. Ringel Taube preached and prayed, and spent the Lord's Day at Mylaudy. Next day a catechist from neighbouring district came to meet Ringel Taube and whose temporary care Ringel Taube left the infant flock at Mylaudy, on the arrangement that he has to come to Mylaudy once a week. Then Ringel Taube left Mylaudy and proceeded to Cochin to meet the British Resident Colonel Macaulay. to get permission to build a Christian Chapel at Mylaudy, and also to get some other reasonable favour and permissions. 

                                                       

                                                             Rev. W.T. RINGEL TAUBE 

Ringel Taube's Second Visit to Mylaudy and He baptised Forty Converts:  When the new converts from Mylaudy, promised that they will bear all the trials for Christ, Rev. Ringel Taube baptised the new converts.  The first to baptised were Vethamanickam's household, excluding Vethamanicakm for he had been already baptised by Rev J.C. Kohlhoff at Tanjore. Next, he baptised Mr Perumal the head of Vethamanickam's family with a new name Gnanamuthu. In all Mr Ringel Taube baptised forty persons with new names and most of them were Vethamannikam's near and distant relatives. Before Mr. Ringel Taube left Mylaudy, he requested Vethamanicakm, to build a small prayer house or Chapel near his house, till the sanction for the permanent Church should come.

       THE FIRST PROTESTANT CHURCH BUILT in TRAVANCORE AT MYLAUDY 1809.

 The First Protestant Church Built at Mylaudy 1809:   After the war between the British and the Travancore Govt came to an end, Ringel Taube came back to Mylaudy and held a thanksgiving service with his Christian flock and praised God for their deliverance from the horrors of the late war. He then directly went to Quilon where he met Col. Macaulay and once more applied for permission to build the first protestant Church, long denied to him and returned to Mylaudy to resume his evangelical work. The long, awaited permission came. Ringel Taube showed it to Vethajmanicakam and consulted him about the selection of a suitable site for the erection of the sacred Church.  Vethamanicakm and Gnanamuthu came forward to give their lands as gift, but Ringel Taube bought their lands at a nominal price, and the lands were transferred to the LMS. In May 1809 the foundation of the Church was laid in Vethamanickam's ground when the garden was still bearing the gingelly crop.  During this time Ringel Taube proposed to build a small bungalow near the Church ground. For the time being he occupied a small native hut near the selected spot, ten by six, furnished with a small native wooden table, one or two stools and a native cot. The newly built church at Mylaudy, was dedicated in September in 1809 by Rev. W.T. Ringel Taube and administered the Lord's Supper to the Christians This was the first protestant Church that was built Travancore.  To mark this important occasion Mr. Ringel Taube formally made Vethamanicakm, a Catechist. Having been made a Catechist at the end of 1809, Vethamanicakm entered upon his evangelical and ministerial work with all enthusiasm, zeal and joy [ Agur 554].

Rev. Ringel Taube and Vethamanickam established the first Seven LMS Churches in Travancore:  Having been made a catechist in 1809 by Rev. Ringel Taube, catechist Vethamanicakam entered upon his evangelical work with great enthusiasm and energy, and without wasting time Vethamanickam started to preach the Gospel of Christ in South Travancore in and around Mylaudy. At, first he focused his attention to convert his relatives and friends but unfortunately, he was not so successful in that effort but the Nadars of nearby villages readily and gladly listened to  Vethamanickam and accepted the Gospel of. Christ. Till the end 1809 there was only one Church that of Mylaudy for the use of Christians in South Travancore and so Rev. Ringel Taube obtained Travancore Government's permission in the beginning 1810, to build Churches in six other places. Ringel Taube immediately began to build small Chapels at the required places.           

Thamraculam[South]  LMS Church:   After  Mylaudy,  Vethmanickam  started his missionary work at South Thamarakulam and  he  was privileged to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to the people of South Thamarakulam  and they gladly accepted Christ and his Gospel. The people who accepted Christ from Thamaraculam were Vedamanickam Moopan of Santhivillay a suburb of the South Thamaraculam,  father of Devasagayam [a teacher of this place], Pakiamutthu Moopan, and Abraham Moopan, father of Arumanayagam Catechist [served as Supt of Mission fields] with all their families; and these were the first deacons of the Thamaraculam  LMS Church.  Mylaudy  Masillamani who accompanied Vethamanickam to Chidambaram was appointed as the first Catechist of Thamaraculam LMS. Church by Ringeltaube. Abraham  Moopan  [Perumal Nadar of Kottaiyadi]  was one among the first three Moopans[  Deacon] of Thamaraculam LMS Church and he was baptized by Mr.Ringel Taube at Thamarakulam LMS church in 1810. Later Abraham Moopan established a Church [LMS] in his native village Kotaiyadi.  Abraham Moopan begot Royan, Royan begot Arumainayagam[served as superintendent of  Thamaraculam  LMS  Mission paddy fields], Arumainayagam begot Daniel Vathiar , and Daniel begot the famous lawyer Packiaraj, and Packiaraj served as the Superintendent of Thamaraculam Mission paddy fields etc, of CSI Kanyakumari Diocese. A small Church building was constructed at  Thamarakulam [South] and was dedicated on the 10th of March 1810 by W.T. Ringel Taube. On that day Mr RingeTaube, baptized 40 people and two days after 12 persons were baptized.

                                                 

Puthalam LMS Church:  From Thamaraculam,  Maharasan Vethamanickam began the preaching of the Gospel of Christ in the villages on the western side of Thamarakulam,  a few men in Puthalam and Ettambully accepted the Gospel of Christ.  When Ringeltaube heard this glad news, he ardently visited these two villages and spiritually encouraged them.  Ringeltaube promised them to build Churches for them, for which permission was applied forthwith. Vethamanickam  had been preaching the Gospel, and he was enthusiastically supported by his sons Devasagayam and Moses, his nephew Masillamani, and Gnanamuthu the head man of Vethamanickam's family and some others. Puthalam Church building was a decent and modest building, and it was built mainly through the exertions of Gnanamuthu, the headman of the Mylaudy family.  The Puthalam church was dedicated on the 20th of July 1810 by Rev. W. T Ringel taube.  The decent and clean dress of the converts on the occasion of the dedication of the Church and their conduct and behaviour in general pleased the missionaries. Maharasan  Vethamanickam's eldest son Devasagayam was appointed as the first Catechist of Puthalam L.M.S. Church.

Picheikudiyirupu, Covilviley and  Athicad LMS Churches:  Rev. Ringel Taube with Vethamanickam and others  often travelled from village to village and preached the Gospel of Christ in many villages and consequently many people from Picheikudiyirupu, Athicad and Covilviley accepted Christ and were ready for  baptism, so Ringeltaube wrote to Mr  Koklhoff and obtained a few hands of trained catechists from Vethamanicakm's class from Tanjore and Trichinopoly and appointed them as Catechists over the new congregations. The Athicad LMS Church was dedicated on the 28th of July 1810, by Mr. Ringeltaube and he delivered the sermon, based on the text Hebrew 12:22 and he enlightened the people about the delights of Mount Zion and the heavenly Jerusalem

Ettambully LMS Church: The Church initially erected at Ettambully  was burnt down by the anti- Christian elements and so Mr. Ringel Taube made arrangements to build the second Church at Ettambully . The Second Church was dedicated on the 14th of October 1810 by Rev. W.T. Ringel Taube.  

Ammandivilley LMS Church:   By the tireless missionary efforts of  Mylaudy  Catechist Masillamani many people from Ammandivillai accepted the Gospel of Christ, on hearing the good news Mr. Ringel Taube with a burning desire visited  Ammandivilley and the people of the Ammandivilley, erected a nice small "Pandal" and in which they received him. He preached the Gospel from the latter portion of the St. Mathew, about the judgement day on the 24th February 1810,  In the night  of the same day Ringeltaube was sitting on the said Pandal and reading and explaining  the Holy Bible  and  while he was explaining the gospel to the  people  in the lamp light, a child of one of those present,  4 or 5 years old and born lame, left his mother and crawling unobserved towards Ringeltaube and caught his feet.  Ringeltaube spontaneously took the child in his hands without knowing that it was a lame one, and Mr. Agur writes "curious to say the child walked from the very moment". This incident produced great excitement and wonder among the people. We have given the story just as it is traditionally current among the people and believed by them to this day"[ C.M..Agur, CHT. P.557-558].

Rev. W.T. Ringel Taube was a Social Reformer, and he abolished many oppressive Taxes;  Rev. W.T Ringel Taube was a great and sharp social thinker. He took proper steps and abolished many oppressive taxes and services with the help of British Residents, under which some sections of the people were groaning and made justice equally accessible to all classes of subjects. Maharasan Vethamanickam very eagerly brought to the kind attention of WT Ringel Taube about the unjust nature of some of the taxes and the disabilities under which the poorer class laboured and ultimately succeeded in his attempts. Some backward communities in Travancore had to pay Poll tax not only for its young and old members but also for the dead. Mr. Ringel Taube was convinced by Vethamanicakm that it was his duty to endeavour to abolish the iniquitous tax and seek relief for the sake of the poor Christians. Ringel Taube represented the grievances and sorrows of the poor classes to the Government, and his labours were blessed by God Col. Munro took such a lively interest in the matter in which Mr Ringel Taube interested himself. Ringel Taube was quite pleased to receive a communication from Col. Munro conveying to him the infromation that he had stipulated with the newly appointed Dewan Mr. Palpanaben that hence forward Mr. Ringel Taube's ChristianS should enjoy the privilege of being exempted from the Capitation Tax. The abolition of Poll tax brought great relief not only to the Christians but also gradually to all the Hindu Nadars and Elavars.[ Agur .576]. Ringel Taube took steps to abolish Sunday Ooliam [ Sunday work without wages]; Christians were forced to work on Sudays without wage by their so-called upper caste masters, but the servants of God namely Rev. W.T Ringel Taube and Vethamanicakm  saved the Christian from compulsory Sunday work, with the help of British Resident. Col. Munro.

Steps taken by Mr. Ringeltaube and Vethmanickam to get the Grant of Paddy-fields:Unfortunately Ringel Taube's health began to fail and so he called Vethamanickam and told his intention of leaving Travancore soon. Vethamanickam was overwhelmed with great sorrow. However, Vethamanickam with great vision told Ringel Taube that when Mr. Schwartz established the Churches of Tanjore , he obtained free grants of lands from Maha Raja of  Tanjore,  for the help of the Churches in Tanjore Mission and also told that those lands were very useful to the Mission to meet the administrative expenses of the Church, and requested Ringel Taube to  secure some grants of land for the planting of London Missionary Churches in Travancore. This appeal appealed him, so Ringel Taube took necessary efforts to secure some grants of lands for Mylaudy LMS Mission, from the Government of Travancore.This proposal assumed definite shape only in 1812, and this proposal was properly submitted, and it was favourably received by the Resident Col. Munro.

In the selection of lands, Ringel Taube left the matter in the hands of Vethamanickam and his nephew Masillamani the Catechist of Ettamboly,.and they selected the Sircar fields at Tamarakulam[North] and Vayilauculam. Mr. Ringel Taube requested the Ranee, to give these Sircar fields as grant to LMS Mylaudy Mission with 100 Cottah of tax. Fortunately, Ranee Lakshi Bai [Queen of Travancore] consented to this proposal.  Mr. Ringel Taube sent Mr Gnanamuthu the head man of Vethamanickam's family to Trivandrum and there he waited, a few days and received the Royal Grant of 110 acres and 18 cents of land in Thamrakulam Village and 22.52 acres of land in Kulasekaram village from the Ranee Lakshmi Bai. Mr. Gnanamuthu brought the documents of the Royal Grant to the Missionary Ringel Taube [Agur, CHT . Page.601  &AP. Vallinayagam , Mahathma  Polakku Mun Maha Rasan Vethamanickam , page .238, Madurai, 2005] But during the period of Mr.Mead the tax was reduced from 100 Cootahs  to a nominal tax of one Cottah. These properties helped the LMS in South Travancore to meet their necessary expenses to a great extent. 

In 1816 Rev W.T. Ringel taube relinquished His Connection with LMS and Left South Travancore: After twelve years of labour in South India, failure of health, through incessant toil in early 1816 Ringel Taube relinquished his connection with LMS .Vethamanickam received the Charge of the Mission from Revd. W.T. Ringel Taube.    As Ringel Taube could not get an European Missionary within the stipulated time, to succeed him, Revd. Ringel Taube decided to make his faithful and efficient native Catechist Vethamanickam as his successor till the Mission gets a European Missionary to take charge of the affairs of the LMS Mission, Travancore.  In the end of January 1816 before leaving the country , Revd, W.T. Ringel Taube assembled all the converts in the Chapel at Mylaudy for Service and formally informed them of Vethamanickam's appointment to succeed him for the time being in the conduct of the Mission till the arrival of another LMS Missionary and earnestly exhorted and  requested them to show  Mylaudy Maha Rasan Vethamanickam, all respect and obedience due to his new Position and  blessed all of them .This was followed by the administration of   Lord's Supper. Then Revd. W.T. Ringel Taube laid his hands on Maha Rasan Vethamanickam's head and sincerely prayed for Vethamanickam to God and invoked his blessings on the newly ordained Servant of Jesus Christ. Mr. Ringel Taube took out his own surplice and put it on Mylaudy Maha Rasan Vethamanickam and charged him most solemnly in the presence of the people and before God to faithfully feed his flock. Revd. W.T. Ringel Taube handed over to Maha Rasan Vethamanickam his Certificate and license to preach and administer the sacraments and manage the Mission, written in English and Tamil which is still preserved in the family [C.M.Agur, Church History of Travancore Page. 613-614]. {I do not think that this certificate is now available in the houses of any of their family members.] The ten years from 1806 to 1816, may be regarded as comprising the first period in the history of the mission establishment by Mr. Ringel Taube. Mr. Ringe Taube left South Travancore and embarked early in 1816. How the end came to the Rev. William Tobias Ringel Taube, the splendid servant of Christ and the London Missionary Society, no man knows, nor does any man know the place of his rest.  

Conclusion: Rev. R.T. Ringel Taube was a keen observer of things, The distresses and the secular needs of the poor people in general and Christians in particular never escaped his notice. It is extremely interesting to observe the progress made by the pioneer and first Christian converts and how gradually they gained liberty from Government. But it is still more interesting to notice how far Christian missionaries in striving to get freedom of heathens chiefly of the humbler classes. By the efforts of W.T. Ringel Taube village Schools were started in all the Christian villages and Christians were liberated from ignorance. The Christians who belonged to the humbler castes became the pioneers of modern civilization in South Travancore.  By building village schools he removed ignaorancae and enlightened ignorant minds of the poor people, by building village chapels he lit spiritual light in the darkened minds of the marginalised people, by abolishing cruel taxes he laid the foundation for liberty and equality in South Travancore .Mr. T.W. Holmes writes in his book RINGEL TAUBE "The fact that he seldom wore a coat, except when somebody gave him gave him one, that he wore a shabby straw hat, that he wandered about Travancore living in common hut, made him if not less, but more impressive figure in the eyes of the people among whom he lived......" The author of Dr. Bunting's life, the great Wesleyan statesman -preacher writes," Ringel Taube's zeal and success as a missionary in Southern India are still had in remembrance". Rev. S. Mateer writes, " He was most generous and unselfish in regard to money. and is said to have distributed the whole of his quarter's salary almost as soon as it reached his hands".  It is not possible to cover all the chapters of the Rev. William Tobias Ringel Taubel within the space of his Blogpost and so I will end this Blogpost with the following sentence. ' Dear and respected Rev W.T.  Ringel Taube, we thank God for your meaningful Christian life, you were really a Christian Rishi, and we love you with great gratitude and respect. " 

 

References,   [1] C.M. Agur, Church History of Travancore, Madras 1903.                                                                      [2] T.W. HOLMES, RINGEL TAUBE.                                                                                                          [3] Rev. S. Mateer, The land of Charity, London, 1870                                                                                [4] P. Babu Manoharan, Mr. C.M. AGUR, B.A and MANY OTHER MILESTONES,,                                     Nagercoil. 2021.       

END 

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

corrected later if needed].

The Co-Founder of Protestant Christianity in South Travancore, A Great LMS Missionary Who Built the First Protestant Church and English School in Travancore, A Social reformer who fought against the cruel Taxes Rev. William Tobias Ringel Taube. PART.. C.

Mr Ringel Taube's Initial Stay at Tranquebar: The missionary brethren including Mr. W.T. Ringel Taube had their weekly prayer meetings and consultations at Tranquebar. The sudden death of Mrs. Vos on 12th of January 1805 demolished their peace and joy. Mr. Ringel Taube preached the funeral sermon in German language from Hebrew xiii: 14; " For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come". After this very sad event Rev. Vos and Rev. Erhardt, went to Celyon and established a Mision in Ceylon. The other brethren were also preparing to part from one another.  They took their last dinner at Rev. Dr. Christopher Samuel John's house at Tranquebar. Rev. Cran and Rev. Des Granges proceeded to Vizagapattinam.  As Ringel taube preferred to work in South, he was left alone in Tranquebar.

                                                       

                                                    

                                                           Rev. W.T. RINGEL TAUBE 

Mr. Ringel Taube Met his Brethren Missionaries at Madras:   Before proceeding to their respective allotted destinations Mr. Ringel Taube's missionary brethren remained in Madras for some time studying the vernacular languages. After a few months from his arrival at Tranquebar Rev. Ringel Taube reached Madras on the 3rd of May 1805 and proceeded to Vepery and there he met his missionary brethren. During his stay at Vepery, in Madras, Mr. Ringel Taube, was put up in a hospitable house.  During his stay at Vepery, he met many gentlemen and govt officials and also made notable progress in his Tamil studies and preached at various places. on every Sunday. He dined with his missionary brethren. His Missionary brethren and friends wanted Mr Ringel Taube, to stay in Madras and do his missionary labour. But Ringel Taube was very firm in his determination to do missionary work in the Southern regions of South India. Besides forming his acquaintances with many leading men in Madras he particularly made friendship with Rev Dr. Kerr [ Agur p. 467].  Dr. Kerr supplied Mr Ringel Taube with schoolbooks and other necessary articles for his mission. While Rev. Ringel Taube and his brethren were staying in Madras the Rev William Carey who was working in Serampore area in Bengal, wrote an encouraging letter to them and exhorted them in the most affectionate terms and also forwarded to them Grammar and other books calculated to facilitate their study of the vernacular language and gave valuable suggestions.

Mr Ringel Taube Reached Tranquebar from Madras in June 1805: [ Agur, p. 468]. Rev. Ringel Taube started from Madras on the 1st of June 1805 and reached Tranquebar on the 10th of June 1805and he was highly delighted to see Dr John and Mr and Mrs Palm and others. At Tranquebar Mr. W.T Rev.  Ringl Taube assiduously started to study Tamil under the able guidance of Dr. John and also studied the natural history and philology of South India   Mr. Ringel Taube succeeded in his Tamil studies within a year, and he was able to compose small sermons besides a short English Dictionary and a Tamil Pocket Dictionary.

                                               TRANQUEBAR  DANISH  FORT. 
                          

Rev. W.T Ringel Taube met Maharasan Vethamanickam at Tranquebar: While Mr Ringel Taube was studying Tamil under Dr John,  Mylaudy Maharasan Vethmanickam paid his second visit to Tanjore, and met Rev J.C. Kohlhoff at Tanjore and Rev J.C. Kohlhoff sent Maharasan Vethmanicakm with a letter of introduction to Ringel Taube and Dr. John.   At Tranquebar Maharasan Vethamonicakm met Rev. WT Ringel Taube and  Maharasan  Vethamanicakm gave a cordial invitation to Mr Ringel Taube to come to Mylaudy and do missionary work in South Travancore. Ringel Taube promised  Maharasan Vethamanicakam that after acquiring adequate Knowledge in Tamil, he will definitely visit Mylaudy and South Travancore. However, till the end of 1805, Mr. Ringel Taube, remained in Tranquebar studying Tamil. Rev. Ringel Taube delivered his first sermon in Tamil on the 16th September 1805, and in spite of all his determination he was unavoidable delayed at Tranquebar till the first week of February 1806[ Agur 489]. Rev. J.C Kohlhoff the successor of Rev Schwartz, at this time served as the Head of the SPCK's Mission not only for Tanjore but also for the whole of South India. extending from Tranquebar to Cape Comorin. Moreover, Rev. J.C Kohlhoff found that the new Missionary Mr Ringel Taube of the LMS was free to choose his missionary filed according to his intention and preference. By this arrangement the SPCK's mission in Tinnevelly was left in the temporary charge of Mr Ringel Taube but at the same time it was agreed that Mr Ringel Taube was at liberty to establish an independent Mission in Travancore. Leaving Tranquebar in 1806, Ringel Taube proceeded to Playamcottah, which became his headquarters for the next three years. Even though Ringel Taube worked in Tirunnevely area, his inner mind was longing to do missionary work in Travancore.  So Mr. Rinel Taube got the permission from the Government of Travancore with the help the then British Resident Col. Macaulay, to do missionary work in Travancore. After the first three years Mr. Ringel Taube's labours were principally confined to Travancore.  

Ref; [1] C.M.Agur, Church History of Travancore 

        [2] C.B. Firth, An Introduction To Indian Church History.

        [3] T.W. Holmes, RINGEL TAUBE.

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].