OUTSTANDING AND ACCOMPLISHED WRITERS ; PART III :

NANJIL NADAN  the winner of the Indian Government's highest Literary Award , the Sahitya Akademi 

Award for Tamil , in  2010 is a native of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu.  He was awarded the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for his , "SOODIYA POO SOODARKA"[2010]. 

His birth,  place of birth , parents and education : The original name of Nanjil  Nadan is  G. Subramaniam , and he was privileged to born in one of the most beautiful , important and idyllically cute  villages of Kanyakumari District, called Veera Narayanamangaslam, in Thovalaai Taluk, Nanjil Nadu ,Kanyakumari District.  Nanjil Nadan [G. Subramaniam]  was born to Mr. Ganapathia pillai and Saraswathi Ammal , in 1947.  Nanjil  Nadan's  native village Veera Narayanamangalam is located on the eastern bank of the famous , historical  and perennial river Pazhayar, near Boothapandi Village  [the birth place of the great leader Jeevanantham ]. Nanjil Nadan  was a very brilliant student  and he passed his M.Sc in Mathematics with flying colors.

His family  : He is leading a happy and blessed married life  with his wife and children . his wife's name is Santhiya .  They  are blessed with one son and one daughter . His  daughter  Sangeetha is a medical doctor and his son Ganesh is an engineer . Ever since Nanjil Nadan moved with his family to Coimbatore  in 1989, he  has been  living in Coimbatore with his family.

Early stages of his literary career  :  After having passed his  M.Sc [Mathematics] degree, in 1972, he moved to the then Bombay[Mumbai] in connection with  his  employment  . There  at Mumbai ,  the Mumbai Tamil Sangam ,played a very deciding to role to shape and encourage the  literary career of  Nanjil Nadan . He is a born reader , thinker and writer ; his  natural literary taste and urge spontaneously attracted and connected him with the Mumbai Tamil  Sangam .  He developed his Tamil  literary knowledge by reading the books  at the library  at  Mumbai Tamil Sangam .  He was highly infatuated towards  the great Tamil work Kamba-Ramayanam  and not only he mastered Kamba Ramayanam , but also he has developed  great reverence and love for Kamban and his Ramayana. It is said that he used to read at least 2 books every day. He started his literary career,in the Mumbai Tamil Sangam's literary magazine, "Aedu"

Nanjil Nadan's writing  and literary accomplishments : Nanjil Nadan is a prolific,  inspiring  and multi-faceted Writer.  His first  short story  in Tamil titled ," Viradham " was privileged to be published in N. Parthasarathy's  "Deepam"  magazine in1975.   Afterwards there  was no turning back for him  in his writing career . He  has written  many  notable short stories, poems , essays   and novels of very high order .

His Tamil Novels   :  Nanjil Nadan's first [1] Tamil novel by name, "Thalaikeezh Vigithangal ", was published in 1977; and it was an instant best seller . This land mark and lovely novel   has gone through 8 editions and so far 18000 copies of this monumental novel  have  been sold  .This novel was later adapted into a Tamil Film called , "Solla Marantha  Kathai"  by Thangar Bachan in 2002.; [2] Embiladanai Veyilkayum  ,[3] Mamisapadaippu, [4] Midhavai , [5] Sadhuranga Kuthirai [1993],  and [6] Ettuthikkum Madhayaanai ,  and this novel is also being made into a Tamil Movie called "Padithurai"

His short stories  : He is great story teller and a voluminous short story writer.  he has written 112 short stories . He has also published 9 short story anthologies. Nanjil Nadan was awarded the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for Tamil  for his Short Story Collection , 'Soodiya Poo Soodarka "in 2010. This  short story collection , "Soodiya Poo Soodarka " was first published in 2007 by Thamizhini publishers and it met  it's second edition in 2009.

His other literary accomplishments :  He is a great essayist and poet ; 5 volumes of essay collections and 2 volumes of Poetry collections are standing to his credit. Some of his most sought after literary works have been translated into  English, Malayalam and French. Nanjil  Nadan's non-fiction book under the title ,"Nanjil Nattu Vellalar Vazhkai ", is one  of his most  famous and  much sought after books.  In this monumental book he picturesquely describes the life style , cultural heritage and social  their relation with  the other community people etc.

Recognition and Awards : [1] Tamil Literary Garden,  honored Nanjil Nadan by awarding the "Iyal Award"" , their life Time  achievement Award  to Nanjil Nadan[2012]. [2] He  also received an Award  for his non fiction writing from the Tamil Literay Garden , Canada, for  his  book , "Nathiyin Pizhaiyandru Narumpunal Inmai " . [3] He was awarded the Ilakkiya Sinthanai Award for his  work , Viradham . [4][ His famous Novel," Sathuranga Kudhirai " bagged him the The Government of Tamil Nadu Literary Award.  [5] He is also the recipient of  the famous , "Kasthuri Sreenivasan Trust Award  ". [6]  He was also reconized with Thirupur Tamil Sangam Award .  [7] He isa proud  recipient of  Kannadasan Award  and [8] Lily Devasahayam Award  .

Conclusion  : As already mentioned he has been loving the" Kamba -Ramayana "consistently, constructively and fervently  . His love for Sangam Tamil Literature is also worth mentioning here ; the titles of  his  Books and Essays will  reveal  his romance for Sangam Tamil Literature   .  He  is  very down to earth  person and has real compassion of the  poor  people belonging to all sections.   His Essay , 'Idhu Pengal Pakkam " : about the unsanitary conditions of the Toilets in  the Girls Schools in Tamil Nadu , created and incited great stir and  public debate , following it's publication in Anandha Vikatan   magazine in 2009.  His writing style is very simple and beautiful .He has natural inclination and fascination towards  the places ,food ,  people and the paddy fields of Nanjil Nadu ,in Kanyakumari District .  Actually we can grasp and read his biographical sketches and traces though his short stories.  Definitely he is one the greatest Tamil Writers and his books are being read by the Tamil readers living throughout the world.  Many of his famous  literary works  have been included  in the curriculum  of  Schools and Colleges.  Veera Narayanamangalam , Nanjil Nadu ,Tamil Nadu and Tamil speaking People are proud of Nanjil Nadan .

[ In due course time  this Post will be updated ]

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

OUTSTANDING AND ACCOMPLISHED WRITERS ; PART II:

THOPPIL MOHAMED MEERAN  is an outstanding and accomplished Tamil Writer and he  was born in Kanyakumri District  and he is considered as a rational and  thought provoking  Writer . He bagged the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award , the highest Literary Award of the Government of India ,in 1977 even while he was comparatively very young ; for his striking novel , SAIVU  NARKALI, and became one of the much talked about Tamil Writers of that  period .

His Birth and Education :   No doubt Kanyakumari district is the factory of fertile writers . Thoppil Mohamed Meeran was born at Nagercoil on 26, September , 1944 , in an illustrious Muslim family. His home town is Thengapattinam , in Kanyakumari District and he belongs to the well known M.O.M family of Thengapattinam.  He is generally and popularly called as Thoppil Meeran ,by his friends.  He  is a  B.A. degree holder. He is a born  Creative  Thinker and Writer .

His  Married Life : Thoppil  Mohamed  Meeran's life partner's name is Jaleela and  and they are blessed with two Children namely : [1] Shameen Ahamed  and [2] Mirzad Ahmad. 

His Literary accomplishments :.   He is a prolific writer . He is highly proficient both in Tamil and Malayalam .The following are some of the well known Tamil Novels written by him .[1]Oru Kadalora Kiramathin Kathai[1988], [2] Thuraimugam [1991]  [3] Koonan Thoppu [1993], [4] Saivu  Narkali [1995][5]Anju Vannam Theru[2011]

Oru Kadalorathin Kathai introduced him to the  literary world ,  specially to the Tamil Literary World .As said before  the Tamil  novel Saivu Narkali earned him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for Tamil Writing in1997. . He is noted for the use of a peculiar regional dialect  in his  Novels and short stories;  which is a peculiar mixture of Tamil and Malayam with the smell of the local sand and earth

Thoppil  Mohamed Meeran  ia also a talented short story writer ; and his short stories have been published in 6 vulumes , namely :  [1] Anbuku Muthumai Ilai , [2] Thankarasu , [3] Anathasainam Colony , [4] Oru Kutti Theruvin Varipadam , [5] Thoppil Mohamed Meeran Kathaigal and [6] Orumamamaramum Konjam Paraivagalum

.

Ttranslation is an art and Thoppil Meeran is an expert in that art .Thoppil Mohamed Meeran is also a talented Translator, he has translated some important books from Malayalam to Tamil and among his translation works , his translation  work of  Vaikam Muhammad Basheer's Valkai Varalaru,  is his masterpiece .

Awards received : Everybody likes recognition , honors and awards  for their service and accomplishments and it more so in the case of  creative  people like Artists , Actors ,  Poets , Writers and Scientists .Thoppil Meeran has also received many Awards and Honors from many honorable Organizations and  Institutions . He is a recipient of the following Awards:[1] Tamil Nadu Kalai Illakiya Perumantam Award . [2] Ilakkiya Chinttanai  Award  [3] Lily Devasigamani Award [4] Tamil Nadu Government Award , [5]. Amutham Adigal Literary Award [6] Tamil Nadu Murpokku Ezhuthalar Sangam Award  [7] Sahitya Akademi Award [1997],[8] SRM University Tamil Academy Award, [9] Puthumaipithan Creative Literature Award  for the best small stories , novels and dramas,[ 2012]..

Conclusion  : Thoppil Mohamed Meeran  is  a simple and modest  man . He is one of the real living examples for simple living and high thinking . By his writings he has given main stream entry to the marginalized  and ordinary people. The words and  dialects he uses in his  novels  and short stories  connect the readers with characters of his stories . There lies  his  creative writing's greatness and success.

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

OUTSTANDING AND ACCOMPLISHED WRITERS :Part I :

Introduction: During the   past  tense  ,  Kanyaskumari district has produced  many legendary writers and literary stalwarts like Athangkottu Aasan ,  Thokappian , Thiruvalluvar, Kavimani Desiyavinayagam Pillai and others .At  present  also  Kanyakumari district has produced some the greatest contemporary Tamil Writers  like Sundera Ramasamy , Neela Padmanabhan , Ponneelan , Nanjil  Nadan , Thopoil Meeran , Jeya Mohan , Malarvathy, Isaac Arumai Rajan , Hepsibai Yesudasan , NanjiL Narayana Tholkappian  and some others . Among the Districts  of India,  Kanyakumari District , distinctively, outstandingly and stately stands taller than any other district in the field of creative writing .  In this Post  I will high light  the salient features of the life sketch and literary achievements of  these great Tamil Writers one by one as it flows.

Sri . Neela Padmanabhan a native of kanyakumari district  won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi  Award in 2007 for his famous Tamil novel, "ILAI UTHIR  KALAM".

His birth and education  : Neela Padmanabhn was born in Kanyakumari District , Tamil Nadu on 26, April, 1938.  He meritoriously  passed his B.Sc [Physics]  from Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram ,  with flying colors  and his B.E , Degree[ Electrical Engineering ] from the same prestigious   Kerala University in 1963.

His professsional career : He started his professional career as  a Junior Engineer  in  the Kerala State

Electricity Board  in the year 1963,  and after a long, effective and meaningful  service of 30 years  with the K.S.E.B,  Neela Padmanabhan , retired as  Deputy Chief Engineer in 1993.

.

His illustrious writing career and accomplishment :  Neela Padmanabhan is a born creative thinker and a versatile writer .  He shot to fame , following  the publication of his famous first Tamil Novel,  "Thalaimuraigal " in 1968.  In 2010 , his landmark novel Thalaimuraigal  was  made into a Tamil film titled , Magizhchi [happiness].

Some of his famous Tamil Novels :[1] Thalaimuragal[1968], [2] Pallikondapuram[1970], [3]Palikal[1973] , [4] Uravugal [1975],  [5]Min Ulagam [1976] , [6]Yaathirai [1977] ,[7] Samar[1977], [8]Anubavangal [1977] ,[9] Nerru Vanthavan [1978],  [10]Udaya Tharagai [1980],  [11] Vattathin Veliyae [1980], [12] Bhagavathi kovil Theru [1981], [13] Bothayil karaithavaigal ,  [14]. Thee [1985], [15]Murivugal [1985],[16] Therodum Veethi[1987], [17] Dhavam Seithavarhal[1991], [18] Vellam{1994],[19]. Koondil Pakshigal [20] Ilai  Uthir Kalam [2005].  Neela Padmanabhan was awarded Sahitya Akademi Award for his Tamil Novel , "Ilai Uthir kalam' in 2007.His most outstanding  and notable  work is his monumental    Tamil novel , "Pallikondapuram ".

His other  Tamil works :   Apart from these  novels ,  his short stories have been published in 10  Volumes. Moreover  he has 4 volumes of poems  and 7 volumes of essays to his credit.

His writing in other languages : Neela Padmanabhan is a multi-lingual Writer . He  works in  Malayalam includes , 1 novel, 4 Volumes of short stories and 1 volume of essays.  He has good command over English , and he has written many beautiful  poems and  thought provoking essays, in English. . .

Honors and Awards received by him  :  Neela Padmanabhan  is a  muti-faceted  soul and a versatile personality.  Honors and  recognition  automatically came in search of him .  He has good rapport with  the Central Sahitya  Akedemi .  He served as Tamil Editor at Sahitya Akademi, during 1985-1986.  From 1998 to 2002 , he  served   as the Convener of   Sahitya Akademi's Tamil Advisory Board  . He had also won Sahitya Akademi's Award for Translation  in 2003, for beautifully  translating  Ayyappa Panikar's works, into Tamil from Malayalam .

In recognition of his versatile literary contribution and accomplishments ,Neela Padmanasbhan was honored with Membership in Academic Boards of Kerala University [  1985 to 1989..]

He was the Tamil language Editor of Modern Indian Literature at Sahitya Akademi . He was also  chosen  as a Member  to work  at  the Executive Board  of Central Sahitya Akademi [Academy of letters].

Institution of  Engineers ,honored him with Fellowship .

Conclusion . He is  a great creative thinker  and writer . Through Thiruvananthapuram Tamil Sangam , he has been  encouraging the emerging young  Poets and  fiction writers by giving Awards every year under the title , "Neela Padman" and "Thalaimuraigal" . The spiritual poverty of modern man is the main weaving theme of his writings  and his stories deal with the changes that are taking place in the society. His books  have been translated in  all the major international and Indian  languages and there is a great demand for translation rights of his works  and that speaks about his global  popularity , acceptance and standing .Definitely he has laid  literary Milestones across the world starting from Kanyaskumari.

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

Dr. John Rajadas , B.Tech [IIT, Madras], M.S, [US],Ph.D.[US], former Senior Scientist in NASA : :

Dr. John  Rajadas is one the outstanding sons of Nagercoil,  but  also one of the unsung heroes of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu  and India. .He worked as a Senior Scientist in the  internationally renowned  and prestigious NASA, US [The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, ] from 1986 to 1994 and has brought outstanding  laurels to his family , Nagercoil and India.

His birth and parents   Dr. John Rajadas was born at Nagercoil [Vadesery ] in 1956, in an illustrious Christian family , as the fourth child   of  Mr. C.Rajadas and Gnanayi Rajadas . His paternal grandpa late Mr. Paul Chinnian was one of the pioneer workers in the MELIM [Missouri Evangelical Lutheran India Misssion ]  and a contemporary of Gnanamuthu Jesudasan [First MELIM Indian Pastor].    Paul Chinnian worked as Boarding Master of the Concordia High School , Nagercoil.  Dr. John Rajadas's sister Dr. R. Selina  Rajan , M.B.B.S , M.D is working as a Doctor  in the Government Medical College, Trivandrum and his elder brother Mr. Roy Surendra, M.Sc, C.A.I.I.B., M.B.A.  worked as the General Manger of   State Bank of Patiala ,Govt of India ; after his retirement  he worked  for some period of time as the General Manager [Credit] , Tamil Nadu Mercantile Bank., Tuticorin..

His education :  Dr. John  Rajadas was a brilliant  and outstanding student from the beginning of his educational career.  He did his high School Studies in the SMRV High School , Vadesery , Nagercoil.  He passed his PUC  with University Rank [ Pioneer Kumaraswamy College, Nagercoil; Madurai Kamaraj University , Madurai].  As University Rank Holder he deservedly  got admission at the famous Indian Institute of Technology[IIT] , Madras [Chennai] and  passed his B.Tech[Aeronautical Engineering] degree with flying colors. , in 1979..

Motivated by his  burning desire  for research and education  Dr. John went to US and continued his M.S [Aerospace Engineering ] degree study at the famous  Georgia Institue of Technology [Georgia Tech, ], Atlanta , Georgia , U.S and meritoriously  Dr . John Rajadas ,  passed his M.S , degree examination in 1980. His unquenchable thirst for knowledge forced him to pursue his research study in the same Georgia Tech [Georgia Institute of Technology.].  Dr. John received his prestigious Ph. D [Aerospace Engineering] degree from Georgia tech in 1984.

Dr. john's research interest ; Multidisciplinary design of optimization ,  Therofluids,  Alternate Energy, Applied Aerodynamics, Propulsion., Turbulence modeling Reacting Flows.

Current position : After having served in some prestigious Institutions and Organizations , at present Dr,. John Rajadas is working as the Associate Professor  in the mechanical and manufacturing Engineering technology Department of the College of Technology and Innovation ,  Arizona State University and in which capacity he has  been serving the University since 2000.

Dr. John Rajadas  joined the Arizona State University as a  Member  of the Research faculty  in 1984.. Later he served as an Assistant Professor in the Arizona State University   from 1996 to 2000,  before elevated to the post of Associate Professor  in 2000.


His Service Activities in the Arizona State University , U.S :  [1] Dr. John Rajadas served as a Member of the ASU[Arizona State University ] East Campus  Personnel Committee , from 2000 to 2005.

[2] He served as Member of the  ASU East Scholarship Committee from 1998 to 2001. [3] Served as a Member of the ASU  East  FGIA  Proposals Review Committee , from 1998 to 2003. [4] He served as a Member  of the prestigious  Arizona  State  University Academic Senate, from 2004 to 2006.  [5]  He has been serving  a Member of the ASU Committee on Academic Freedom & Tenure [CAFT]  from 2007 till today. [6] He has been serving as a Member of the Arizona State University Polytechnic Academic Senate from 2004 till today.  [7] He has been serving as member of the ASU  ,  Polytechnic College of Technology & Innovation Scholarship Committee from 2006?  till date . [8] Dr John Rajadas has been serving as a Member of the ASU Polytechnic Curriculum Committee[PCAPC] from 2007 till date. .

Dr. John Rajadas in   NASA, U.S.A.:     Dr . John  Rajadas   worked at  the internationally  renowned Anes Research Centre, Mofflet Field CA , NASA  [National Aeronautics and Space Administration , U.S}, as a Senior Research Scientist from 1991  to 1994. Prior to that Dr. John  Rajadas worked as a Research Scientist  at the Langley Research Centre, Hamplas , NASA from 1986 to 1991.

For every Space Research Scientist , the privilege of  working for some period of time at the world famous Space Research Center NASA is a dream and goal . Definitely  for Dr John Rajadas  it is  really  a quantum leap from the banks of Putheri lake , Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu , India  to   the  Research Campus of NASA in USA  and life time cherish and  achievement.

Professional Service of Dr. John Rajadas : 1]  Dr. John  Rajadas is a Member  of the Multidisciplinary Analysis of optimization [MDO}  Technical Committee, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics from 2000 to present . [2]  He was a Member of , Air Breathing Propulsion Technical Committee, American Institute of Aeronautics and  Astronautics from 1995 to 2001..[3] He was  the Chair Person  of the Airframe Integration Subcommittee, Air Breathing Propulsion  Technical Committee, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics from 1999  to 2001 [4]  He was a Member of  Propulsion /Airframe Integration of Publications Subcommittee, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics from1995 to 2001. [5] He was  the Technical Chair of  Air Breathing Propulsion, 27th AIAA [American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics] Aerospace Sciences Meeting , Reno, NV January 1999.

Professional Membership  :[1]  Dr John Rajadas is an Associate  Fellow of the  Amercan  Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics [AIAA] . [2]   He is a   Member of the Society of Automotive Engineers [SAE  International]. [3]  He is a Member of the American Society of Engineering Education [A S E E ]. [4] He is a Member of Society of Engineering Services [S E S ]. [5] He is a Member of the American Helicopter Society [AFS].

His Expertise  :   Fluids and Thermal sciences.

His research Interest  :     *Multidisciplinary design of optimization , Thermo Fluids , Alternate Energy.
*Applied Aerodynamics , Propulsion , Turbulence Modeling Research Flows.

Some high light points :  Dr. John  Rajadas   has  served  as a    Board Member of the International Editorial Review Board of the International Association of Journals & Conferences [IAJC].

Conclusion  :The  great  Tamil  Poet Thiruvalluvar  has said  that  the Mother would be proudly delighted  to see  her  just  born son ,but would be  more delighted  to hear that her son has become famous by his honest behavior and accomplishments .  Dr John Rajadas has really made his mother and father proud of him by his great qualities and accomplishments.  Dr. Rajadas deserves more recognition from the International Intellectual community.  Whenever  I used to pass through , in front of his house at Nagercoil , I always used to think of him with great admiration and love,.    Nagercoil and Kanyakumari and Tamilnadu   are really proud of Dr. John Rajadas.  No doubt he is an important Milestone of  the  intellectual and social history of Kanyakumari District , Tamil Nadu, India  and U.S.A....[ This Post will be updated  later].

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

Rev. N. Devadasan [Home Church], a Brahmin Convert married  Vethamanickam's Granddaughter :   Part  final :

Rev N. Devadasan and   Mrs. Sathiyayi  Devadsan  :   Really Sathyayi Devadsan was a real blessing to N. Devadasan in all senses of the the  word.  Really her worth was more and far above rubies. She was modest, clever ,educated, cultured well versed in Bible knowledge ;she was externally and internally beautiful and she  loved , helped and obeyed  her husband . They  lovingly lived  together for 10 years as a blessed married  couple, till death separated Sathiyayi  from her loving husband  Rev. N. Devadasan,  in 1852.. As a cute flower blossomed in the family garden of Maharasan Vethamanicakm  of Myladdy,  Mrs.Sathiyayi lived up to the  expectation of her Husband in all  the ways and respects.  It is written that Sathiyayi  loved her husband so much and during her 10 continued connubial life ; she  never  spoke any angry or disobedient word against her husband .  Connubial  harmony  was the hallmark of their conjugal  life. This lovely couple was blessed with 4 lovely Children and unfortunately 3 out of them died even before the death of Sathiyayi.. Unfortunately Sathiyayi died  on 5th  March,  1852 . On account of the death of his beloved wife  Sathiyayi , Rev. N. Devadasan,  was again stranded in life with great grief and immersed  into dreary deep  sand of dismay and disappointment.

Rev N. Devadasan   reconciled with his first wife Lakshmi  : After the demise of Sathiyayi , Devadasan sent  a message to  Lakshmi [his maternal uncle's daughter and his first wife]and told her if she was unwilling to come and live with him he would marry another woman. Lakshmi was then 22 years old , and she informed her consent to Devadsan  through a letter.  So  arrangement was made to bring Lakshmi to Jamestown, near kanyakumari, with the help Mrs. Annaml Gnanakan of Thittuvilai and accordingly Lakshmi arrived at Jamestown with Annamal.   Arrngements were made for a Christian marriage and her name Lakshmi was changed into Yesu Nesam . On the 1st November 1852.  the marriage of Devadasan and Yesunesam [Lakshmi] was solemnized  by Neyyoor Devasahayam   at James Town  LMS Church.. After the marriage, Yesunesam was given training in  general education and Bible , in the Rev Russell Girls School and subsequently Yesu Nesam  was baptized by Rev Russell .   God blessed their married  life  with  3 children .  Like Sathiyayi  , this Yesy Nesam[Lakshmi] was also a modest and God fearing woman and so Devadasan and Yesy Nesam   lived a happy life, till her death  on 1st march , 1881.,

Devadasan as Inspector of Schools and Inspecting  Catechist  :   Rev. Mault and Rev, Russell  took a keen interest on Devadasan and taught him the basic  Christain Theology and also  sent him to the Nagecoil Seminary to study English.  But  after some months he discontinued and assumed  to work as  the Inspector of the Mission schools at   the following  villages :Panagudi, Maruthapuram, Erathapuram, Kudangulam , Kanyakumari , Mylaudy, Oyaravillai , Puthukiramam, and Therur .  Moreover he was requested to preach the gospel in  the LMS  Churches in those villages.  During that period, Rev. Russell built some Schools , and a bungalow,  at  Pichaikudieruppu near Anjugramam and christened that place as James Town by his own name and  started to work  as the  the  Pastorate Pastor of the Churches at  the James Town  Pastorate.   N. Devasadasan  was appointed as an Assitant   to Rev. Russell   and in that capacity Devadasan started to preach the gospel of Christ to the people in and around James Town  specially among the non Christians. By nature Devadasan loved  and helped the poor people very much . Devadasan taught the people to pray, and to be clean  and  also to keep their  houses  clean and tidy.

Evangelist Devadasan won Nathanuel Chettiar for Christ: : , Devadasan  took  additional and sincere interest to preach the Gospel , throughout  South Travancore.  But unfortunately there was no  proper record about the souls  that Devadasan won for Christ.  Devadasan and Sathiyanathan Reader  used to conduct open air gospel meetings  to preach the gospel to the non Christians and in one such meeting ,one Hindu person [His Hindu name was not known] from Kottar as an onlooker heard Devadasan's message with interest and Devasdasan gave him a Christian book ..After some time Devadasan went to his house and discussed with him about Christ and his teachings.  Devadasan  used  to meet that particular person   often and on account of such meetings a lasting  friendship developed  between Devadasan  and  that  Hindu; after some time   that man accepted  Christ and changed his name as Nathanuel and became  a very staunch and popular Christian among the Christians at Nagercoil . Nathaneul and his whole family accepted Christ   and by the efforts of Nathanuel Chettiar,  a Church was established at Kottar.  In 1866 when Four Deacons were ordained at Home Church , Nathanuel was one among them . For many years Nathanuel Chettiar served as  a  Deacon of the Nagercoil Home Church  along with Daniel Parananadam  and others. Nathanuel Chettiar's descendants are still living with us.

N. Devadasan was ordained as a Pastor of Nagercoil Home Church in 1866  :  The year 1866  was an important Milestone in the history of the LMS in South Travancore.  On 13th  February , 1866 Rev , Dr, Mullens , ordained  N. Devadasan as  a  native pastor of Nagercoil Home Church . This historical function was attended by all the leading LMS Misionaries and  leading Christian  leaders of the day along with the Church members  of the Home Church.  On this historical occasion  the  "Certificate of Ordination" was also given to  Rev N. Devadasan  signed by the LM S Misssonaries who were there to bless the occasion .The following Missionaries signed the Certificate of  ordination :  Rev.Joseph Mullens,  D,D  ,  Rev.Frederick Baylis,   Rev. James Duthie ,  Re.V. Samuel Mateer,   Rev. Dr. John Lowe,  Rev. Goodeve Mabbs,   Rev.George Oliver New Port  . Rev. William Lee  and Rev. Frederick Wilkinson .  This historical day of 13th February is being celebrated as the Church Day of the Home Church, Nagercoil   ever since that day ,[ 13 , February 1866.]. He was not only the first Indian Pastor of Nagercoil Home church , but also  he  was one of the best  and fruitful Pastors of the Home Church, Nagercoil.

Rev. N Devadasan  Passed Away : The sudden and unexpected death of his children  one by one, affected Rev. N. Devadasan , mentally and physically . The heartless cruel death snatched his beloved daughter Marthal at the tender age of 21, from this world and Devadasan ;  on 20th May, 1864.  Marthal's death affected him beyond words.  While as  man of God  he was trying to recover  from  grief  ,with help the words of God,  his another  beloved daughter Nesammal  , who was very cute, modest also died unexpectedly . Rev Devadasan  liked Nesammal  a very much as he liked Marthal .  This lovely Nesammal was married to Mr. Daniel and  within one year her married life , she  died unexpectedly  on 19, March, 1872..  Devadasan's sadness reached no bounds . After exactly two years  , his another lovely and God fearing daughter Annal also died due to a gruesome  fire accident . Trials ,troubles , tribulations and deaths ,one by one haunted and mentally killed Devadasan .  However  like Job of the Bible ,  Devadasan did not say anything against God. The deaths of his beloved children affected  his physical health and mental peace to very great extent and as result ; on 10th , January, 1874, Rev. N. Devadasan  passed away from the world.

An  estimate about the great man  Rev . N. Devadasan  :    Rev. N. Devadasan was a rare and remarkable person, he was was liked and respected both by the Christians and the non Christians . He was a social Thinker and Revolutionary ;  even though he was born in an orthodox Brahmin family  ,he stood above the petty walls of caste , color and creed . He was one the pioneer converts, to Christianity from Brahmin Communty .  He embraced Christianity even  before Pandit Ramabai.  Devavadasan was really a born  again christian ."There is neither Jew nor Greek there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female ; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" : Late Rev.N. Devadasan , the first Indian Pastor of the Nagercoil Home Church  followed  these words of the Holy Bible and practiced in life . Rev.N .Devadasan's 50th death anniversary was celebrated at Nagercoil Home Church on 28th July , 1925,  on this occasion  a Memorial Tablet was dedicated and declared opened in memory of Rev. N, Devadasan  .  On that historical occasion, Rev. J.M Kesari, and  Rev J.N. Ambrose , paid  fitting tributes to the late Rev.N. Devadasan . Let me conclude  his life sketch with the words of his Memorial Tablet fixed inside the wall of Nagercoil Home Church.  His inner beauty, spiritual splendor , humanism  and his simple faith in  Christ  are the hallmarks of his biography.

                                                     In Loving  Memory of
                                                      Rev. N .Devadasan
                   WHO BEING A BRAHMIN BY BIRTH ,RENOUNCED HINDUISM AND WHOLE-HEARTEDLY ACCEPTED JESUS CHRIST AS HIS BELOVED LORD AND SAVIOUR .BORN DEC.1814. CONVERTED JULY 1839. LABOURED AT JAMES TOWN. ORDAINED AS THE FIRST INDIAN PASTOR OF HE NAGERCOIL CHURCH ON 13TH FEBRUARY 1866,. ENTERED INTO THE  JOY OF HIS MASTER ON THE 10TH JANUARY1874.

                   HIS WAS A LIFE OF APOSTOLIC LABOURS , COMPLETE SELF DENIAL AND SIMPLE FAITH.
                   THIS TABLET HAS BEEN RAISED BY THE NAGERCOIL CHURCH.

                                     [ This Post will be updated in due course of time]
P. BABU  MANOHARAN . {Rights reserved]..

Rev.N. Devadasan[Home Church], a Brahmin convert  married  Vethamanickam's Granddaughter :   Part I:

The historical back ground and introduction : In anticipation of Mr.  Ringeltaube's departure from Travancore , the LMS, London, had already appointed another Missionary , the Rev. Charles Mead and he embarked with several other  Missionaries in 1816 including Rev. Richard Knill, and reached Madras on 28th of August ,1816.   Rev Mead  reached Meiladi[Mylaudy]  via Colachel harbor ,in the beginning of 1818 and found that Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamanickam , had carried the London Mission work with great diligence and success.  Charles Mead was joined in September , 1818 by Rev. Richard  Knill. .  At that time Colonel Munro , the British Resident offered Mr. Charles Mead, his own Circuit Bungalow at Nagercoil , for  Mead's occupation . Mr Mead gladly accepted the offer and   shifted his Head Quarters to his new bungalow at Nagercoil  from Mylaudy.   Both Mr.Mead and  Mr. Knill moved to Nagercoil to reside ., Moreover Mr  Mead with the help of Colonel Munro, received from the Ranee[Queen] of Travancore, a piece of land around the Mission Bungalow at Nagercoil , on which the present  Home Church, The LMS Press [CSI Diocesan press] and the Women's Christian College now stand. Moreover the Travancore Ranee gave Rs. 5000/ to the London Mission of South Travancore as donation .

The Foundation stone  of the Home Church , Nagerecoil was laid on New Year day, 1819:

During the two years immediately following the arrival  Mr. Mead ;about 3000 persons chiefly of Nadar caste converted as LMS Christians. , in South Travancore . The congregation at Nagercoil alone numbered then, 300 and a large Chapel for occasional united meetings at the Head Station was being urgently required .

The Foundation stone of the Home Church Nagercoil was laid by Mr. Knill on New Year's day , 1819. Rev S. Mateer writes," . " Striking evidence of the strong faith and hope of these early labourers is seen in the noble dimension of the chapel, the erection of which they then commenced "[The Land of Charity , page. 269].  During that period of time , it was perhaps the largest Church in South India , measuring 127 feet in length by 60 feet wide and affording to Hindu custom , on the floor.  With the permission of the  Queen of Travancore ,  Rev . Charles Mead used the elephants  of Nagaraja Temple, Nagercoil  and the Prisoners , for the construction of the Home Church., Nagercoil.   By using the donations received from the Maharajas of Tanjore , Travancore and Cochin , this  stately and magnificent Home Church was constructed and completed . Th European Missionaries were serving as the Pastors of the LMS  Churches in South Travancore  till 1866.

.    

The First Four Native Pastors were Ordained in 1866 :     In 1866 the first four native  pastors :  Rev. N. Devadasan , Rev.S. Zechariah, Rev ,C. Masillamani and  Rev.C. Yesudian   were ordained by the Revd Dr. Mullens  of LMS , at the Home Church  Nagercoil ,  on the 13th  February 1866 and Rev N. Devadasan was ordained as the Pastor of the historical Home Church ,Nagercoil  by Revd Mullens on that occasion.  "Of these Mr.  N. Devadasan was  in some sense the most remarkable , though not the best educated" [A Hundred Years in Travancore -1806-1906-compiled by  Rev. I.H. Hacker , page 54]. Now we  will deal with the life sketch of the remarkable  Rev N, Subbaiyar[ Devadasan ]in the  following paragraphs.

The birth and early life of  Rev N. Devadasan[ N. Subbaiyar] the first Indian  Pastor of the Home Church Nagercoil : Rev N. Devadasan[N. Subbaiya]  was born at a small hamlet called Thirukazhur, Srivaikundam Taluk ,in Tirunelvelli District  in December 1814., to a Brahmin  parents.  His original name was Neelakandan Subbaiyar.  In tune with the Brahmnical tradition the Holy Thread marriage was conducted  to him ,when he was 7  years old.

The First  Indian  Female Marine  Scientist with  Diving Licence:  Dr. Anita G. Mary, M.Sc, Ph.D, :

The First   Female Marine Scientist with international diving licence in India: : The adorable  and adventurous Dr. Anita  G. Mary,   M.Sc, M.Phil,  Ph.D,  is  a  resident of Nagercoil , Kanyakumari District, and she  is altogether a different personalty with a different mettle and mental make-up. She is unique and a landmark achiever in her field. The world will shortly recognize her achievements .This great Sea Bird ,  a born Lover of Sea and Sea Diver , will definitely create a  new record in diving deep into the sea and reach great heights in life. Her achievements will speak for her. She is the first Indian  Female Marine Scientist with the International Diving Licence.

As  an approved Marine Biologist and Taxonomist, her bound duty is to find out new and unknown corals and sponges inside the deep sea and to classify and  name them..In this  field  of research and discovery she has already crossed many milestones.

Her parents and family. Dr. Anita was born in Kerala State and her family shifted to Nagercoil  when she was  an infant  and since then  her family and she  have been living at Nagercoil.  Dr. Anita G Mary's parents  , Mr. George  and   Mrs.  George  gave complete freedom to their daughter Anita to chose her subject and course of education .Even though she was a brilliant student with State Rank marks , instead of  selecting  the routine Medical and Engineering studies she chose a different ,unique and thrilling course of education and training and exposed herself to the world  that she is  different  from other girl children.

Dr. Anita's Education:

She did her Primary School Education in the Morton Primary School, Nagercoil and continued her High School studies  and Plus Two in the famous Duthie  Higher Secondary School, Nagercoil and she secured State Ranks both in her SSLC and Plus Two examinations.  Her  enviable educational achievements are

stated below:

Ph.D in Marine Biotechnology [2005]  : ,By doing research on the marine sponges of the Southeast and Southwest coasts of India , she passed her Ph. D ,degree with distinction  from the Manonmaniam Sunderanar  Unversity [MS] Tirunelvelli , in 2005 .M.Phil in Coastal Aquaculture [1999]:  She did her M.Phil Course on Taxonomy, biodiversity and biometry of marine sponges with drug  potential  of  the Southeast Tamil Nadu Coast , in the MS Universityand passed her M.Phil   degree ,with   First Rank  in the University, with Gold Medal and a Citation .M.Sc in Marine Biotechnology [1998].  Dr Anita did her M.Sc course in the MS University and got University First Rank with Gold Medal and a citation [1998].Post Graduate Diploma in Coastal Aquaculture[1996] : She did her PG course in Coastal Aqua Culture in MS University . Her thesis was on Finfish and Shellfish  culture in South India.B.Sc in Zoology [1995]  She did her  B. Sc in Zoology in the MS University [Pioneer Kumarasamy College Nagercoil ]and passed  the Examination ,with  First Rank in the University. 

Awards ; As a fearless and peerless  pioneer women Scientist in her field of research , the research and intellectual world came forward to recognize her with honors and awards.  Dr Anita  got the famous NSF Travel Award to present a Research Paper on the" Octocorals of  India " at the 7th International Conference[June 2003-July 2003] on Coelenterate Biolology, University of Kanvas, Lawrence, USA.

The Indian Jaycees and the World Wide Federation of Young Leaders &Entrepreneurs , honored her by conferring the "Young Achiever in Science Award, 2005..She was a prestigious recipient of the M.Sc Student Project  Award  INR 5000 [July1997-May 1998] from the Tamil Nadu State Council for  Science and  Technology.She received the Junior  Research Fellowship[1998-2001] from the Department of Biotechnology ,New Delhi .

Posts she decorated ::
    At present she works as  INDIA PROGRAM MANAGER , in one the famous UK  organization called, ' GLOBAL VISION INTERNATIONAL , UK  ,from March  2013   till date. .

Environmentalist /General Manger Business Development [ MEMIOS  INDIA  New Delhi]: Dr Anita worked as an Environmentalist and General Manager Business Development  in MEMIOS  INDIA , New Delhi, from April 2012 till march 2013. In her capacity she was in charge of  Environmental Impact assessment , Site Surveys , addressing conservation and environmental issues with special importance to Municipal Solid Waste etc and also  to attend the Business development meetings with the concerned Officials both in India and abroad.

Some high lights of her professional career asMarine Scientist   :Dr Anita  had the privilege of working as  Marine Scientist in the famous , HMR Environmental Engineering  Consultants , Sultanate of Oman.from November 2008 to February 2012.  As a Marine Scientist , Dr Anita was expected to make the marine survey  and environmental impact assessment, using  SCUBA  along the  Sea of Oman and Arabian  Sea. She has also to do the work of identification of marine fauna and flora and addressing conservation and environmental issues of coastal ecosystem, data collection, analysis ,assessment project proposals for fund raising, administration and submission of reports to the  Ministry and Clients  etc.Dr. Anita workded as  Marine  Scientist , in the  Institute  for  Environmental  Research & Social Education [IERC- Tamil Nadu] &Centre for Applied  Science [CAS - Kerala State] India,  from Jan 2001 to April 2007. This Institute was funded by National Geographic Society, PADI  Aware Asia  -Pacific , MRDS USA, WWF- India , CMFRI.She also had the privilege to work a  Project Officer in the prestigious , World Wide Fund for Nature [WWF-India, funded by  MoEF, New Delhi].  from Oct 2004 to June 2005.Dr. Anita had also worked as Consultant in the famous NGO, German Agro Action [ Germany- Chennai] & KRRC [NGO- Tamil Nadu ] , India.

Dr. Anita in the teaching field:   As a multifaceted personality Dr. Anita had experiences in various fields including Education. She  worked as Teacher of  Fisheries , Marine Biology, Oceanography ,in the Ministry of Education , Maldives.Dr. Anita had the privilege to work as Lecturer in , Udaya Engineering College, Anna University, Tamil Nadu, India. and taught Biology, Bioorganic Chemistry, Environmental Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Genomics and Protenomics ,from March 2004 to April 2005.She also worked as a  Guest Lecturer in St. Joseph's Engineering College , Sikkim Manipal University, Thiruvalla , Kerala , India and taught General Biology, Drug Designing , Plant Genomics and Database Processing  and administered the B.Tech students,  from January  2002 to  January  2003.Dr. Anita had the opportunity   to  work as a Part- time Lecturer to teach Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Coastal Aquaculture for M.Sc, and M. Phil scholars, in the famous Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tamil Nadu , India. , from Oct 2000 to December 2002.Dr. Anita also worked  in  the  Academic College , University of  Kerala , India as Resource Person , for the Yearly Refresher courses in Life Sciences.

Dr. Anita's Participation and Paper Presentations in International Conferences:  Dr Anita has participated in many important  International workshops and conference and has presented Research papers of very high order .To cite a few She has  presented a paper and chaired  a Session at the "World Conference on Marine biodiversity " held at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland , UK,  from September26- to30  September 2011.She has participated in the International Workshop on the Taxonomy and Biology of Octocorals, Phuket Marine Biological Center, Phuket, Thailand, held from October 1 to 5th 2007.Dr. Anita has the honor of presenting a Poster on "Status of Octocoral and sponge densities along the west coast,of India with special reference to post -Tsunami survey" at the 25th Anniversry conference on Tropical Aquatic Research towards Sustainable Development , NARA, Colombo.She has the honor of presenting  a Paper on the Biodiversity and distribution of Octocorals of Minicoy, Lakshadweep islands'  at the First Asia Pacific Coral  Reef  Symposium, The Chinese University of Hong Kong ,  Hong Kong SAR , China from 18th  June   to 24 th June 2006.She has the honor of participating in the Seventh Asia Pacific Marine biotechnology conference  NIO, Regional Centre-Kochi , kerala , India from 2 November to 5 Novemmbr 2006..She also participated in many International  Workshops on the Taxonomy of  Octocorals ., .

Dr. Anita's Published Articles and Papers  :  Scientist Dr Anita's ,many Papers and Articles have been published in some of the famous  International  Journals and Magazines,  To cite  a few : [1]The Article, "Octoral diversity and distribution on the South-West Indian Coast "authored by Dr Anita G. Mary  and R.D. Sluka and S.Lazarus has been published[2011], in , "Marine Biodiversity Records , Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom,4:e16:1-11.      [2.]The paper ,"The biota of shallow rocky reefs on the west coast of India " was published in the , CORDIO Status Report 2011. Obura  &Samoilys MA[Eds]. ,CORDIO  East Africa .http;//www.cordioea.org/status-report-2011/.    [ 3.]Dr. Anita's Paper[2008],"Abundance and Community structure of Reef Building Corals in  Lakhsdweep Islands , India' was published in "Atol Research  Bulletin , NMNH, Smithsonian Institution , No. 563.[4]  The paper,jointly written by Lazarus , S. and Dr. Anita G. Mary[2006]was published in"Biodiversity studies by IERSE using underwater equipment in National research and Monitoring Workshop, [eds.V.K.Melkani, V.Naganathan and R.U.Maheswari], GOMBRT, Ramanathapuram,TamilNadu,  Publ.5, Vol.1:107-109.[5]Her Research papers have been published in many famous international science and research magazines and journals  like, "Proceedings of the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology,. "Proceedings of the first national Seminar on Trends in Marine  Biotechnology, Indian  ICAS  publications., ENVIS Publications series, etc etc.

Conclusion  : Before concluding it  is better to have  a look at some of her adventurous  under -sea experiences   .According to her she was the first  and only Indian female Marine Scientist with an International Diving license  .She takes pride to call herself as the lover of the sea. . According to her there is a wonderful world beneath the sea waters and she says every time she goes  into  the sea  she gets new, new novel experiences. She used to take short notes about those different colorful living beings under the water.  Diver Dr. Anita  has met various dangerous experiences and nightmares inside the sea . She says the lovely sea  is as dangerous as it is beautiful. She says a Sea Diver has to face  many dangers like ,water current shock, the attack of the bursting of Sea Rocks  and the horrible hotness of the under water and so on.  Undeterred by all these shocking experiences and threats , Dr Anita dives into the sea and reaches nearly 150 meters inside the deep unfathomable sea in search new flora and fauna and  wonders .This brave and adventurous Marine Scientist Dr. Anita , is really a born Lover of Sea  and in her field of marine research , today she is a recognized Scientist internationally and she has got rare privileges to chair many International   Seminars . Today she is working as the India Program Manager , Global Vision International, UK,  from March 2013 till date with great dignity and dedication . The world will shortly  and surely notice her extraordinary contributions   and  accomplishments .Really she is  a Milestone not only on the outer  surface of the earth  but also  she is a Sea Milestone even below the surface of the sea.

[Shortly  this article will be updated].
P. BABU MANOHARAN. [Rights reserved].

Some Great Unsung Achievers in Medical Field Dr. Manuel Alexander, F.R.C.S, :    :

Dr. Manuel Alexander ,B.Sc, M.B.B.S, F.R.C S. [1928--2001]  :         There are really some lovely blossomed  buds and flowers in some corners  of  some remote distant places near the brooks or at the top of some hills , their fragrances and enchanting spectacles are still beyond the reach of  human knowledge, similarly there are so many unsung heroes in  all the fields, not  known to the general public , that is  true in the case of medical field also.  In this Post I would like to bring out some unsung Achievers in Kanyakumari District, India,  in the medical  field   , to the attention and notice of the global  public.  The late Dr. Manuel Alexander ,M.B.B.S,  F.R.C.S, of Chakapathu village, near Manavalakurichi  in Kanyakumari District , was one such  unsung  achiever ,in the  field of Medical Service.

Dr . Manuel Alexander's date of  birth, place of birth and parents:  Dr. Manuel Alexander , B.Sc, M.B.B.S, F.R.C.S[U.K,]  was born on November 28, 1928, at a lovely , idyllic , rural and remote village called Chakapathu, near Manavalakkurichi, in  Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India, as the son of late Dr.  V. Manuel and Rajammal Manuel.   Dr.M. Alexander's parents had nine children and  Dr.  Alexander was the eldest   male child  of his parents.   Dr. V. Manuel was a Registered Medical Practitioner in Kerala [Travancore] . Dr.V. Manuel  the father of Dr Manuel Alexander, was a shrewd and efficient Medical Practitioner of his times  and during his time  the great  Medical  Missionary Dr. William Alexander Noble, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.I.C.S.,   from United States was working in a famous Mission Hospital  at Nagercoil in Kanyakumari District, India  and Dr.V . Manuel was  well liked by Dr. W.A. Noble and they were great friends.  Dr. V. Manuel's Father Mr. Varampattan, was a famous  Agriculturalist  with some landed property in his locality and also was an expert in Indian  "Defensive Art".

Dr.M.Alexander's Education :    As , his father Dr . V. Manuel was working as a Registered Medical Practitioner ,  in Kerala State [Travancore State] ,  Dr. Manuel Alexander did his School Education in Kerala State[Travancore State].  From the very beginning he was an ardent , industrious and and intelligent student and he wanted to achieve something great in life so  he continued  his Collegiate Education in  the then Madras  State[Tamil Nadu]. He did his B.Sc. Course in a famous College at Karaikkudi in TamilNadu. In tune with the  burning  ambition of his Father Dr.V.Manuel and his own natural flair for Medical Service , he did his M. B. B.S Course  in the famous   Stanley  Medical College , Madras and  received his M.B.B.S degree with flying colors. , in 1958.   During his Medical College student days he was very popular both among his teaching staff  and fellow students.

Dr. Manuel  Alexander's marriage  ;  The handsome and smart  Dr. Manuel Alexander  met  a Syrian Christian lady doctor , belonging to Kayamkulam , Kerala ,  by name Susan  Mathew who was a Gynecologist and they were mutually impressed and got  married and the then Chief Minister of Madras State [Tamil Nadu] Shri. Bakthavatchalam was the Chief Guest of their marriage.

Higher studies in Great Britain[UK]  :    During Dr.M. Alexander's  time , it had been a burning passion on the part of all Medical Doctors from Kanyakumari District , like others ,  to earn an F.R.C.S  degree   from Great Britain  .  So  immediately after their marriage,  in tune with his burning ambition for educational achievement,  Dr. Manuel Alexander along with his wife Mrs. Dr. Susan Alexander went to Great Britain  for higher studies  and  there he successfully completed  his  prestigious F.R.C.S, degree and added feathers to his  intellectual cap and hope.

His Medical Practice in Great Britain :  After having successfully completed his  F.R.C.S  , Dr. Manuel Alexander,  practiced as an  Orthopedist    in England  from 1968 to 1977 and gained great ,valuable experience and expertise  in his medical field.

Dr M. Alexander moved to U.SA to enhance and enlarge  his medical career :  As a great visionary Dr. Manuel Alexander moved to the United States of America  and   among the cities , towns and counties the beautiful Athens located on  a hill above Cedar Shoals and on the banks of Oconee  River in Georgia State ,attracted his attention and so , Dr. Manuel Alexander  with his family settled at Athens in Georgia State.  USA .  Athens was considered as the Manchester of the Southern States of U.S, for  pioneering the cause of cotton  and textile technological revolution and textile business .  Athens was a cosmopolitan city consisting of a  good  percentage of educated  Afro American population . He worked as an Orthopedic Surgeon at Banks-Jackson-Commerce Hospital in Jackson County ,Georgia,. He  proved himself  by his hard work and  innovative surgery techniques ,  as one of the most famous and efficient Orthopedic Surgeons in United States ,specially in Georgia State.

Dr. Manuel Alexander   maintained Courtesy Privileges at  Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia State and also at the prestigious Athens Regional Medical Center.  As an expert and innovative surgeon  and a friendly human being  Dr Manuel Alexander  earned the love and respect of all the people in  and around Athens , Atlanta and Georgia.

Dr. M. Alexander's  prestigious  Associations and Memberships :

1. Dr. M. Alexander was Member of the Association of Kerala Medical graduates .
2. Dr. M. Alexander was a Member in the Georgia Association of Physicians from India.
3. He was a Board  Member of the Board of Directors of R.S.D  Society. 
4. Board Member of American Medical Association .
5. An Active  Member in the Commerce Lions Club , Athens;   and so on .
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Dr. Manuel Alexander's  wife and children : His wife Susan Mathew Alexander , M.D, is a gynecologist This couple Dr. Manuel Alexander and Dr. Mrs. Susan Mathew  Alexander were  blessed with two sons namely  Sunil Manuel  Alexander and Suresh M. Alexander .  His Son Dr. Sunil  Manuel   Alexander , MD, is an accredited and certified Doctor by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Manuel Alexander  , F.R.C.S,  passed away:  It is really unfortunate that death without any second thought embraces everybody without any discrimination, that was true in the case of Dr. Manuel Alexander   also . After having served the community and the medical world for about  33 years , he breathed  his last breath  at the age of 72, on  20th [Sunday] May  , 2001, in Athens , Georgia  State,USA.. The whole city of Athens and the people living in and around Athens city  also mourned for him.  He was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Athens   and Marthoma Church of Atlanta, Georgia  State.

Dr. Manuel Alexander's funeral service was held 2 pm on May 24, 2001 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church and the Funeral Service was jointly officiated by by Right. Rev Dr. Zacharias ,Mar Theophilus , Revds. Peter Courtney and Mandy Brandy . It was said by one of his relative at Nagercoil  that  hundreds  of people belonging to various colors and grades  took part in his Funeral Procession including the  Mayor of Athens City, Georgia. Many Physicians and staff of at " Banks Jackson Commerce Hospital ", served as honorary ball bearers  on this occasion . Dr. Manuel Alexander's  mortal remains were interred in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, Athens with great  agony,honor and respect .

Conclusion : Dr. Manuel Alexander was really legendary personality , He is physically no more with us but

but he lives and cherishes in our minds because of his extraordinary accomplishments; he lives in the annals of medical History of Georgia State, US.    Dr.Manuel  Alexander hailed from a unknown middle class christian family from a little known tiny village Ckakapathu, Kanyakumari District , Tamil Nadu , India,. One of his family members from his village told me that he was thriving in medical profession like anything and became very rich  and he owned and lived  in a Palatial , spacious and splendid house like  a  Baron . He made his parents, family ,  village , district  and  country  proud of him . No doubt  Dr.  Manuel  Alexander, B.Sc, M.B.B.S, F.R.C.S[U.K] ,  was a proud and enviable and shimmering  Milestone in the medical history of Kanyakumari District, and India and also Athens ,[ Geogia , USA.]

   
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