The First Protestant Christian of Travancore Kingdom , Maha Rasan Vethamanickam Desikar [1763--1827]-Part I

The First Protestant Christian of  Travancore Kingdom :  Part  I :

The First Protestant Christian of Travancore,the great Maha Rasan Vethamanickam Desikar : Mylaudy Maharasan  Vethamanickam was a remarkable person, a multifaceted personality, social thinker , visionary , missionary and achiever.  Definitely he was  one of the pioneers of social ,cultural , intellectual, spiritual and educational renaissance and revolution of  Travancore state

Maharasan's birth , Native Village and parentage:  . Maha Rasan Vethamanickam  was the man who was responsible to bring London Missionary Society into Travancore in 1806.  C.M.Agur , the great Church historian,writes that , "The introduction of the Protestant religion into Travancore is associated  in  a  most interesting manner with the personal history of the first convert Vethamanickam whose heathen name was Maha Rasan." .His forefathers were cultivators near Tanjore in the Chola Kingdom and due to great political prosecution and social  cruelties his ancestors in bulk moved towards South  and reached  the lovely Mylaudy in Nanjilnad , Kanyakumari district  via Vallanad  in Ttirunelveli District,  during the early part of 18th century.  Maha Rasan's family settled at the vicinity of Mylaudy near the canal and turned the waste lands into paddy fields when "Puthanar Canal" of  Nanjilnad was newly opened and  became owners of extensive cultivable lands.

Maha Rasan was born at Mylaudy in Kanyakumari district [South Travancore]  in 1763.  Most of Maha Rasan's family members were well versed in Astrology , Medicine, Poetry etc.  On account of their pursuits of learning and scholarship in Astrology  and  landed property  both men and women of  Maha Rasan's family  were well respected by  of all communities.  They were pious and God fearing people  generally, the women  of the family were staunch  Vishnuvites and men were Zealous Sivites and staunch worshipers of Subramanian and Annamalai .

The importance of Mylaudy :   Due to various vibrating reasons Mylaudy occupies an  unique and important  place in the Church history of Travancore and India.  The great  Maha Rasan Vethamanickam , who was primarily responsible to bring the legendary  LMS missionary Mr. Ringeltaube into Travancore , was born at Mylaudy.  Incidentally Maha Rasan Vethamanickam was the first Protestant christian or fruit, in Travancore [1799].  The first Protestant Church  in Travancore was built  at  Mylaudy  in  September,1809 ; the first English  Primary School in Travancore  was bulit at  Mylaudy  ; the great Christian poets , Mr. Devaram Munshi , Mr. John Palmer , Rev.. C. Masillamani [  Father of  the great Church Historian and Author of the monumental book , "Church History of Travancore "1903, pages 1183, in English] were born at Mylaudy  in the family of Maha Rasan Vethamanickam .  Mylaudy  was the Head- Quarters of the   LMS in Travancore  till Mr. Charles Mead moved the Head Quarters  of  Mylaudy  LMS Mission  from Mylaudy to Nagercoil in 1818 AD.

Maha Rasan's Education: At an early age Maha Rasan lost his father and he was brought  up by his Mother and he was sent to School along with his brothers and cousins to a  School  at an  idyllic  Sudra village called Eraviputhur in Nanjilnadu. His teacher was an able Tamil Pundit and the teacher was well versed in Grammar, Astrology, Mathematics , etc, as Maha Rasan was a brilliant student  he was very much liked  by his Sudra caste teacher and naturally he surpassed  and out stood his brothers in studies.

Maha Rasan's family :In the absence of his father his mother was bringing up Maha Rasan and his sisters and  brothers.   One Mr. Gnanamuthu [Perumal]  the cousin of Maha Rasan Vethamanickam was the head of Maha Rasan's family at Mylaudy and Gnanamuthu's wife's name was Nallayi.. Maharasan's wife's christian name was Satthiayi.  Maharasan's brother's name was Mr.Sivanan [ Gnanabranam]  and Maha Rasan's daughters were , Pakkiayi and Anna Ammal .  Maharasan's sons'  names were: Chidambaram [Devasahayam], and Moses.   Maha Rasan's  brother's son who accompanied Maha Rasan  to Chadambaram in 1799 AD , was   Sivagurunathan [ Masillamani].

Maharasan's pilgrimage to Chidambram   : Maha Rasan  was a visionary he was well versed

in Tamil literature and Hindu Puranas.  He was a natural seeker of God and truth . Maha Rasan was a careful reader of the Siva Puranas and tried to confirm his conduct as closely as possible to the rules put down by Sivite thinkers and writers . For his curious religious quest he could not find convincing answers and  while he was at Tiruchendur during one of his usual trips , one Siddhar met Maha Rasan and told him to meditate upon the great Brahman .   So Maha Rasan decided to go to Chidambaram to attain Chayuchya or the fourth or the highest degree of bliss of union with God  , or the final beatitude of re-absorption into the divine essence. So in 1799 AD , Maha Rasan together with his brother's son Sivagurunathan started their historical pilgrimage to Chidambaram to attain Chaychya.

Mylaudy to Chidambaram : With a good sum of money in hand  Maha Rasan and Sivagurunathan disguised themselves as Pandarams ,  and   proceeded their journey towards Chidambaram, by visiting the Siva temples on their  way  to Chidambaram  . At last  they crossed  300 miles from Mylaudy to Chidambaram by walk and reached Chidambaram.  But  he was taken aback and he was  displeased to see the night  dances and abominations of all kinds in the Chidambaram Temple, Maharasan  came to a clear conclusion that  Chidambaram  Temple could not be a favourable place for undisturbed meditation on the great Brahman. However due  to  fatigue he fell asleep by the side of a stone pillar inside the temple and saw a significant dream., in the dream  Maha Rasan saw a venerable white man attired in bright white robes and holding a stick in his hand appeared  and  wanted  Maha Rasan  to correct his spiritual steps and convictions. [Church history of Travancore , C.M.Agur. Page .433.]. So Maha Rasan  and his nephew Sivagurunathan on the next day morning  left Chidambaram  Temple with  heavy heart and proceeded to his cousin  sister's house at Tanjore.

Maha Rasan Vethmanickam at Tanjore:    Some decades before the arrival of Maharasan Vethamanickam  in Tanjore, the relatives of Maharasan who lived in Tanjore and surrounding area were converted to Lutheran Christianity due to the relentless effort of one remarkable man by name Raja Nicken and he  was the chief means of introducing Protestantism into Tanjore and of forming the early Church   at Tanjore.  Maha Rasan and his nephew Sivagurunathan ,on arrival at Tanjore ,went to the residence of Maha Rasan's  Christian  cousin-sister and brother-in- law . Maha Rasan's meeting with his cousin sister made historical and significant  impact and changes in the religious and spiritual life of Maha Rasan. It can be inferred that the relatives of Maharasan whom Maharasan met at Tanjore were the descendants of Raja Naicken.

Maha Rasan and Revd.J.C.Kohlhoff :  On the invitation of his cousin sister's husband  Maharsan and his nephew went to a Christian Church at Tanjore .  Maha Rasan had never seen a Christian Assembly before that.  It so happened that,  that day Revd.Fr.  John Caspar Kohlhoff , the President of Tanjore  Mission [Revd.J.C. kohlhoff was the son of Revd. J. Balthasar Kohlhoff and  also he  was the adopted son of the famous missionary Revd.Fr. Schwartz] was delivering the sermon and the sermon touched Maha Rasan,  as a sudden and unexpected star to one who had long wandered in thick spiritual  darkness without a ray of light .  After the church service Revd.J.C.Hohlhoff  met  Maha Rasan and  interacted with him.  Mr Kohlhoff gave Maharasan  a tract called" Meygnannam"   . Maharasan's interaction with Mr Kohlhoff and  the message of Meygnanam spiritually converted Maha Rasan and his nephew , consequently Maha Rasan   and Sivagurunathan accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour and God. On hearing their  personal conviction and confession ,  Revd. J.C. Kohlhoff  baptized both of them and changed the name Maha Rasan into Vethamanickam and Sivagurunathan into Masillamani.  Following the baptism  Vethamanickam  became a close friend of Revd. J.C. Kohlhoff  in Christ and Vethamanickam frequently visited " Schwartz's Garden" where the Revd. J.C. Kohlhoff  was residing at Tanjore.  Vethamanickam was highly benefited by the graceful words of that venerable Missionary Revd. J.C. Kohlhoff.

Dr. John of Tranquebar Mission and Vethamanickam : After having acquired some basic knowledge of the important doctrines of the Bible ,Vethamanickam desired to visit the Tranquebar Misssion and see Dr. John , the head  of the Tranquebar  Mission, who was then residing at Poreiyar near Tranquebar . So Vethamanickam visited Dr . John  and had the privilege to observe the working of the Tranquebar Mission Press and other Church establishments which consisted of a large Church, Schools, Printing Office and various Christian dwelling houses . Afterwards Vethamanickam returned to Tanjore.

Vethamanickam's return to Mylaudy:  Almost six months had passed since Maha Rasan left his native village Mylaudy, and so Maha Rasan wanted to return to his native place with his new spiritual experience ; eventhough Revd J.C.Kohlhoff wanted Vethamanickam to stay some  more  months at Tanjore and undergo a Theological Course.  Vethamanickam's trip to Tanjore via Chidambaram not only caused  him to change his name Maha Rasan into Vethamanickam but also it changed the social , educational , intellectual and religious history of Travancore.  Maha Rasan Vethamanockam and Masillamani  started their southward journey  with a copy of Holy Scriptures and few other  Christan books. At last after a long pedestrian journey they reached the  idyllic Mylaudy to the great excitement of their relatives . Instead of giving Chidambara Prasatham and Vibuthi , Maha Rasan  Vethamanickam showed them the New Testament and briefly narrated the events of his journey  including his conversion ; with great surprise and shock his relatives heard his experience.

P.Babu Manoharan.:M.A, [Rights reserved . This Article will be enlarged modified and corrected later if needed ]. .

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVER PASTOR .Dr R..ABRAHAM

Outstanding Achiever  Pastor. Dr. R. Abraham :  Pastor Dr. R. Abraham , the Co-Founder of New India Church of God  and Founder Chairman of the Bethesda Institute of Technology and Sciences , Gwalior, was born in his mother's home state Kerala in 1952., But  he was  brought up, educated and was living  in his  father's home town  Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District , till  1976.  He is popularly known in the family  and friends' circle  as " Babuji"

Childhood ,Family and Education :   Pastor Dr. R. Abraham's paternal grandfather  late Shri . Nalla Thampy was a great man of God ,  evangelist and church builder , from  Boothapandi, Kanyakumari district. Post Master N.Ranjit Singh and  Mrs. Eleyamma  Ranjit Singh , were blessed with six children   including their only son , Pastor Dr. R.. Abraham . The young and dynamic Abraham was brought  up , nurtured ,educated and was living with his parents at   Victory Lane ,Nagercoil ; then with  his parents he shifted to Water Tank Road , Nagercoil and stayed there  ,  till he moved out from Kanyakumari  district in 1976.

After successfully completing his school studies he continued his collegiate  education  in the famous Scott Christian  College,  Nagercoil  and did his B.Sc., in Chemistry in the same College.  He was not only very studious in his studies but also he was a  talented Table Tennis Player . He was a District Table Tennis Player. He hails from a musically talented  and God fearing family. Since childhood he developed a good command over English language. In other words  we can say that  Smartness thy name is  R. Abraham.

Higher Education of Pastor R.Abraham : Since childhood Pastor R. Abraham has been a  clever student of learning.  He did his " Doctor of Divinity'" , from the United Christian International Bible Institute. He has also got another" Doctor of Divinity"  degree  from Bible Research Institute .

His married life  and children : Dr. R. Abraham and  Joyce from Kerala  were united in marriage in December, 1980.  And this marriage brought spectacular changes and turning points in his total life.  This lovely couple  Pastor. R. Abraham and Mrs. Joyce Abraham are  blessed with  three lovely children . The eldest daughter Sheril was born in September,1981; the second  daughter  Roshin was born in September , 1984;  and the third  male child  Abraham was born in  1986. These three children of Dr. R. Abraham are doing well in their respective fields in a spectacular way.

Milestones of his ministry : " New India Church of  God " :  New India Church of God was established and registered in Kerala in 1976, with a great vision and mission  under the  dynamic leadership of two dedicated men of God , Pastor R. Abraham and Pastor VA. Thampy.  Pastor R. Abraham has been serving as the General Secretary of the New India Church of God  since its inception.   Pastor Abraham extended the missionary field of  the NICOG to North India in 1980.  In 1984 , Pastor  R. Abraham took over as National Coordinator of  "World Map Seminars" for Church leaders, a Global Christian Conference.

In1984, the first Bethesda Bible Institute was started by  Pastor . R. Abraham at  Bahadurgarth, Hariyana.  In 1987  the  dynamic Pastor R. Abraham was selected as the  Executive Committee Member of the Pentecostal Fellowship of India , a National Confederation of Pentecostal Churches in India..

Now there are about 3500 churches , under the administrative control of  New  India  Church of God.

The remarkable achievements of Pastor R. Abraham : The most remarkable achievement of Pastor R. Abraham is the establishment of the New India Church of God ,  along with Pastor VA Thampy., now there are 3500  local churches , under the administrative control in this organisation [NICOG] today.

Bethesda Children's Homes  for Street Children : Pastor Abraham has  natural  compassion for the cause of the  neglected poor and street children . So in order to help the poor , lowliest, lost and the last he has started his first children's home, " Bethesda Children's Home  " in 2000.   It  is  a  network  of  14 orphanages in India . According to Pastor Abraham  generally many children born out of prostitution are thrown out in the streets by the mothers and such deplorable victims of parental  sins are crying out for a roof over their heads and one meal a day. For such type of neglected Street children,  these Bethesda  Children's Home provide shelter , care , food , family, and a future .  In addition to this scheme  he has started Street Children Feeding Homes [ Tejas ] to feed the starving street children.

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Educational Space : For the cause of the education of the poor children Pastor Abraham has founded  6 accredited Christian Mission  schools ,consisting of Primary,Secondary, Senior Secondary Schools in various parts of India, with a total pupil  strength of 1500 students .

Bethesda Bible Colleges :To train the future Christian  leaders and pastors he planned to start Bible Colleges . The first Bethesda Bible Institute was  started at Bahadurgarth, Haryana in 1987; and now there are   16  Bible Colleges under the control of  pastor Abram's ministry.

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Destitute Homes  : In order to provide employment opportunities and income to the poor destitute women Pastor  Abraham has started  24  Bethesda Tailoring Institutes.

His social concerns  : He has also started Centres for AIDS and  Drug victims  and has thus  touched all variety  and avenues of social services with great human compassion.

Founder of Bethesda Institute of Technology and Sciences:  In tune with his long term vision  Pastor R. Abraham has started the famous ," Bethesda Institute  of Technology and Sciences ", at Gwalior, in 2010-2011, in a  sprawling area of  of 10 acres of land  in  the out skirts of the Lovely and historical Gwalior City.  Pastor R. Abraham is the Founder  Chairman of the Bethesda Institute of Technology and Sciences, Gwalior.

                                     

                                         Bethesda  Institute  of Technology  and Sciences ,Gwalior .

This Institute  was  established  to foster the growth of the technocrats of the  21st century. This Institute has been approved by All India Council of Technical Education  and affiliated to  Rajiv  Gandhi  Proudyogiki

Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal.  This Bethesda Institute of Technology and Sciences offer the following engineering degree courses : 1. Mechanical Engineering. 2. Civil Engineering 3. Electronics Communication Engineering 4.Computer Science and Engineering  and 5. Electrical and Electronic Engineering. This is the first  Christian Engineering College in  Northern India.

Some other Milestones of  Pastor  Dr. R. Abraham :
 1.  Pastor Dr. R.  Abraham is the Chairman of Bethesda Christian Academies.
 2.  He is the Board member of All India Council of Christian Education.
 3.  He is the  General Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of India.
 4.  He is the  Managing Director of  the first Christian Multi -lingual 24 hour Satellite TV Station in India    called  "Power Vision TV ' .
 5.  He is a member of  Church Growth International,  Korea.

Conclusion :  Dr. R. Abraham is a remarkable  achiever of many great goals.  He is not an ordinary individual  but a remarkable institution  and institution builder. He is one of the  greatest  visionary personalities of Kanyakumari district and India , He is an international  personality  and member many international Christian organizations. His family members , Kanyakumari district and the country can be really proud of him. He has no time to stand and stare, he  has miles to go. Indeed he is Remarkable Achiever. He is a great link between North  India and South India . He is a legendary icon and  heir of  the legacy of Kerala, Tamilnadu and Pujab and  a symbol of national integration and human compassion

P. BABU MANOHARAN.M.A, {Rights reserved, .This Article will be altered , enlarged and corrected if needed , later].

A Great Unsung  Hero, Kavi Perarasu Nanjil  Narayana Tholkappian [N. Arirama Krishnan] :

Nanjil Narayana Tholkappian,  is one of the greatest Tamil poets ever lived . He is a native of Kanyakumari district and he is one of the unsung heroes of kayakumari district and Tamil Nadu,  while remarking  on Nanjil Narayana Tholkappian , the first Vice Chancellor of the Tamil University , Tanjore , Dr.V. I. Subrasniam  has  said   "This young man who was born at Narikulam  hamlet near Mahathanapuram has written by his own effort,   a book called ," Muppal Muthalvan"  in epic style , and I find  poetic creativity in his book after "Kavimani"[ Kavimani Desiyavinayagam Pillai].

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His birth and native place: Poet Nanjil Narayana Tholkappian  [ N. Ariramakrishnan ] was born at a beautiful hamlet called Narikiulam , near Mahathanapuram,  Agastheswaram taluk , kanyakumari district on 9th July , 1943 as the eledest son of  Mr. A.Narayanan and Mrs. Annavadivu Ammal Narayanan. Narikulam is surrounded by lovely lakes , coconut  trees and paddy fields and it lies  on the eastern side  of the Nagercoil   to Kanyakumari main road.  Definitely the long lovely lake flanking Narikulam on the western side  ,has definitely played a pivotal role in inspiring and shaping,  Narayana Tholkappian as a great creative Tamil poet and writer. His original name is  N. Ariramakrishnan.

Education  :  Narayana  Tholkappian did his school studies at the Government High School at Kottaram, near Kanyakumari.   By his personal effort he passed his Pulavar Certificate  [Tamil] examination.  He did his Graduation study as an  evening College  student at the famous Pachayappa's College , Chennai.  Then he did his Tamil Teacher Training Course at the Saidapet Teachers' Training College , Chennai, and B.Ed, at the  famous Annamalai University, Chidambaram .   He did  his M.A. at the Madurai Kamaraj University. He has undergone a special training in Tamil  Epigraphy .

As a Tamil Teacher :  Naraya Tholkappian{Ariramakrishnan]  started his teaching career  as a Tamil Teacher  in a Government High School on 7th July , 1968; then  he was upgraded  in course of time as Post Graduate Teacher and worked as  a highly talented  Post Graduate Tamil Teacher in many Schools in Tamil Nadu and retired on 31st July , 2001.

His poetical creations  and books   :    Narayana Thilkappian is a born poet . Mr. Ariramakrishnan assumed a pen name as "Narayana Tholkappian'  and started to write many beautiful poetical books in Tamil with great natural spontaneity  , great ease and elegance.   Some his famous published Tamil  poetical works and books  are cited below:

1. Thamilukku ththalai . [ Kumana Kaviam],  This book was selected and  financed  by the Department        Tamil  Development,   Government of Tamil Nadu.

2. Muththamil Nithithilam  [  Avvaiyar Kaviam-]. This book was also financed for publication  by the Department of Tamil  Development, Govt of Tamil Nadu.

3. Thirumavazhavan [Karikal Chozhan Kaviyam]. This book also got the financial assistance from the              Department  of  Tamil  Development,  Govt of Tamil Nadu.

4  Azhiyaa  Athihan [Thahadur Athihaman Kaviyam]. This book  was also financed by the D.T.D. Govt of     Tamil  Nadu , for  publication.

5. Murasu Kattil Mosikeeran [ Tamil  Sangam, poet Morasu Keeranar's Kaviam]. The Department of  Tamil Development , Govt of Tamil Nadu , financed for the publication of this poetical book.[ Pages . 246 ]

6. Nanjil  Valluvan Kaviam. This book was also selected and financed  by the Department of Tamil Development , Govt of Tamil Nadu. [Pages.284 ]

.7.   Muppal  Muthalvan. [Thiruvalluvar Kaviyam] This book was also selected and financed by the     Department of Tamil Development , Government  of Tamil Nadu .The renowned Tamil scholar and the

first Vice Chancellor of Tamil University , Tanjore , has said about  Narayana Tholkappian, " An young man born at Narikulam  hamlet , near Mahathanapuram, by his effort  has written a book called  "MUPPAL MUTHALVAN "  in epic style ; and after " Kavimani '  I find poetical creativity in his book".  Poet Narayana Tholkappian considers the above cited  compliment  and  remark  of  Prof. V.I.S. as the greatest Award he has ever received.

Honors and  Awards :    Narayana Tholkappian's  poetical work   " Muppal  Muthalvan " [Thiruvaluvar Kaviam] ,was adjudged as the best book  by the  Department of  Tamil  Development,  Government of Tamil Nadu and  Narayana Tholkappian  received the First Prize and the Cash  Award   in 2006  from the Government of Tamil Nadu.

                                      His  famous book ,  "Morasukattil  Mosikeeran "   was adjudged  as the best book by the Thiyahathurukkam  Bharathi  Tamil  Sangam, Vilupuram District, and  the  Bharathi Tamil  Sangam honored  Poet Narayana Tholkappian with  the First Prize and Cash Award ,in June , 2013.  Narayana Tholkappian  has   got  some more  Awards also.

Coclusion  :   Poet Narayana Tholkappian is a great poet in all sense of the word. So far he has written 13 books in Tamil.  Majority of his books are available in the Government Libraries throughout Tamil Nadu  .

As ancient day Tamil Poets he is also living in a poor  financial condition. But he has a rich heart  to share with the needy  with  whatever he has in his pocket.  Definitely Narayana  Tholkappian  deserves greater recognition from the Government, Universities, Sahitya  Akademy and people.  Universities at least Tamil University  can proudly  bestow  a   Honorary Doctorate , to the versatile   living  Poet  Narayana Tholkappian.     Some of his poetical  prize winning books can be prescribed  as text books in the Universities.  Narayana Tholkappian will  live as long as Tamil  lives.

P.  BABU MANOHARAN.[Rights reserved].

Great Christian Poets of Mylaudy:  Mr. Devaram Biddulph  or Devaram  Munshi [1802-1874] :

The versatile  Christian  writer,  thinker and lyrical Poet Mr. Devaram   Biddulph was born at Mylaudy in the year 1802  in the family of Maharasan Vethamanickam. He is popularly called as Devaram Munshi.[Tha.Mu]

According to  Mr. C. M. Agur ,the great Church  historian,  Devaram Buddulph  was the most prominent of the  Tamil Christian  poets of Travancore .  Agur writes about Devaram   Biddulph , " His style  is classic throughout.  Possessing   the fullest   power over the language he has versified Christian morals in a strong and vivid  manner.  His verses are majestic  and  eloquent , and at once show the  fervour  of his heart,and the depth of his learning and piety"

His village and Family:   Devaram  Biddulph's  father  Mr. Sivanaan [Gnanabranam] and his  mother Gnanayee  were  rich and landed  proprietors in Mylaudy.  When Sivanaan's  elder brother  Vethamanickam brought the Christianity to Mylaudy,  Sivanaan  embraced Christianity with his family and brought up  his children in Christian faith and ways.

Devaram was baptized by Mr.  Ringeltaube:   Devaram and his parents  were baptized by Mr Ringeltaube in 1806 at Mylaudy.   Mr. Ringeltaube was staying at Mylaudy and doing the Christian  ministry at Mylaudy and it's surrounding places ,assisted by Vethamanaickam. While he  was  young  he used to get highest sum of money from Mr. Ringeltaube by repeating the greatest number of Scripture verses. He was very much  liked by Mr. Ringeltaube , Mead , Revd.Mr. Knill and others.

Devaram's Education in the Seminary at Nagercoil:    When  Mr. Charles Mead the successor of Ringeltaube established  the Nagercoil Seminary  in 1819, Mead took Devaram with him as one of the first batch of students at the Nagercoil Seminary.  In the Seminary he was given some basic training and then he was sent to Tanjore ,Combaconam and Madras, the centres of   education, to continue  and complete his studies .  Devaram was a brilliant  student from the beginning and so at Combaconam and other places  he studied Tamil to perfection .  He  also  studied Sanscrit, Music, and Astrology under an able teacher. His knowledge of  Sanscrit was sound and commendable and his addresses were highly  attractive to the educated Hindus as he interspersed his addresses with beautiful quotations from Sanscrit classical works.


                                                 
        L.M.S SEMINARY AT NAGERCOIL FOUNDED BY REV .CHARLES MEAD, 1819

Devaram  became Mead's Assistant  : On his successful completion of his studies Devaram returned to Nagercoil and  on  his return  from Madras , he was appointed  as  the Native Assistant to Mr. Charles Mead;   Mr. Devaram served  Mead  faithfully  as a  Native Assistant both at Nagercoil and at Neyoor.  Mr. Mead recognized  Devaram's creative and literary talent  and as a  well  wisher,  Mead encouraged Devaram to improve in his creative potentialities  and  pursuits.  Devaram   was a born creative genius and so he started to write  Tamil Christian lyrics , poems and prose works. Mr.  Charles  Mead's   Munshi  [Teacher] Mr. Thiruvamalathinnamutham Pillay   had also  helped the young budding Poet Devaram Munshi, in his early and beginning literary  attempts.

Devaram as a creative writer of lyrics , poems and prose ;  Within in a short span of time Devaram attained great perfection  and elegance  in writing  poems and lyrics ,and  the south Indian Tamil poets conferred on him the title  "Dom Muni".    Agur writes  about Devaram's writing genius , " his poems can be placed almost on level with Thiruvalluvars's.   Mr. Devaram's Shen Tamil was perfect and was the delight of many".

Devaram's poetical works :  The following are some of his main poetical works:

1.Vethavithikural [ The Christan Kural]. In this work Scriptural truths and precepts have been versified by the learned Poet Devaram in exact imitation and style of the well known Tamil classic  "Thirukural" by Thiruvalluvar.

2.Thiruttanthamalai [Christian morals illustrated by the Scriptural examples ]. This elegant Christian classical work resembles the Hindu poem "Moothurai".
3.Sinthukavimalai  [the Garland of Christian Lyrics].
4. Semmolimalikai [The Garland of Good Words] . This is written in imitation of Ouvai's  "Athisudi".
5.Nallarivinsaram [Watt's First Catechism in Tamil lyrics ].
6.Vetha Aharathi [ Bible Dictionay].
7.Peyaraharathi [Dictionary of nouns enlarged ].
8. Sathuraharathi.
9. Vinaiyaharathi  or  Panjaharathi[The fifth Dictionary or Dictionary of roots and verbs [left unfinished].

Devaram's popular Christian Lyrics  : Apart from many standard and classical Tamil creative works as mentioned above  he had also  written some popular  Christian lyrics which are being sung  in the Tamil Church worship services throughout  the world  . The following  are some his famous Tamil Christian Lyrics sung in the Tamil Churches :

1.Athi mangala karanana  2.Deva Suthan Poovulahor Pavam Ozhikka   3. Yesu Nayahanai  Thuthi Sei Sei
4. Serum Kiristhyesuva  Enai  Serum  Kristhesuva.  5. Varuvar Vizhiththirungal Yesunathar and some other.

Conclusion :   In South Travancore ,  the then Christians generally , affectionately  and respectfully called,  Mr. Devaram Biddulph as  "Iyah"[Father] . In the field of Christian literature till today he has a few equals . He was a genius and great research scholar in Tamil literature. It is pertinent to remember one important historical fact that  Mr. Charles Mead married the daughter of Mr. Devaram Biddulph ,  Miss Lois Biddulph in 1851 , on account of  his  previous  wife's  death.  Mr. Charles Mead  confronted  many criticisms and unkind  treatment and thankless conduct  from some of the Junior Missionaries and some section of the Christian society on account of his inter-continental and inter-racial marriage.   So Mr. Mead  resigned from Travancore LMS Mission in  1854, and  went to  Trivandrum and settled there with his wife Lois Biddulph and  his Father -in law  Mr. Devaram Biduulph.   The great Tamil scholar and writer  Devaram  Munshi [Devaram Biddulph] happily spent his last  days with his daughter Lois Mead and his four grandchildren born to Mr. Mead and Mrs.Lois Mead .  Devaram Munshi died on the 28th of December, 1874 at Tirvandrum and his mortal body was interred   in  the Christ Church Cemetery, Trivandrum . A great Tamil scholar , writer, researcher and poet  of Mylaudy  is silently sleeping inside the burial ground  in  the Christ Church Cemetery, Trivandrum

It is  quite and strangely unfortunate that the Tamil speaking Christians ,  Tamil scholars , and the enlightened Tamil speaking world have failed in remembering  and honoring  a  great creative  Tamil scholar  of Devaram's stature. But he will live for ever in his creative works and lovely Christian Lyrics.

P. BABU MANOHARAN.[Rights reserved].

Great Christian Poets of Mylaudy:  Mr. John Palmer [1812-1883] :

The great Christian lyric poet  Mr. John Palmer was born at Mylaudy , near Nagercoil , Kanyakumari district on the 15th, November, 1812 , in the family  Maharasan  Vethamonickam of Mylaudy village .

He is considered as one the greatest Christian lyric poets next only to Vetha Nayagam Sasthiriyar  of
Thanjavur.

His birth  and family geneoly ;   John Palmer was  privileged to born in the family of Maharasan Vethemanickam, of Mylaudy ,the man who was responsible for bringing  the London Missionary Society's legendary  missionary  Mr. Ringetaube   to Kanyakumari District [South Travancore] in1806.  Johan Palmer was generally  and shortly called as  "JaPa " in Tamil .  JaPa was born on the 15th  of November , 1812, at Mylaudy , as the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs.Gnanapragasam Thesikar  of Mylaudy, a cousin of Maharasan Vethamonickam.  Mylaudy is a lovely idyllic village surrounded  by lotus ponds , coconut and mango tree gardens and verdant  fertile paddy  fields , located at a distance of  7  miles from Nagercoil ,near the famous Marunthuvalmalai, [Medicine Hill].

Geneology:  Mr.Gnanapragasam begot John Palmer, John Palmer begot  Abel Palmer  [Abel Palmer's brother Solomon Palmer's daughter,  Mrs, Manonmani was the wife of Mr  Gnanamuthu Jesudasan , the first ordained Indian Pastor of M.E.L.I.M--I.E.L.C.],  Abel Palmer begot Retnam Palmer,  Retnam Palmer begot  Muthuraj Palmer , Muthuraj Palmer begot Herbert Palmer , Herbert Palmer begot  Moses Palmer and Mr Moses Palmer is living with us today [ Mr. Moses Palmer is working with World Vision].

Education:   The legendary  L.M.S. missionary  Mr. Charles Mead  , shifted the Head Quarters of Mylaudy LMS  Mission field , from Mylaudy to  Nagercoil  in  1818 and  established a  Seminary at  Nagercoil  with the help of the fellow  missionary  Mr. Charles Mault in 1819.  Along with the other Mylaudy  lads like Devaram Biddulph, Christian, Moses and  three  others , John Palmer also had the privilege to continue his education at the Seminary at Nagercoil with help of Mr. Mead and Mr, Mault.   Tamil , English, Malayalam, Sanskrit, Greek, etc were taught as subjects at the Seminary.  JaPa  successfully completed  his  education at the Seminary.  In recognition of his educational accomplishment,  John  Palmer  was sent to  a famous Seminary , in Ceylon  for higher education by Mr. Charles Mead , Mr.  Charles Mault  and Mr. Knill .

John  Palmer  and Mr.Charles Mault :  On his return from Ceylon , Mr John Palmer was appointed as the Native Assistant to Mr Charles Mault, at Nagercoil  and also as an Assistant at the London Missionary Printing Press , Nagercoil . John Palmer was a born writer and poet  and  his job at the Printing Press helped him  immensely to improve his writing skill.

Family Life :  John Palmer married  Perinbamammal on the 5th of July, 1830.  He led a happy conjugal life with his loving wife  and they were blessed with many children . Mr. Charles Mault , Mrs. Mault  and Mrs. Eliza Caldwell [ The legendary wife of Dr. Robert Caldwell , the Author of the monumental book , The Comparative Grammar of the Dravidian  or South-Indian  Family of Languages, London, 1875 ]   were highly helpful to Mr. John Palmer's family in  many ways..

The great Christian lyrical poet Mr  John Palmer.   Mr. Mault and Mr. Mead identified the literary talents of John Palmer and spontaneously encouraged him  in his literary endeavors and travel. John Palmer wrote many beautiful and  meaningful  Christian Lyrics in  beautiful Tamil in melodious ragas [tunes]. All his melodious lyrics became instant success and were  with great reception,  included in the Christian Hymn and Lyric Books of the day  , of the Established Christian denominations of Protestant Christianity and were sung in the worship services with great enthusiasm and inspiration  because of  the tunes and the meanings of his Tamil  lyrics . Even today his lyrics are being sung in all the Protestant  Tamil Churches  like C.S.I , Lutheran Churches and such others , throughout the globe including India ,  Sri Lanka , Malaysia, Singapore , U.k. U.S.A  etc . The following are some of Ja Pa's very popular lyrics:  "Suya  Athihara ", "Bethalaiyil  Piranthavarai ",  "Osanna Paduvom " ,  "Innalil Yesunathar  Vuyirthar ",  "Aridathil  Yehuvom " ,   "Yesuvava Kirubasanapathiyae"  , Thevathi theva Thirumarai aruzhiya,  karunakara Theva..,Charanam, Charanam, Charanam..,Aa Varum Nam Ellorum  Koodi ,  Athi Anthamillatha Thevathi Thevan , Ventha thuyar neekiya.., Masilla Yesu vallalai Valththuvoma , Chuthihariyayo Thurkunam Neenga,  Parana Vunai Nambinan Vuramudan Thangiyah, Theeyan Ayienan Iya Ezhiyan , Iaiya Nan Voru Jenmi Aananna , Gunam Ingitha Vadivai  Vuyar kova Yesu Theva and so many others.

John Palmer's other literary accomplishments :   John  Palmer was  a  prolific  writer,  and some of his well known Tamil  books are listed below :  1.Gnanapatha  Keerthanam[Christian Lyrics],  2. Christhayanam [Life of Christ],  3.Messiah Vilasam [The Life of Christ in lyrics]  4. Sathyavetha Charithra  Keerthanai [ bible History in lyrics]  and  5.Pramanthakummi [ The heavenly delight]. Among his Tamil  creative works , "Christhiyanam ", is his masterpiece. This book has been written in the form of the Hindu Tamil Epics  "Ramayana ",  'Naidatham"  and   Beschi's   "Thempavani ".   It   is  divided  into  four  parts:

Part  I [Balakandam--Birth] deals with the birth of Christ , Part  II [ Kirya Kandam- Ministry] deals with the ministry of Christ,  Part  III [Avastha Kandam-Passion] deals with the Passion of Christ and  Part  IV [Arohannakandam -Ascension] deals with the resurrection and ascension of Christ.  This monumental book consists of 842 stanzas.  It is the moral responsibility of all the Tamil Christians  and  scholars to introduce this great masterpiece of  the great Christian Lyrical Poet  Mr. John Palmer , to the Tamil speaking world, in a proper , suitable and befitting  manner.

Conclusion :  Mr. John Palmer [Ja Pa] is no more with us but he lives in his Christian lyrical poems and also in his other  Great Tamil books penned by him .  After the retirement of Mr. Mault from the Mission owing to  the unkind  treatment received from members of the Chuch and Mission , Mr. John Palmer left the L.M.S. Mission  and entered Revd. Mead's service at Trivandrum.  Mr.Mead employed him in the Chaplaincy School,Government Press, and in some other offices. Mr.  Palmer's beloved wife Perinbam Ammal died on the  9th , February, 1859.  Mr. John Palmer died on the 2nd April 1883 at the old age of 71, and his mortal body was interred at the Christ Church Cemetery, Trivandrum.    The unoffical  ' Poet Laureate ' of  Tamil  Christan  Lyrics is silently sleeping in the Cemetery of Christ Church , Trivandrum

C.M. Agur, B.A.,  the great Church Historian and Author of the Landmark book," The Church History of Travancore"[1903], writes about Mr. John Palmer , "Mr.Palmer's style is plain. He confines himself to Scriptural thoughts and uses appropriate epithets suited to the language and habit of thought of Tamil Christians who are delighted with his simple and elegant Lyrics. Mr. Balm has remarked that what Dr.Watts , who aimed to sing for children by the very simplicity and beauty of his style was in England so Mr. Palmer was in the South Indian Church " .

P.BABU MANOHARAN, M.A, [Rights reserved  This Article will be enlarged , modified and corrected later , if needed]


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Great Vice Chancellors from Kanyakumari,  Part   III:

Dr. Sudalyandi  Kaliappan ,  B.E., M.Tech, Ph. D., [U.S] :      Dr. S. Kaliappan  from Kanyakumari District  had the unique privilege to work as the first Vice Chancellor of  Anna University, Tiruneveli.  He was born on 11th January , 1958 in Kanyakumari district and he is  a native of  Erachakulam village located in a lovely idyllic landscape, near  Nagercoil  . By sheer hard work  and unquenchable thirst for knowledge he reached the peak in the field of education , engineering   and research. The trajectory of his life travel  and educational voyage  is an inspiration to every body especially to those  neglected and poor students and younger  generation .

Educational  Qualifications  of Dr, kaliappan: : Education is the infrastructure of equality, social status and enlightenment.  Dr. S. Kaliappan was well aware of this great  truth from his childhood.  Shakespeare said, some are born  great and some achieve greatness  and certainly  Dr. Kaliapan belongs  to the second category.  Dr. S. Kaliapan was born in a very poor family   and  really  there was nobody  either to  help him monetarily or  to motivate him  with  inspiring  goals.  But he had a tryst with destiny about his educational accomplishments and so has achieved  the  dreams and goals  of his  life.

Due to his impecunious  family  background ,  he did his Diploma in Civil Engineering  at  Nagercoil  at  the Government  Polytechnic  College [1975-1978]   .  He successfully completed   his  B.E [Civil Engineering] in the year 1985; at the  College of Engineering , Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, [1982-1985] .   As a shrewd student , in tune with the  changing times  he selected a new subject, "Remote Sensing "  for  his   Post Graduation studies . As a visionary  in tune with his goal ,  he successfully completed his M.Tech, at  the College of Engineering , Guindy,  Anna University, Chennai. [1986-1989] . Then he went to U.S.A. to do his doctoral studies  and he successfully did his prestigious  Ph.D  , in  Environmental  Engineering , in the famous " Illinois Institute of Technology" , Chicago, U.S.[1991-1996]. 

Employment  of  Dr. S. Kaliappan:  He started his  teaching career as lecturer/ Assistant Professor  of Civil Engineering at the College of Engineering , Anna University, Chennai [1989-2000]. Step by step he became the Professor of Civil  Engineering  Department at  the College of Engineering ,Guindy ,  Anna University [  February 2005-March 2011].  He also had  the  privilege to work as Professor and Director at the Institute of Remote Sensing , College of Engineering , Guindy, Anna University, Chennai [October 2005-Sept 2007].  He  had been discharging   his teaching responsibilities and  duties  with great  distinction and dedication and so,  better opportunities knocked at his door.

Vice Chancellor Dr. S. Kaliappan :  He  was appointed as the first Vice Chancellor of  the newly formed "Anna University" , Tirunelveli and he took charge as the Vice Chancellor of Anna University , Tirunelveli, in Septemer , 2007.  All the Engineering Colleges located in Tirunelveli dist, Madurai dist, Virudhunagar dist, Thuthukudi dist  and Kanyakumari district  are  affiliated  to the Anna university, Tirunelveli.  He proved himself not only as a good teacher abut also as  a good administrator. He was  working  as  the   Vice Chancellor of the Anna University , Tirunelveli , till September 2010, in a remarkable manner.

He has  published articles  in the international journals and magazines: To his credit  he has got many research articles  published  in  the  following  research journals and magazines : International Journal of Science and Technology ,  International Journal on Computer Science and Engineering ,  Vienamis Journal of Environmental Science and Technology,   Biotechnology and Bio-process   Engineering ,   Solar Energy , Water Quality Research  Journal of Canada .

He has also co -authored a famous book : Target Identification in  Multi Spectral  Images  Using in -Situ Hyper -Spectral  Reflectance .

He is a member  in many  globally famous Groups and  Associations  example :  the  American  Society  for Photogrammetry  and Remote sensing;  Engineering journals and magazines,  IEEE. Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society [IEEE GRSS] , The Society of  Environmental  Engineers [SEE] and in  some other Associations.

Conclusion .  After retirement he has been living in his native village , Erachakulam , identifying himself with the ordinary people of his village and district and also with the intellectuals.. He is one of the intellectual giants of  Kanyakumari District .  He is an eloquent orator also. By accident of birth he was born in a poor and disadvantaged  family , but by his indomitable will power and ceaseless perseverance  he made himself a worthy son of Kanyakumari  district and India and faced  all types of challenges  with great courage and conviction.  He is Great Social  thinker also , he is a crusader for the cause of social  justice , knowledge  and research .

P. Babu Manoharan. [Rights reserved.  This Article will be modified or altered if needed later]

Great Vice Chancellors from Kanyakumari.   Part  II: 

Shri. P. Michael Vetha Siromony, I.A.S:   P. Michael Vetha Siromony ,I.A.S.  was a former Director and Vice Chancellor of the prestigious  Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development [A Deemed University] , Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.  He was  a native of  a  tiny   village called  Oduparai  near Eraniel [ former capital of Venad  Kingdom] , in Kanyakumari district .  He was born on the  8th August, 1953  at Neyoor, in  Kanyakumari district as the second  son Mr. D.P. Mani and  Mrs. Palammal Mani [I.E. Lutheran Christian] .  By his remarkable accomplishments  as a Civil  Servant , Educationist , Author  and   Social Thinker , he   has inherited  and inscribed  a glorious place for his little and  unknown village  " Oduparai" in the social , historical and   intellectual map of    Kayakumari district , Tamil Nadu, India and world.

Educational Qualifications :   Shri P. Michael Vetha Siromomy did his  middle and high school studies  in the Government High School   ,Eraniel.   He was an alumni of  Scott Christian College, Nagercoil  and he did his  P.U.C.  in Scott Christian College[1968-1969]  and his  B.Sc[Botany], in Scott Christian  College, Nagercoil  [1969-1972].   Then he proceeded to Chidambaram  and did  his  M.Sc [Botany] in the famous Annamalai  University, Chidambaram [1972-1974].  He did hid his  M.B.A. in   Public Sector  Disaster Management [1997]  in   U.K.

P. Michael Vetha  Siromony , I.A.S :  Shri. P. Michael Vetha Siromony, a 1982 batch IAS  officer   of the Kerala State  was appointed  as a  probationary officer by the government of Kerala on 08-09-1982 , on his successful completion of the probationary period ,he was confirmed on 8-9-1984.  Since then without any turning back he has been  marching forward with new force  and commitment to serve the cause of  the country and fellow country men as a Civil Servant.  He  is unassuming ,   modest , efficient and sharp ; so he is liked by all. He has  decorated many important positions with great dignity and decorum both in Kerala State Government and  Government of India.

Wayanad  District Collector  Shri. P. Michael Vetha Siromony , I.A.S : Shri. P. Michael Vetha Siromony , IAS,  was effectively and efficiently   functioning for two years as District Collector of Wayanad with effect from 5-7-1989 to 10-8-1991.  As a District Collector  he took keen steps and interest  for the amelioration of the poor and tribal people of Wayanad district , and during  one official trip deep into the thick forest,  he was unexpectedly confronted  by a huge elephant  at a close distance with great presence of mind   he ran away and saved his life. The people of Wayanad  district still  remember this Collector.

Shri.P. M.V. Siromony, I.A.S., decorated   many important Designations  and Offices with great dignity and commitment , as mentioned below . It may not be on chronological order :

Shri. P. M. V. Siromony  at  Kerala House , New Delhi:   He was  appointed as  Resident Commissioner  of the Kerala Government , at the " Kerala   House " in New Delhi and  he discharged  his official duties with great distinction and vision  and proved himself as a productive and meaningful Ambassador of  Kerala Government   in New Delhi  and  a useful link between the Government of Kerala and the Government of India .  He maintained  a cordial  and meaningful  relationship  with Kerala Development Society {KDS], Delhi.,

National Human Rights Commission  : Shri. P. Michael Vetha Siromony, I.A.S ,  took charge    as Chief Coordinator [Training] on 16 March , 2006  in the" National  Human Rights Commission"  of India and did great justice to his Post till he was moved to another  Post.   He  had the honour and opportunity to serve as the Convenor of the  N.H.R.C , Committee on Missing Children..

Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration & P.Michael Vetha Siromony: He   also  had the prestigious privilege  to work as a  Deputy Director in the  Lal  Bhadur Shstri National Academy of Administration , Mussoorie,   in the Faculty of Public Administration and Social Management   and to teach the future   District Collectors  and other Civil Servants of the Nation .  

Michael Vetha Siromony in Indian Red Cross Society :  Shri. P.M.V. Siromony had the golden opportunity to  work with the Indian  Red Cross Society as it's Senior Disaster Management Adviser .

He had edited  a famous resourceful  book on disaster management , "Source Book on District Disaster Management", and it was published  by  Mussoire: SOTRAIN, 2000,  pages. 397.  Now this book is used as a resource book in many  important Institutes of social sciences and   higher education .

Shri. Michael Vetha Siromony, I.A.S.,  worked as Vice Chancellor  of RGNIYD  :   Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development is a Deemed University  U/S .3 of U.G.C. Act 1956.  It is an autonomous organization of  the Ministry of Youth affairs and Sports , Government of India. Mr. Michael Vetha Siromony  was appointed by the Government of India   as the Director and Vice Chancellor of  the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi  National  Institute  of  Youth Development 

[RGNIYD] and he took charge as the Vice Chancellor and Director of  RGNIYD, on 11th December ,2009 .  

                        

RGNIYD was established  to function as resource agency and Think-Tank for youth programms , policies and implementation of strategies.  Also to develop  multi-faceted  programmes for youth in view of social harmony and national unity as ultimate objectives.  P.Michael Vetha Siromony  , as the Director and Vice Chancellor  of RGNIYD,  thought , spoke and acted in harmony with the  basic objectives of this  famous deemed University.

 During his tenure as Vice Chancellor , Shri P.M.V. Siromony, conducted  many  important  State level ,National level and International Seminars and Conferences  in the Campus of R.G.N.I.Y.D,   Sriperumbudur.      The fourth S.A.A.R.C, Youth Camp was jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and  R.G.N.I.Y.D    from  11-2-2013  to 15-2-2013  at RGNIYD campus , Sriperumbudur.    Asia Pacific Regional Conference  on Youth in Development  Policies and Programmes , was  conducted  at RGNIYD  [ February-2013] and many other seminars and conferences. During Shri. Michael Vetha Siromny's tenure as Vice   Chancellor,  the  RGNIYD  has been blooming as a Think Tank for the cause of  the Youth of  India and Ambassador of national unity and social harmony .  On completion of  his   term  as V.C.,  a farewell party was held  in his honour  on 13th July 2013 .

Conclusion  :  Shri. Michael Vetha Siromony has  recently   a took charge as the Managing Director of Kerala Minerals and Metals , Quilon , Kerala , on 19-7-2013.  Most probably this will be his last designation as an I.A.S. officer in active service.  He is a role model for thousands young people and specially  for the younger generation of the poor  sections of the society.  In 2011, the Scott Christian College, Nagercoil  invited  Shri .Michael Vetha Siromony , I.A.S , the then Vice Chancellor of  Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development   as the Chief- Guest  of the College Day celebration and honored  him .  Only a very few I.A.S. Officers have ever  got the distinguished  privilege of functioning as Vice Chancellor of  a University.  Definitely  he is a  rare and remarkable shining  milestone in the history of Kanyakumari district and India.

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

Great Vice Chancellors  from  Kanyakumari:  Part  I:

Prof. Dr. V.I. Subramaniam [1926- 2009] : Dr. V.I. Subramaniam  had the distinctive honor of serving as the first Vice Chancellor of the Tamil University , Thanjavoor;  and  he  was a native of Kanyakumari district, and he was one  of the greatest  Tamil scholars of the world.

Birth  of Prof.  V.I. Subramaniam :      Vadasery Iyempermal Subramaniam [ V.I. Subramaniam ] was born at Vadesery in Nagercoil  in the year 1926, in an orthodox Hindu family.  He carried the lovely name of his village" Vadasery"  with him throughout the world and popularized the name of his native village by prefixing his  village name  with his name. Definitely Vadesery has assumed  and attained a new status because of V.I.  Subramaniam.   Prof.V.I.S. , that was the way he was well  known  to his friends ,colleagues,students and fans .

Education  :  Prof. V.I. Subramaniam ,did his  High School studies at S.M.R.V. High School , Vadesery and continued his Intermediate course at Scott Christian College , Nagercoil.  and  went to  Annamalai University ,  Chidambaram ;  to do his B.A.[Hons], in Tamil Literature.  This period laid the foundation for his bright future. The great Tamil Scholar Thani Naygam Adihalar,    Mr. Anbazhagan[ Former minister of Tamil Nadu] ,  Mr. V.R. Nedunchezhian [Former Minister of Tamil Nadu]  . Mr. Mathiazhahan { Former minister of Tamil Nadu]  were some of his   remarkable   class mates  in  Annamalai University and the last Trio played a dominant  part in the  Dravidian Movements and   Dravidian  Parties'  politics.

Higher Studies.  : V.I.S. was a research student under the great Tamil scholar  Pro. Vaiyapuri Pillai in the Kerala University  for some time.    V.I.Subramaniam's  thirst for linguistic research   forced him to   proceed to U.S.A. for his higher studies in Linguistics. He did his Ph.D., in Linguistics in the famous Indiana University , U.S.A .

He was a dedicated teacher : He was a great teacher in all sense of the term.  He had the privilege of working as a Tamil Lecturer  in the famous  Annamalai University, one of his Alma Maters.   Then he moved to the University of Kerala.  Till then  the  great  Tamil  research scholar  Prof. S.  Vaiyapuri Pillai , was working as the Professor of the Tamil Chair in the University of Kerala University [1951-1954].  Prof. Dr. V.I. Subramaniam  succeeded  Prof. S. Vaiyapuri  Pillai , and  took  very keen  interest to upgrade the status of the Tamil Chair into a full fledged Department and he succeeded  in his effort ;  and as  a result  Prof .Dr. V.I. Subramaniam became the first Professor and Head of the Department of Tamil in the University of Kerala.  He held that post with great distinction  and served the department with great dedication [1954-1966]..

The First  Vice Chancellor of the Tamil  University : The Tamilnadu State Legilative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution for the establishment of the Tamil  University   in Thanjavoor, in   September , 1981  and Prof. Dr. V. I. Subramaniam took charge as the first Vice Chancellor of the Tamil University in September , 1981 . He served the cause of Tamil through  the Tamil University with complete dedication and competence . In recognition of  the valuable and constructive service to Tamil and  the Tamil University, the Government of Tamil Nadu  gave him a second term extension as Vice Chancellor but due to some reasons he resigned  from the V.C. Post before the completion of the V.C. term.

Pro Chancellor of  the Dravidian University , Kuppam;    The Dravidian University,  at Srinivasa Vanam, , Kuppam , Andra Pradesh was established in 1997  by the Government of Andra Pradesh.   Prof. Dr. V.I. Subramaniam  played a crucial role in line with his mission and  vision  for the establishment of the Dravidian University at Srinivasa Vanam, Kuppam , Andra Pradesh., for the cause of  linguistic research  on Dravidian languages and to promote a greater sense of fraternity and spirit of integration among the speakers of the major Dravidian languages in South India. .  In tune with   it's objectives  the Dravidian University is located at a  Tri-lingual junction in the South-West tip of Andra Pradesh  at Kuppam, ; 4 Km from Karnataka   border and 8  km    from Tamil Nadu border  .  V.I.S.  was appointed as the first Pro Chancellor of the   Dravidian University at Kuppm , Andra Pradesh.   He discharged  his duties and responsibilities with  great distinction and dedication  as  Pro- Chancellor of the Dravidian University ,Kuppam.

Prof. V. I. Subramaniam and the Central Institute of Classical Tamil : For  a pretty long period of time, great Tamil scholars  and intellectuals  and the Tamil speaking people throughout the world had been striving   for the official recognition  of  Tamil language  as a Classical Language ,on par with the other Classical Languages  like Hebrew language,  Greek language , Latin language. Sanskrit  language ,  Arabic language  etc.  At last ,Tamil  was officially recognized  as a Classical  Language by the Government Of India in  2004.  .  The concerned  Ministry of the Government of India informed the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2008,  regarding  it's  decision  to establish the "Central Institute of Classical Tamil [CICT]"  in Chennai .  A long pending cherished goal of the Tamil speaking people  was at last realized  as a reality. The dream of Prof. Dr. V.I. Subramaniam   and all Tamil speaking people  became a reality.  The great Classical Tamil scholar  Prof V.I. Subramaniam  , a native of Kanyakumari district, was aptly selected to function as Vice Chairman  of the " Central Institute of Classical Tamil " Chennai  and he did real justice to his  post as Vice Chairman.

Prof. V.I. Subramaniam and  Dravidian Linguists' Association , Thiruvananthapuram : The Dravidian Linguists' Association was jointly established  on 15th March ,1972 by Dr. V.I. Subramaniam [Kerala University], R.C. Hiremath {Karnataka Unversity], and Mahadev Sastry [ Sri Venkateswara University]. It is an association  of scholars of Dravidian languages , at Thiruvanthapuram . It publishes , The International Journal Of Dravidian Linguistics and  related books.

Prof. V.I. Subramaniam and  The International School of  Dravidian Linguistics [ISDL] :    It   was established  on 25th February, 1977  with   R.C. Hiremath as the internal Director and Franklin C. Southworth as  the first external Director of the ISDL.  A Council of Directors was also formed . The first annual conference of Dravidian linguistics  was held in 1971. The primary objective of this  School is to undertake , organize and   guide original and advanced research in Dravidian studies.  This important school was started on a low pulse rate but  the  then Chief Minister of Kerala. Sri. Achutha Menon  took sincere interest  in the growth of this school. Prof V.I. Subramaniam was the founder and honorary Director of ISDL.  By the efforts of  Prof. V.I. Subramaniam , the I.S.D.l. purchased 20 acres of land near  St. Xavier's College, Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram . Prof. V.I.S. loved this School very much.  I.S.D.L has published several volumes of  books like the monumental  " Dravidian Encyclopedia " .  I.S.D.L also brings out a bi-annual  journal, "International Journal of Dravidian Linguistics"  to disseminate knowledge on various subjects related to Dravidian  languages, linguistics and literature.

Prof. V. I.Subramaniam and Dravidian Linguists' Association  Institute ,Thiruvananthaouram :

Prof.Dr. V.I.Subramaniam the internationally acclaimed Linguist was the founder  Director of the, Dravidian Linguists' Association  Institute, at Thiruvananthaouram  .The prime objectives if this Institute  are:  To undertake , organize and guide , original and advanced research in Dravidian studies.   Prof.V.I. S was conducting the inter disciplinary academic activities till his death on June 2009.

Conclusion:    Prof. Dr. V.I. Subramaniam was an era and he was a great visionary and force. The internationally famed Tamil and Linguistic scholar  Prof. Dr. V.I. Subramaniam was a multifaceted personality ; he was a thinker, researcher, linguist , writer, administrator ,scholar, visionary and good human -being.

He had the privilege and opportunities  to rub  shoulders  and move with many great personalities  of all walks of life  like academicians, politicians,  journalists,  State Ministers ,  Vice Chancellors, writers, Chief Ministers and so on.   T. V. Ramasubbaiyar ,the founder of Dinamalar, was one of his best friends and  he liked and respected  T. V. Ramasubbuaiyar  very much.   He had great admiration and regard for the  former Union Cabinet Minister  late C. Subramaniam  and Kee.Aa .Pa .Viswanathan and Prof. Vaiyapuri pillai .  In recognition of his service for the cause Tamil language and Dravidian linguistics  ,  more than  6 Universities have honoured him with honorary doctorate degrees , including the famous Jaffna University, Sri Lanka and   Tamil University , Thanjavur.  He was a tall and towering personality in all sense of the word. He was not only an intellectual designer and builder of intellectual and research institutions  but he himself was an intellectual  Institution  . No doubt he was one of  the greatest  Tamil sons ever born to a Tamil mother. After having lived a checkered  intellectual life he passed away on 30th June , 2009.

P.BABU MANOHARAN.[Rights reserved].

The Remarkable Mr. Devadasan and Dr.Robert Caldwell and Woodlands Estate:

Introduction: Mr.  M. Devadasan of Nagercoil  was a remarkable person and a   native of Kanyakumari district . Some make history  by their accomplishment and some others make history by  rubbing shoulders with great historical personalities; and  Devadsan belonged to the second category.

Devadasan and  Caldwell's Woodland Estate in Asambu Hills in Kanyakumari district: 

The legendary son-in-law of  Revd. Charles Mault and the author of the monumental and epoch making book , " A  COMPARATIVE GRAMMAR OF THE DRAVIDIAN  OR SOUTH INDIAN FAMILY OF LANGUAGES "[ Published in London, 1875].  Dr. Robert Caldwell was owning a fertile and spacious Estate covering an area of 275 acres in Asambu hills.  He loved his lovely Woodlands Estate situated on the top hilly slopes in Asambu hills in Kanyakumari district. Rt. REV. ROBERT CALDWELL , D.D , LL.D ,  and his wife Eliza were stationed at Edayankudi in Tirunelevali district. Whenever Dr. Caldwell and his wife  Mrs Eliza Caldwell  felt  home  sick and needed  rest they used to visit and stay at their  poetically beautiful Woodland Estate, in Asambu hills, in Kanyakumari district..

Dr. Robert Caldwell was in need  of an able, educated and trustworthy person  to take care of the  Estate and it's cultivation  and as he  found all these traits in  Mr. Devadasan  of Nagercoil  ; he appointed Mr. Davadasan as the Conductor of the Woodlands  Estate.  Mr. Devadasan  managed and looked after the affairs of the Woodlands  Estate to the full satisfaction of   Dr. Robert Caldwell.    Coffee, tea , cardamoms, oranges , sweet limes, and guavas were cultivated in the Woodlands Estate.

At the center of the Woodland Estate there was a  spacious  and magnificent bungalow  having many spacious rooms, with high ceiling and  stately   teak wood furniture   splendidly  adorned  the lovely rooms of the bungalow.  Dr Caldwell was having a standard library  in his  Estate bungalow and books on sociology, religion,history,  literature  and literary magazines such as Temple Bay,  and Mac Millan lined and decorated the tall shelves of the Library in the Woodlands Estate.  Woodlands Estate played an inseparable part in the life of Dr. Caldwell. , and it is pertinent to remember that Caldwell's loving second daughter Mrs. Louisia Shephered  died in 1872 at Woodlands Estate , Asambu hills, Kanyakumari district

Mr. Devadasan  became the owner of the Woodlands Estate:

Dr. Caldwell became very sick and old so he wanted to sell his beloved Woodland Estate ,  and  Caldwell rightly and aptly remembered the great and sincere services rendered by Mr. Deavadasan , the Conductor of the Woodlands Estate  and sold the Woodlands Estate to Mr. Devadasan  just for !00 cash of that time. Devadasan became the proud owner of  the  Estate of 275 acres.  A Conductor  was converted as  an Estate owner . Devadasan  had a big bungalow at Nagercoil very near to the Nagercoil Home Church and also he owned  a majestic horse and he used  to go to his Woodlands Estate riding on his horse


Mr.M. Devadasan's  Parents and family background : During  19th century there lived a gentleman and his name was Mr. Santiago and his wife's name was Mrs Arulai . Mrs. Arulai Santiago and Mr. Santiago were blessed with a female child  and a male child  namely  Jeevaratnam. and Devasahayam respectively. And at that time there lived a nice  man and his name was Mr. Moses. and  Mr . Moses married Miss.Jevaratnam { daughter of Mr and Mrs Santiago and sister of Mr Devasahayam}. Mr Moses and Mrs.Jeevaratnam Moses gave birth to our patriarch Mr.M. Devadasan, And Mr Devadasan married  Miss. Annammal. from an illustrious christian family from south Travancore.

Mr. Davadasan and his wife and children :

Devadasan and his dynamic wife Mrs. Annamal  were blessed with 10 lovely children namely[1]Rev. D.M. Devasahayam, [2]Mr. George Dawson, [3] Mrs. Victoria , [4] Mr Charles Samuel Dawson, [5]Mrs. Lily Joseph [ Wife of Mr J. M. Joseph, formerly the Head  Master of  the famous Scott Christian High School , Nagercoil], [6] Mrs. Grace ,[7] Mrs . Chinnathai, [8] Mrs. Patience , [9]Mrs. Bernice  Ebenezer and [10] Mrs . Dorothy.  Below I am high lighting some of the prominent members of his  family for the review and evaluation , by the readers.

His fiirst son Revd. D.M. Devasahayam , B.A., B.D   was the first B.D. Graduate   in the whole of India , from the pioneer Serampur University.  An unique honor that can not be undone  by anybody . Devasahayam is generally called as DMD . Thus this family of Mr, Devadasan has got an unique place in the history of  Theological  education of India.

George Dawson:   Devadasan's another son George Dawson  got 5 children.  George Dawson worked as a Secretary in the YMCA.  George Dawson's first son Mr. Edward Dawson , B.Sc., B.T., became a great evangelist and he joined the famous " The Jehovah Shamma" , Chennai, established by Bro. Bakth Singh of Punjab, in 1945   and he was number two in command in that  Christian religious organization. He was serving as the Publisher and Editor of Hebron Messenger.

George Dawson's second son Mr. Rabindranath Samuel Dawson married Mrs . Ranniamma, M.A[Maths], M.A[ English] , [who  worked as a Senior Lecturer in The S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil  for many years]. He is popularly  known as RS .Dawson , and he was a well known senior Rotarian  in Nagercoil.

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Mr. Devadasan's  family link with the great theologian Dr. Paul  D. Devanandan ::

Charles Samuel Dawson [C.S.Dawson]:  He was the fourth son of Mr. Devadasan and he married Mrs Shantamal Chandraleelamal, a daughter of Mr. Ragland  David Servai.   Mrs Shantamal Chandraleelamal was a first cousin of the world famous Indian theologian  Dr. Paul. D. Devanandan , [The first Director  of  C.I.S.R.S,Bangalore and son-in-law of K.T. Paul , who represented the Indian Christian Community in the Round Table Conference in London in the year 1930-1932].

Moreover the  third daughter of C.S.Dawson and Mrs.Shantamal  Dawson , Miss Queenie

was given in marriage to the  Chief Architect of the Government of Kerala. Mr. J.C. Alexander [son of  Mr J. M. Joseph,  former Head Master of Scott Christian High School , Nagercoil ]  who was the chief architect for the  famous 'Gandhi Memorial  Building" at Kanyakumari. { his profile will be dealt in another Post ] .

Conclusion:  Thus Mr. Devadasan and his children had played a remarkable role in the social , religious and  intellectual history of Kanyakumari district  and India with great distinction and had laid  some remarkable milestones  in the glorious map of Kanyakumari district and India.  So long as the Tamil speaking people and Dravidian Movements remember the great linguistic  scholar Dr. Robert Caldwell,   nobody shall forget  the" Woodlands Estate'  and  Mr.Devadasan of Nagercoil.

P. BABU MANOHARAN. M.A,. [Rights reserved .This Article will be enlarged, modified and corrected later , if needed ]