Dr. M.A. Thangaraj and his Wife and Children : The marriage of Dr. Manuel A .Thangaraj [ S/o Mr Amirhtavasagam and Mrs Navaneetham Amirthavasagam] with Ms. Mary Monica Coelho [ D/o Mr.Dominic and Mrs Magdalene Coelho Dominic ] was solemnized at the Santhom Cathedral in Madras on 29th December, 1948. This lovely couple was blessed with two sons namely ;[1] Arun Thangaraj , and [2]Suresh Bernard Thangaraj . But their second son was born as a mentally retarded child and his moving and challenging birth ,changed the goal and course of Thnangaraj couple's life.
Prof. Dr. M..A. Thangaraj, M.A, Ph.D,.[ Toronto University]
Dr M.A. Thangaraj moved to Madurai from Madras Christian College, Tambaram to take charge as Principal of the American college : Dr. M.A Thangaraj assumed charge as Principal of the famous American College Madurai in 1967 and served as a visionary and innovative Principal till his retirement in 1979. During his officiating period as Principal of American College, he transformed and changed American College , Maduari, as one of the outstanding and best colleges in India.
AMERICAN COLLEGE, MADURAI
Dr. M.A Thangaraj was called as one of the Fathers of College Autonomy in India: Dr Manuel .A. Thangaraj made American College, Madurai, as one of the first seven Autonomous Colleges in India. Dr Manuel Amirthavasagam Thangaraj was generally called and known in the college and friends' circle as M.A.T.. Dr. M.A Thangaraj ,was a creative and innovative thinker and educationist.. As Principal of the American College, in tune with his innovative thinking and vision , he took necessary initiatives through proper channel and upgraded the American College, Madurai as one of the first seven the Autonomous Colleges in the whole India. So Dr.M.A. Thangaraj was called as one of the Fathers of College Autonomy in India .
Dr.M.A.Thangaraj and his wife Mrs Mary Thangaraj founded Anbagam in Madurai : The mental and physical condition of Thangraj Couple's second son Suresh deeply and adversely affected and impacted Dr. Thangaraj and his beloved wife Ms Mary Thangaraj to a great and irrecoverable level and extent .As good compassionate Parents they empathised with all the mentally retarded Children. They both spontaneously thought to do some ameliorating good service for the cause of mentally retarded Children, including their own beloved son Suresh. So as soon as they moved to Madurai from Madras they founded Anbagam[ Home of Love] for the cause of the mentally retarded children in 1970 with 7 retarded children .Since then there was no turning back, Dr Thangaraj assumed charge as the First Director of Anbagam . Thangaraj couple's soul and mind were soulfully involved in the affairs of ANBAGAM. Dr Thangaraj and his beloved wife Ms. Mary Monica Thangaraj with the support of their friends and well wishers built their own Building for Anbagam . Every year the number of children accommodated in Anbagam was increasing .[ A Separate Article will be written about Mrs Mary Thangaraj and Anbagam, later ]. After his retirement in 1979 from the American College, Madurai , Dr M.A Thangaraj spent more time for the cause of mentally retarded children and Ambagam
Suresh Bernard Thangaraj Teachers Training College was started in 1991 by Dr Thangaraj: Dr M.A .Thangaraj as a innovative and creative thinker wanted to start a Teachers Training College to impart special training to selected candidates to teach mentally retarded Children . So in 1991, SBTTC [Suresh Bernard Teachers Training College ], was started by Dr Thangarj in Madurai . And this Special Training College was affiliated with the Madurai Kamaraj University .Now this college offers B.Ed degree course of special education to the students of this B.Ed college.
Books Written By Dr. Manueel A. Thangaraj : Dr Mauel A Thangaraj was a creative and scientific thinker so had written many valuable books; to cite a few:
[1] A Text Book on Modern Physics,[1961]
[2] Life Giving Sun [1963 ],
[3] Rays Visible and Invisible [1965],
[4] Energy from the Atom [1968],
[5] Space Travel, [1968],
[6] Conquest of Space[ 1973],
[7] Electronics[ 1979]
.By his books Dr. M.A. Thangaraj had created inspiring love for Physics and Space and Atomic Research in the minds of the reading students and Indian Researchers..
Some Colourful Feathers on His Cap: Dr M.A. Thangaraj had the privilege to serve in many prestigious academic bodies. To cite a few:-
[1] He served as Chairman of the Governing Board, CMC,Vellore [ Christian Medical College,and Hospital,[1971-1978,]
[2] He served as a Member of the Board of Governors , St, Stephens' College, New Delhi[1979=1982], [3] He was a Member of the Governing Body, Union Christian College, Batala, Punjab[1979-1982],
[4] He served as Honorary Treasurer , C.S.I Diocese of Madurai and Ramanad[1982-1985 ],
[5] He also had the privilege to serve as Honorary Director , Christian Mission Hospital, Madurai, [1982-1985],
[6] He was a Member of the Governing Board , International School, Kodaikanal [1985-1997],
[7] He also served as a Member of the Governing Board, Lady Doak College, Madurai[1986-1999],
[8] He also decorated the Chair of Christian India Program, United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia[1991-1997],
[9] He was a Member of the Governing Council , the American College, Madurai[1997-2003 ],
[10] He served as Chairman of the Governing Board Lady Doak College, Madurai [1993-2003]
[11] Dr. M.A.Thangaraj also served as Honorary Director , S.B.Teachers Training College, Madurai [1990-2003] and so on
Dr. Manuel A. Thangaraj brought new dignity , significance and decorum to all the Offices and Posts he occupied.
He served as U.P.S.C Examiner: The Union Public Service Commission recognised his extraordinary knowledge in Physics and accordingly appointed him as U.P.S.C Examiner. Dr. Manuel A Thangaraj had the prestigious privilege to work as Examiner, Government of India, Public Service Commission [1958-1961]. Really it was great honour and recognition for Dr. Manuel A Thangarj.
Awards received: No doubt he was taller than all awards .Yet, with great pleasure Dr. Manuel A Thangaraj received the National Pioneer Award for Educational Innovation from the All India Association for Christian Higher Education , New Delhi, in 2000.
Conclusion : Dr. Manuel Amithavasagam Thangaraj was really one of the remarkable personalities and educationists in India. He was born in humble and pious christian Family and became one of the tallest Physicists and Educationists of India . He was a great Physics teacher he was an expert and adept in teaching Modern Physics to the B.Sc Final year students and Atomic Physics to the M.Sc students. He balanced his head and heart. Dr. M.A. Thangaraj played a pivotal role as its Co-Founder along with Fr.T.A. Mathias, Dr. Panavelil Thomas Chandy, Dr. Chandran Devenesan, Fr. Herbert D'Souza, Archbishop Angelo Fernandes and Bishop Paulos Mar Gregorios, .for the formation of the All India Association for Christian Higher Education[ A.I.A.C.H.E] , in India and he also served as President of the AIACHE [ 1973- 1975]. He never had any time to rest he used all the available time to the fullest use. He had many reasons to be proud of himself , but the pitiable and pathetic condition of the mentally retarded children was continuously cankering his inner mind and peace.The pathetic conditions of the mentally retarded children was killing his soul and solace bit by bit. During the last days of his life, unfortunately Dr. M.A. Thangaraj was affected with Myeclodyspalstic Syndrome and was slowly dying and he breathed his final breath on 26th December, 2003. He was really a great soul and unique personality. He was an interesting ,inspiring and active person and he loved reading and writing. He was a good Tennis Player like the other members of his family and he was a good singer and he loved music very much. Very rarely we can have remarkable persons like Dr Manuel A Thangaraj , in this world. who are remembered and loved for their noble thoughts, service and accomplishments.
By. P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A, [Rights are reserved. This Article will be enlarged, modified and corrected later, if needed].
:
AMERICAN COLLEGE, MADURAI
Dr. M.A Thangaraj was called as one of the Fathers of College Autonomy in India: Dr Manuel .A. Thangaraj made American College, Madurai, as one of the first seven Autonomous Colleges in India. Dr Manuel Amirthavasagam Thangaraj was generally called and known in the college and friends' circle as M.A.T.. Dr. M.A Thangaraj ,was a creative and innovative thinker and educationist.. As Principal of the American College, in tune with his innovative thinking and vision , he took necessary initiatives through proper channel and upgraded the American College, Madurai as one of the first seven the Autonomous Colleges in the whole India. So Dr.M.A. Thangaraj was called as one of the Fathers of College Autonomy in India .
Dr.M.A.Thangaraj and his wife Mrs Mary Thangaraj founded Anbagam in Madurai : The mental and physical condition of Thangraj Couple's second son Suresh deeply and adversely affected and impacted Dr. Thangaraj and his beloved wife Ms Mary Thangaraj to a great and irrecoverable level and extent .As good compassionate Parents they empathised with all the mentally retarded Children. They both spontaneously thought to do some ameliorating good service for the cause of mentally retarded Children, including their own beloved son Suresh. So as soon as they moved to Madurai from Madras they founded Anbagam[ Home of Love] for the cause of the mentally retarded children in 1970 with 7 retarded children .Since then there was no turning back, Dr Thangaraj assumed charge as the First Director of Anbagam . Thangaraj couple's soul and mind were soulfully involved in the affairs of ANBAGAM. Dr Thangaraj and his beloved wife Ms. Mary Monica Thangaraj with the support of their friends and well wishers built their own Building for Anbagam . Every year the number of children accommodated in Anbagam was increasing .[ A Separate Article will be written about Mrs Mary Thangaraj and Anbagam, later ]. After his retirement in 1979 from the American College, Madurai , Dr M.A Thangaraj spent more time for the cause of mentally retarded children and Ambagam
Suresh Bernard Thangaraj Teachers Training College was started in 1991 by Dr Thangaraj: Dr M.A .Thangaraj as a innovative and creative thinker wanted to start a Teachers Training College to impart special training to selected candidates to teach mentally retarded Children . So in 1991, SBTTC [Suresh Bernard Teachers Training College ], was started by Dr Thangarj in Madurai . And this Special Training College was affiliated with the Madurai Kamaraj University .Now this college offers B.Ed degree course of special education to the students of this B.Ed college.
Books Written By Dr. Manueel A. Thangaraj : Dr Mauel A Thangaraj was a creative and scientific thinker so had written many valuable books; to cite a few:
[1] A Text Book on Modern Physics,[1961]
[2] Life Giving Sun [1963 ],
[3] Rays Visible and Invisible [1965],
[4] Energy from the Atom [1968],
[5] Space Travel, [1968],
[6] Conquest of Space[ 1973],
[7] Electronics[ 1979]
.By his books Dr. M.A. Thangaraj had created inspiring love for Physics and Space and Atomic Research in the minds of the reading students and Indian Researchers..
Some Colourful Feathers on His Cap: Dr M.A. Thangaraj had the privilege to serve in many prestigious academic bodies. To cite a few:-
[1] He served as Chairman of the Governing Board, CMC,Vellore [ Christian Medical College,and Hospital,[1971-1978,]
[2] He served as a Member of the Board of Governors , St, Stephens' College, New Delhi[1979=1982], [3] He was a Member of the Governing Body, Union Christian College, Batala, Punjab[1979-1982],
[4] He served as Honorary Treasurer , C.S.I Diocese of Madurai and Ramanad[1982-1985 ],
[5] He also had the privilege to serve as Honorary Director , Christian Mission Hospital, Madurai, [1982-1985],
[6] He was a Member of the Governing Board , International School, Kodaikanal [1985-1997],
[7] He also served as a Member of the Governing Board, Lady Doak College, Madurai[1986-1999],
[8] He also decorated the Chair of Christian India Program, United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia[1991-1997],
[9] He was a Member of the Governing Council , the American College, Madurai[1997-2003 ],
[10] He served as Chairman of the Governing Board Lady Doak College, Madurai [1993-2003]
[11] Dr. M.A.Thangaraj also served as Honorary Director , S.B.Teachers Training College, Madurai [1990-2003] and so on
Dr. Manuel A. Thangaraj brought new dignity , significance and decorum to all the Offices and Posts he occupied.
He served as U.P.S.C Examiner: The Union Public Service Commission recognised his extraordinary knowledge in Physics and accordingly appointed him as U.P.S.C Examiner. Dr. Manuel A Thangaraj had the prestigious privilege to work as Examiner, Government of India, Public Service Commission [1958-1961]. Really it was great honour and recognition for Dr. Manuel A Thangarj.
Awards received: No doubt he was taller than all awards .Yet, with great pleasure Dr. Manuel A Thangaraj received the National Pioneer Award for Educational Innovation from the All India Association for Christian Higher Education , New Delhi, in 2000.
Conclusion : Dr. Manuel Amithavasagam Thangaraj was really one of the remarkable personalities and educationists in India. He was born in humble and pious christian Family and became one of the tallest Physicists and Educationists of India . He was a great Physics teacher he was an expert and adept in teaching Modern Physics to the B.Sc Final year students and Atomic Physics to the M.Sc students. He balanced his head and heart. Dr. M.A. Thangaraj played a pivotal role as its Co-Founder along with Fr.T.A. Mathias, Dr. Panavelil Thomas Chandy, Dr. Chandran Devenesan, Fr. Herbert D'Souza, Archbishop Angelo Fernandes and Bishop Paulos Mar Gregorios, .for the formation of the All India Association for Christian Higher Education[ A.I.A.C.H.E] , in India and he also served as President of the AIACHE [ 1973- 1975]. He never had any time to rest he used all the available time to the fullest use. He had many reasons to be proud of himself , but the pitiable and pathetic condition of the mentally retarded children was continuously cankering his inner mind and peace.The pathetic conditions of the mentally retarded children was killing his soul and solace bit by bit. During the last days of his life, unfortunately Dr. M.A. Thangaraj was affected with Myeclodyspalstic Syndrome and was slowly dying and he breathed his final breath on 26th December, 2003. He was really a great soul and unique personality. He was an interesting ,inspiring and active person and he loved reading and writing. He was a good Tennis Player like the other members of his family and he was a good singer and he loved music very much. Very rarely we can have remarkable persons like Dr Manuel A Thangaraj , in this world. who are remembered and loved for their noble thoughts, service and accomplishments.
By. P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A, [Rights are reserved. This Article will be enlarged, modified and corrected later, if needed].
:
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