Kanyakumari District Educational Officer [ Private Schools] and Former Head Mistress at the Govt Higher Secondary School at Manikattipottal, Mrs.Ajitha , M.Sc, M.Ed, M.Phil.

Introduction:   Kanykumari District Educational officer [D.E.O.} for Private Schools Mrs K.P. Ajitha, M.Sc.M.Ed, M.Phil, is a great and ideal Educationist and Teacher. An ideal Teacher is vested and entrusted with the responsibility of removing the ignorance from the minds of his or her students and enlighten their minds with wisdom and good values. We can definitely say that our D.E.O. Mrs. k.P. Ajitha, M.Sc, M.Phil is an ideal Teacher and Educationist.  Among the professions, teaching is one of the noblest professions. Our DEO Mrs KP Ajitha is an exemplary teacher, and her students respect her with gratitude. She is very brilliant and by sincere hard work she has reached this august place.  A perusal of her profile will galvanise the readers and students to live a meaningful life with benignant responsibilities. She is very simple, unassuming and she moves with her students, colleagues and parents with friendliness. Definitely she is a shining Milestone in the educational and social history of our district and Tamil Nadu. 

                                                  Mrs. K. P. AJITHA, M.Sc,M.ED, M.Phil.

Mrs. K.P. Ajitha's Parents and Birth:   Puthukadai is a beautiful Village located near Kuzhithurai and Kappiyankadu / Kappukadu  [ it is believed to be the birthplace of the famous Tamil Grammarian Tholkappiyar] in Kanyakumari district. In this enchanting business flourishing village, lived a gentleman by name Mr. kolappan with his beloved wife Mrs Pangajam Kolappan and God blessed this couple with all the conjugal blessings, and this Couple gave birth to Mrs Ajitha on 29th of May 1970.  Mr kolappan worked in the Veterinary Department, Govt of Tamil Nadu and retired as a Livestock Inspector and Mrs Pangajam Kolappan worked as Govt Primary School teacher and retired as a Head Mistress of a Government Primary School.

Mrs. K.P. Ajitha's Siblings:  God blessed Mr Kolappan and Mrs Pangajam Kolappan couple with all the connubial blessings and Mr Kolappan and Mrs Pankajam Kolappan couple gave birth to the following children namely [1] Ms Ajitha Singh, [The heroine of this Blogpost],[2] Ms K.P. Vijila, B.Sc, she married Dr. P. J. Raju, B.V.S.C, A.H, and Dr P.J. Raju worked as a  Veterinary Surgeon in the Government of Kerala, and this couple gave birth to the following children namely ;- [a]Mr. Ranjith and he is doing his 2nd year B.L, [b] Mr. Prajith and he is preparing for his NEET examination, [3] Ms Sijitha Lekha, D.E.E, and [4] Mr. Ezhil Kumar, MBA, and he is working in a Private Company, and he married Ms Prabha, M.Sc. B.Ed, and Ms Prabha is working as a Teacher, Tamil Nadu Government, "Illam Thedi Kalvi" scheme and this couple is blessed with a smart girl.

Mrs. K.P. Ajitha's Educational Track:   Young Ms K.P. Ajitha did her Primary School education and Middle School education at the Government Middle School at Puthukadai.  She pursued her High School and Higher Secondary School education at the Government Higher Secondary School at Munchirai. After having passed her Plus Two examination with high marks she pursued her B.Sc[ Chemistry] at the famous Holy Cross College, Nagercoil and passed her B.Sc[ Chemistry] in First Class. Then she pursued her M.Sc. [ Chemistry] at the S. T Hindu College Nagercoil and passed her M.Sc[ Chemistry] in First Class.  Ms Ajitha did her .B.Ed degree course at N.V.K.S.D.   College of Education, Attoor, K.K. District. In line with her thirst for knowledge Mrs k.P. Ajitha did her M.Phil at the M.S. University and passed her M.Phil. 

 

Mrs. K.P. Ajitha's Husband and His family: Ms K. P. Ajitha, M.Sc. M.Ed. M.Phil, married an ISRO Scientist/ Engineer Mr. C. Singh, M.E in December 1997, son of Mr. S. Chellappan and Mrs. Nallammal Chellappan. Mr C. Singh, M.E, worked in ISRO for many years with great distinction and innovative efficacy and retired as SF Grade Scientist/Engineer in May 2022.  Er. C. Singh's parents gave birth to the following children namely:[1] Mr. C. Babu and he worked in the Tamil Nadu Transport Corporation Workshop Depot, Nagercoil, and retired as a Senior Technician.  Mr C. Babu married Ms Pushppam and this couple gave birth to the following children namely: [a] Mr. B. Prabhu, M.Com, M.B.A, M.L.I.C, [b ]Mr. B. Pratheep, , [c] Mr. B. Pratheesh, D.E.E,; [2] Mr. C. Singh, M.E [ He is the Hero of this Article ],  [3] Mr. C. Rajasekar, M.A, and he is working as the Superintendent in the Social welfare Department, Govt of Tamil Nadu.at Kurunthangcodu and he married Ms Mala and this couple gave birth to the following children namely :-[a]Mr. R. Aswanth and currently he is doing his B.L, [ 3rd year] , [b] Ms. Anusha Devi, and she is doing her Plus One, [4] Ms. C. Vinital, D.E.E and she works as a SE grade Scientist in the prestigious I.S.R.O. and she is married to Mr Shanmugam, M.B.A. and he is working in ONGC.  .as a Deputy Director. Ms C. Vinital D.E.E and Mr Shanmugam couple gave birth to the following children namely ;-[a]  Ms Veni Sornamala , B.D.S and she is working as Dentist in a Private Hospital and [b] the Second daughter[ Name will be provided later] is doing her M.D.S and [c] the third daughter [ Name will be provided later]is  doing her first year M.B.B.S.

                                     Mrs. K.P. Ajitha [right] with her Husband Er. C. Singh

Mrs. K.P. Ajitha Singh and Mr. C. Singh Couple's Children:    God blessed Mrs. K.P. Ajitha, and  Er. C. Singh with all the connubial blessings and this couple gave birth to the following children namely:[1] Ms. S. A. Siddhaarathini and currently she is doing her final year M.D.S, and [2] Mr. S.A. Balaji. and he is doing his Final year B.D.S.

Mrs.K.P. Ajitha's Professional Track:   Mrs.K.P. Ajitha, M.Sc, M.Ed, M.Phil, started her teaching career in 1996 as a PG Assistant Chemistry] at the Govt Higher SecondarySchool, kannirajapuram, Ramanathapuram District. Then she was transferred to Govt Hr Sec School at Kulesekaram and here she worked as PG Assistant from 1998 to 2000 with great efficiency.  In 2000 she was transferred to the Govt Higher Secondary School at  Manikattipottal and she worked in this School as PG Assistant [Chemistry] from 2000 to 2014 with distinction and in 2014, was promoted as Head Mistress and transferred to the Govt Hr Sec School at Muthuramalinga Puram. In 2014 she was transferred to the Govt Hr Sec School at Manikattaipottal, and she discharged her official duties with enthusiasm and distinction. Currently from 11th of July 2025 Mrs Ahjitha has been working as regular Kanyakumari District Educational Officer [ D.E.O] of Private Schools with great commitment, concern, and efficacy. 

Conclusion:   Kanyakuamri District Educational Officer for Private Schools, Mrs. K. P. Ajitha, M.Sc, M.Ed, MPhil, is a dedicated and efficient Teacher and visionary educationist. Wherever she worked as a teacher or Head Mistress she taught her students with great efficacy and motherly compassion. For example, after having served as Head Mistress of Govt Higher Secondary School at Manikattipottal, she got promotion, and at the time of parting from the school majority of the students visibly moved and wept. This type of bond she developed as a teacher with her students. She is very brilliant, unassuming and very simple. She is blessed with a strong inner mind, on some occasions, she had boldly met some challenges and obstacles and surmounted all the obstacles and challenges with her bold will power. Her husband and children are her source of strength at all times.   During her period as H.M at the Hr Sec School at Manikattipottal, the school had scored 100% Pass in SSLC and Plus Two, several times. It is not possible to accommodate all the important chapters and accomplishments of her professional career within the space of this Blogpost and so I will end this Blogpost with the following sentence. "Dear and respected D.E.O. Mrs. K.P. Ajitha Singh, M.Sc. M.Ed. MPhil, you are really an Achiever, your brilliance, relentless hard work and good mind definitely will take you to still Higher places in your professional career, and we are proud of you"

END

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

A Scion of an illustrious Christian family, Musician, A Former Secretary and Correspondent of Scott Christian College Nagercoil and Head of Economics Department at Mathandam Nesamony Memrial Christian College Prof. R. Rajadhas,. Part Final.

                                                        

                                                              Prof. R. RAJADHAS

Reforms Done in Allenvilai CSI Church during his Tenure as Secretary1969- 2021]: While he was serving as the Secretary of Allenvilai CSI, Church Prof. Rajadhas took many initiatives to implement some laudable welfare Schemes and Projects in the Church namely:

[1] Due to the initiative taken by Prof Rajadhas,  the Deacon Council of the Allenvilai  C.S.I. Church, decided in 1997, to give a monthly dole of Rs.100= to each of the selected poor people irrespective of their faith and community. Now this dole has risen to Rs 500= and more than 25 poor persons individually receive the cash aid of Rs 500= regularly. [2] Philips Timothy Stains Memorial Poor Students' Educational Help Scheme" was started in the Allenvilai CSI Church in 1999, while he was serving as the Secretary of the Church in memory of the martyred Australian Missionary Graham Steins with his two young sons Philip and Timothy. Under this help Scheme poor students are given interest free educational loan according to their needs, vaarying from Rs. 50000= to Rs. 100000=. So far more than 50 students have availed this interest free loan facility.

[3] Abundant Life Scheme 2008, Allenvilai CSI Church:  While he was serving as the Secretary of Allenvilai Church, in 2008 a special Project by name " Abundant Life Scheme " was started at the Allenvilai Church to benefit the differently abled. A Monthly sum of Rs.500= to Rs.1500= is distributed to the selected disabled persons every month according to their degree of disability, through this Scheme. 

The CCYC Projects of the Kanyakuamri CSI Diocese and Prof. R..Rajadhas;   Prof. R. Rajadhas served as Project Coordinator of the Child and Youth care Projects of the Kanyakumari CSI Diocese for six years from 2009 to 2015 with great compassion and devotion. The following were the Projects of the C.C.Y.C. Projects of Kumari CSI Diocese:

 [1] Bishop Gnanadason Arivu Illam, kotticode: The inmate children of this Illam were being taken to the nearby canal for bathing, but Prof. Rajadhas stopped this practice and provided bathing faciLities in the Campus for the children. Moreover, a Bakery Unit was started with the ultimate object of training the differently abled children in bread making. 

[2] Transitional Resource Center at Allencode: Formerly this Transitional Resource Center at Allencode was home for the Polio affected children but as Polio was eradicated, the mentally and physically affected children were admitted in this Center and this Center was named as Transitional Resource Center. In this Center now a government aided school is functioning. An Adult Home for the females was started there. 

Community and Institution based Intervention was started in the Diocese   While Prof. R. Rajadhas was serving as Project Coordinator of the C.C.Y.C. Projects of the Kumari CSI Diocese.  The following Girls Homes and Boys Homes and Day Care Centers were started:

[1] Girls Homes: Girls Homes were started at Santhapuram, Eathavillai and Neyyoor .New Buildings were constructed at Neyyoor Girls Home and Santhapuram Girls Home. As the inmates were sleeping on the floor these inmates were provided Carts to sleep, with the support of the local community. 

[2] Boys Homes: Boys Homes were started at Udayarvilai and Molachel. During Prof.Rajadhas' period improved facilities were provided to the inmates by providing carts to sleep. Moreover, new buildings were constructed at the Udayarvilai Boys Home and Moolachel Boys Home. 

Day Care Centers:   Due to the efforts taken by Prof. R. Rajadhas, Day Care Centers were started at Thittuvilai, Moolachel, Pallikal and Irenipuram. 

Conclusion:  Prof. R. Rajadhas is a great humanitarian.  He derived maximum joy in serving the companionless and disabled children who stayed in Special Homes and Day Care Centers of the Kumari CSI Diocese. During his six years of his tenure as Project Coordinator of CCYC Projects, every year Project Day was celebrated in the CSI Diocesan Community Hall in Nagercoil. All the inmates and staff of the Special Homes and Centers were given Gifts and Cakes. Salary Revision was actuated, for all the staff working in the Day Care Centers and Special Homes. Prof. Rajadhas took special effort to honour the retiring Social Workers of the Day Care Centers and Homes and the wardens in the Special Homes, including the Special homes were presented with a 4grams of gold ring on the day of their retirement. Prof Rajadhas is a remarkable man. He has made some indelible imprints in all the fields of his work. He is a Music Lover and is a Member of Nagercoil Music Society and plays Harmonica. He has dedicated his life to serve the people through the Church. and by the grace of God. We need not rewrite what is already written about him in the previous pages. His religious service in his Allenvilai Church, his educational service in Nesamony Memorail College at Marthandam, his able administrative service in Scott Christian College Nagercoil as its Correspondent and Secretary, his efficacious service in the Diocesan Council as a D.C. Member of the Kumari CSI Diocese, his remarkable display of efficiency as a CSI Synod Member, etc, deserve our spontaneous admiration and respect. Prof. Rajadhas' mind and actions have proved himself as a remarkable person, faithful Christian and humanitarian. It is not possible to accommodate all the important chapters of his accomplished and brilliant life within the space of this Blogpost. I will end this Blogpost with a simple sentence." Dear Professor R. Rajadhas, we thank God for you, you are really a humanitarian, balanced Social Thinker and we are proud of you:"

END.

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

A Scion of an Illustrious Christian Family, Musician, A Former Secretary and Correspondent of Scott Christian College Nagercoil and Head of Economics Department at Mathandam Nesamony Memorial Christian College Prof R. Rajadhas. Part... B.

                                                      

                                                           Prof. R. RAJADHAS.

Prof. Rajadhas' Wife and Children:  Prof. R. Rajadhas  married Ms. Charlotte Sobitha Lyla, daughter of Rev. V. Chellam on the 27th of September 1968. Rev. V. Chellam served as a Methodist Pastor in Malaysia, and he also worked as Principal of a Methodist Primary School at Sambuway, in Malaysia.  Rev. V. Chellam was a close friend of the then Methodist Bishop of Malaysia Rt. Rev. Dr. Theodore Doraisamy, M.A. [ Boston University,] D.Th. God blessed Prof Rajadhas and Mrs Charlotte Sobitha Lyla Rajadhas, couple with all the connubial blessings and this couple gave birth to the following children: [1] Dr. Hans Ctenus Rajadhas, B.H.M.S, [2] Ms. Christina Phoebe Rajadhas, M.C.A, and [2] Mr. Allen Rayanson Rajadhas, B.Tech. 

                                            Prof. R. Rajadhas with his Wife and Children

International Conferences and Seminars attended by Prof. R. Rajadhas: Prof. Rahjadhas had got some blessed opportunities to attend some international Seminars and Training programs: [1] Prof R. Rajadhas got the privilege to attend an International Leadership Training Program conducted by the Haggai Institute for Advanced Leadership, on "Specialised Training in Christian Leadership" in Singapore in April 1979. and he successfully Completed the Training and received the Certificate of Completion from the Haggai Institute. And during the graduation ceremony conducted by the Haggai Institute   Prof. R. Rajadhas, got the privilege to meet the then Methodist Bishop of Malaysia Rt. Rev. Dr. Theodore Doraisamy, MA [ Bostron] D.Th. [2] Prof R. Rajadhas also had the opportunity to attend the International Seminar on, "Orthodox Church & Spirituality" conducted at the WCC's Ecumenical Institute at Chateau de Bossey, Switzerland from 13h April to 23rd April 1995 He received the Seminar Certificate. [3] Prof Rajadhas had the privilege to attend the First World Christian Tamil Conference held in North America in conjunction with World Christian Tamil Association's Fifth World Conference 

.                                                                                     

                            WCC's ECUMENICAL INSTITUTE IN BOSSEY, SWITZERLD.                                                                                                               

Posts and Memberships held By Prof. R. Rajadhas: Prof. Rajadhas's religious life is closely connected with the development history of Kanyakuamri CSI Diocese. He had and has been playing an influential role in the affairs of the Kumari CSI Diocese.  Prof Rajadhas started his religious service life as a Deacon of his native Allenvilai CSI Church and he served as the Deacon of Allenvilai CSI Church from 1969 to 2021 with great enthusiasm and efficiency. He served as the Secretary of the Allenvilai CSI Church from 1979 to 2021 with devotion. Prof Rajadhas has the honour of serving as Diocesan Council Member of the Kanyakuamri CSI Diocese with distinction from 1969 to 2021. He served as the Secretary of CREED [ Center for Rural Education and Employment for Development] an NGO at Azhagiamandabam for about 13 years from 1980 to 2003. He served as secretary of Nesamony Institute of Religion and Society [ NIRAS] an NGO at Paruthivilai near Asaripallam  for quite long time from 2000 to 2019. He had the honour of serving as C.S.I. Synod Member and member of Synod Committees from 1987, several terms. Prof. R. Rajadhas served as the Correspondent-Secretary of Scott Christian College, Nagercoil from 2003 to 2006 with great efficacy and enthusiasm.  He served as the Project Coordinator -CCYC-KK Diocese from 2009 to 2015. Prof Rajadhas served as the Convenor of Election Commission, K.K CSI Diocese in 2012.

He Served as the Convenor of a Sub Committe [ Prof. Rajadhas Commission]:   As the Minority Christians belonging to the Kumari CSI Diocese, found it difficult to get admission and appointment in the educational and other institutions of the Kanyakumari CSI Diocese for their wards. There has been some discontent among some sections of the Diocesan Council Members. A Subcommittee was appointed with Prof Rajadhas as its Convenor to study the said matter and to submit its Report.  The Subcommittee accordingly submitted its Report and with some modification the Report was accepted by the Diocesan Council of the Kumari CSI Diocese. As a result, the CSI Christians belonging to the unrepresented minority community received admission and job appointment.in the Diocesan institutions as per the recommendation of the Subcommittee.   The Diocesan officers during this period were Bishop Rt Rev. Devakasham [ Bishop Chairman], Adv. P. Dharmaraj, [Secretary] and Dr. M.J. Moses [ Treasurer]. The Subcommittee began to be known as Prof. Rajadhas Commision. The preparation, acceptance and implementation of this Report can be definitely called as a Milestone in the Social Justice History of Kanyakumari CSI Diocese.

Some Social Justice Reforms Introduced by Prof. R. Rajadhas in the Allenvilai CSI Church:  Prof. Rajadhas is a born humanitarian. At a young age of just Twenty-six he got elected to the Allenvilai, CSI Church Committee and also to the Diocesan Council of Kanyakuamri CSI Diocese. In 1969. he was elected Secretary of Allenvilai CSI Church. In the nineteen eighties there was a move to give representation to women in every Church Committee of the CSI Congregations of the Kumari CSI Diocese. Prof. Rajadhas wanted to nominate two women to the Alloenvilai CSI Church Committee. and the then Kumari CSI Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. G. Chritdhas conceded to his request and accordingly two women were nominated to the Church Council of the Allenvialai CSI Church. Out of the two one was a widow and the other was a young Dalit girl. This was Prof. R. Rajadhas' first effort to end discrimination on the base of gender and caste.in the CSI congregations, in Kanyakumari CSI Diocese. 

Projects Initiated by Prof Rajadhas in the CSI Allenvilai Church: 

Part Final Will Follow Soon.

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

s a result of the 

A Scion of an Illustrious and Pioneer Christian family, Musician, Former Head of Economics Department, Nesamony Memorial Christian College Marthandam and Secretary / Correspondent, Scott Christian College, Nagercoil Prof. Rajadhas Rajamony, M.A, M.Phil. Part. A.

Introduction:  Former HOD of Economics at  Nesamony Memorial Christian College Marthandam and Correspondent / Secretary, Scott Christian College Nagercoil Prof..Rajadhas Rajamony, M. A, M. Phil, is a remarkable and multifaceted man.  He is a great Teacher, Educationist, Administrator, Social Thinker, Eloquent Speaker both in English and Tamil, talented Musician and Singer, Diocesan Council. Member of Kanyakumari CSI Diocese, Former Member of C.S.I. Synod and Synod Committees. Prof. R. Rajadhas, is a colourful and dynamic person. He hails from an illustrious and pioneer Christian family from Allenvilai village in Kurunthancode Block in Kanyakuamri Disrict. As an Educationist, Musician, and balanced Social Thinker, he has been playing a galvanising role for the educational, spiritual, cultural and social development of the people of this district. 

                                                    Prof.  Rajadhas  Rajamony, M.A, M.Phil.

Prof. R. Rajadhas' Parents and Birth and Forefathers:  Allenvilai is a beautiful small idyllic village located near Kurunthandcode, at 12 kilometers West of Nagercoil, in Kanyakumari district and this lovely village is surrounded by lofty coconuts trees and fertile paddy fields. In this enchanting village there lived a gentleman by name Mr. Yesudasan Rajamony with his beloved wife. Mrs. Joice Doney Rajamony and this couple gave birth to Professor Rajadhas on 15th of February 1943. In this context it would be useful to the readers and Church historians to know some vital information about Professor Rajadhas' illustrious forefathers. Long time ago the famous LMS Missionary  Rev Ringeltaube was  residing at the famous Uthayagiri Fort and  during one of his travels from Uthayagiri fort to Ammandivilai,  he happened to meet two Hindu brothers in  Allenvilai  and preached  the gospel of Christ to these brothers and their families  and on their acceptance of Jesus as their saviour Rev Ringeltaube baptised these two brothers in 1812 with the new name, Yesuvadian  to the elder brother and Royan to the younger brother. Mr Yesuvadian was called as Periya Moopan  and Mr Royan was called Chinna Moopan. Rev Ringeltaube  baptised these converted brothers' families also.   It would be again inspiring and useful to the Church historians to know about the genealogy of Mr Yesuvadian and his blood relationship with the former Bishop IRH Gnanadasan.. Mr. Yesudian gave birth to Mr Joseph and Joseph gave birth to Mr Masillamani and Masillamani gave birth to Ms. Jeevaretnam Natchathram. Mrs Jeevaretnam Natchathram was married to Mr Thitoor Desikar and Mrs Jeevaretnam Natchathram Thitoor Desikar gave birth to catechist Mr Gnanadasan and catechist Gnanadasan gave birth to the Bishop Rt. Rev. Isaac Richard Harrison Gnanadasan, M.A. B.D.  Likewise, the younger brother of Mr Yesudian, Mr Royan was a forefather of former Bishop G. Chrithudhas.   Mr Royan gave birth to Mr Sebasthian and Mr Sebasthian gave birth to Ms Yesuvadial and she married Mr Gnanakan. Mrs. Yesudial Gnanakan gave birth to Mr. Gnanamuthu and Mr  Gnanamuthu gave birth to Bishop Rt. Rev.G. Chrithudhas. Now we will see how the Hero of this Blogpost, Prof.  R. Rajadhas is directly related to Mr Royan. Mr Royan gave birth to Mr Sebasthian and Mr Sebasthian gave birth to Savarianath and Mr Savarianath gave birth to Mr Yesuvadian and Mr Yesuvadian gave birth to Mr Rajamony and Mr Rajamony gave birth to the Hero of this Blogpost Prof. Rajadhas. M.A, M.Phil.  Indeed Prof. R Rajadhas is a scion of an illustrious and pioneer Christain family in South Travancore and Tamil Nadu. and Allenvilai is one of the blessed villages in Kanyakumari District. and Tamil Nadu.              

A Descendant of Mr. YESUDIAN
                                                                                                                       Bishop IRH.Gnanadasan                                                   A. Descendant of Mr. ROYAN.                                                                       

                                                                               

                                                                                Bishop G. Christhudhas

Prof. Rajadhas's Educational Track:  Young Rajadhas did his Primary School education at the Govt Primary School at Allenvilai [1948-1953] and then pursued his 6th and 7th Std at the LMS Middle School at Santhapuram and his 8th Std at the LMS Hacker Memorial Middle School at Neyoor.  Then he pursued his High School studies from 9th Std to 11th Std at the then Govt High School at Eraniel. After having passed his SSLC in 1959 he did his PUC at the famous Scott Christian College, Nagercoil, [1959-1960].  After having passed his PUC, he pursued his B.A[Economics] at the St John's College, Palayamkottai [ 1961-1964] and during this period the famous Educationist Mr Vethasironmony, M.A, was serving as the Principal of St John's College. Palayamkottai.  After having passed his B.A.  he pursued his M.A[ Economics. International Economics] at the Annamalai University [ 1964- 1966].  Later he pursued his M.Phil in Madurai Kamaraj University. and passed his M.Phil. 

He Professional Career:  Immediately after having passed his M.A, he joined the famous Scott Christian college and served as a Tutor in English, English department, during the academic year 1966-1967.  Then he moved to Nesamony Memorial Christian College at Marthandam and started to work as Lecturer in Economics He worked with distinction. and there was no turning back, promotions and recognitions came one after another and he retired in May 2001, as Head of Economics Department, Nesamony Memorial Christian College, Marthandam. 

Next part will follow soon. 

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

An Ideal Teacher, Fellow of the Madras University, Theologian, Founder and First Principal of American College, Madura Rev Dr. G.T. Washburn, D.D,. PART FINAL.

Rev. G.T. Washburn retired and Returned to US:       Rev Dr. G.T Washburn served as the Principal of the Mission College at Pasumalai from1881 to 1899. with great distinction and vision. He was succeeded by Rev W.M. Zumbro as the Principal. During Rev W, M. Zumbro's principalship the epoch-making shifting of the Mission College from Pasumalai to Madura was done. Rev. Dr. G.T Washburn on 30th March 1900 left India  owing to old age and returned to US  with his family and settled in Meriden city in New Haven County, Connecticut State, U.S   It will be useful to the readers to know a fact that the world famous Yale University is located in New Haven, Even after having settled in Meriden his heart was revolving and evolving around Pasumalai and American Madura Mission and by having letter correspondences with his, students, friends and colleagues in India, Rev. Dr. Washburn was updating his mind with the day-to-day development history of the Institutions and congregations he established in Pasumalai and in other places in Madura District. 

                                                                 

                                                                     Rev. Dr. Washburn, D.D

Mrs. Elisa Case Washburn Died:  Mrs Elisa Case Washburn was born, Gloversville New York, on the 27th of September 1833 and died at Meriden, on the 23rd of July 1914. From 1866 to 1877 she was in charge of the reopened boarding schools. in Madurai district. During the great famine years from 1877 to 1896, she had the oversight and care of an orphanage. She was indeed a mother to the large and growing family of boys who gathered year after year in the Pasumalai School. Her death affected Dr. Washburn so much and he said, " Her spirit lingers in these rooms with me, and her ministering presence does not leave me".

Rev. William Washburn Died in Meriden and Buried in Lenox:   Rev Dr. G.T. Washburn who had lived ever close to his eternal Master and had obeyed his Lord's each call, also obeyed the last call of his beloved Master with hope Rev. Dr. George Thomas Washburn died at Meriden, New Haven, Connecticut, USA, on the 20th of March [ Sunday] 1927 in the 95th year of his age. His funeral service was held in a simple manner at an undertaker's establishment in Meriden. Dr. and Mrs Banninga of Pasumalai and Rev. and Mrs C.S. Vaughan of Madura American Mission, who were then on furlough in US attended the funeral Service of Dr. Washburn at Meriden. In the funeral service Dr. Lord gave the funeral sermon and also spoke about the educational contribution of Dr Washburn. Then Washburn's body was taken to his native place and buried at Lenox Both the Meriden and Hartford News Papers published a short account of Dr. Washurn's meaningful life. 

                                                 

Conclusion: Rev. Dr. G.T. Washburn was a great man of God, an outstanding Educational Missionary, voracious reader and intellectual. In 1889 his Alma mater Williams College, U.S. honoured Rev. G.T Washburn by awarding an honorary Doctorate degree D.D, to him. In 1897 Dr. G.T. Washburn was made a Fellow of the Madras University by the then Government. It will be appropriate to revisit the historic and holistic tribute published in the famous "The Christian Patriot" on the retirement of Dr. G.T. Washburn.   

"The Christian Patriot," Madras of May 25th, 1900, wrote a leading Article on The Retirement of Rev. Dr. Washburn and Mrs Washburn of Pasumalai: " After a distinguished and devoted service of 40 years  in the Missionary cause the Rev. and Mrs. WASHBURN of Pasumalai have resigned their work to procced to America, their own native land, to spend the evening of their lives in retirement The work that these deserved servants of God have accomplished in this land has been generally blessed, and many are the channels of elevating influences that have flown from their quiet, faithful labours, during the long period of time they have spent in this land. Always of a retiring disposition, with pronounced views on many things of his own, Dr. WASHBURN and his partner have been toiling at Pasumalai, not caring in the least for any human recognition or courting public notice. And what a splendid, many sided work they have accomplished to be sure |. In a touching address presented by the teachers and students of the Pasumalai College and others allusion is made to some of the fruits of their labours. Dr. Washburn in all his labours, never forgot that he was first and foremost a missionary. He mastered the Tamil language and its subtleties and some of his writings in Tamil are to be met with in every Indian Christian home. Here is a touching bit from the address:- " As a missionary you have followed the Master in serving others, not desiring to be served. We remember instances in which you have ministered to the sick personally and humbly. You have been a living example of the Apostle's definition of "pure religion and undefiled"- to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world". We can merely allude to the orphans whom you have served from the terrible famine of 1876 and 1877, whom you have judiciously trained and who are now occupying positions of usefulness and trust in this Mission and elsewhere". Dr. Washburn besides spending his strength on the mission has chosen to spend his riches also.  The Southfold Hostel, the spacious Washburn Hostel, the Laura Blossom Library, the Lenox Science Room, the Case Dining hall and the Yokan Lodge are all lasting monuments of his princely munificence".

" From the very Commencement of Dr. Washburn has been a true friend of education and his efforts in the direction of educating the Native Christians of his Mission have been highly beneficial. The benefits of the Pasumalai Training College are not confined to the American Madura mission alone, they have extended to the surrounding district as well. Even the Government of Madras recognised the services that Dr. Washburn had rendered to the cause of higher education by honouring him with a Fellowship in the University."

"Above everything else the memory of these devoted workers will be enshrined in the hearts of hundreds of Christian men and women, whose lives have been elevated and refined by the influences brought to bear upon them by these revered servants of God.  For generations to come the stream of elevating Christian influences they have set going will go on fertilising the Indian Church and helping to bring forth much fruit. We have often in our columns referred to the indebtedness of India to America, and here we have yet another instance of the strong link forged between these two countries. The prayers and blessings of many hundreds of Indian Christians follow Dr and Mrs Washburn in their retirement, after their noble and many sided work for their Lord and Master in this land;"[ The Christian Patriot, Madras, 25th of May 1900].

It is not possible to accommodate all the important chapters and accomplishments of Dr Washburn within the space of this Blogpost and so I will end this Blogpost with the following sentence, " Dear and respected Dr. G.T. Washburn, we thank God for your meaningful life and proud of you"

END 

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

                                                         

                                      

An Ideal Teacher, a Great Intellectual, A Great American Educational Missionary, Fellow of the Madras University, Theologian, Principal of Theological Seminary at Pasumalai and the Founder and First Principal of the American College, Madura Rev Dr. George Thomas Washburn, D.D. PART B..

Rev. G.T. Washburn at Battlagundu:         Rev. G. T. Washburn and Mrs Eliza Case Washburn arrived at Madras, on the 12th of April 1860, and from Madras they reached Madura on 1st of May 1860 [ The Rev.B.H. Badley, M.A, Indian Missionary directory Lucknow, 1881 pp.67&. 68] and stayed at Pasumalai, Madura, for a few months. On his arrival in Madura District, Rev. G.T Washburn was called to take over charge from Rev. J.E Chandler of Battalagundu Station. [ Rev. A.J. Saunders, Ph.D , op.cit. p. 39] Mr. and Mrs Washburn were appointed as station missionaries in 1860, to Battlagundu to succeed Rev and Mrs.John E.Chandler. The main missionary responsibility of a Station Missionary was touring among the rural Congregations and preaching the Gospel to the people Rev G.T. Washburn accordingly visited the villages and preached the gospel to the people.  Mrs Eliza Case Washburn also actively participated in the missionary work done by her husband. Probably the greatest work done by this missionary Couple in Battalagundu was the reestablishment the Station Boarding schools. By re-establishing the Station Village Schools Rev Washburn helped the poor villagers belonging to various communities to get basic education. In  Battalagundu, Rev Washburn and his wife spent ten years, and they spent their time in learning Tamil and caring for their sheep. Mr Washburn constructed church buildings for a few Churches and edited a couple of books in Tamil for Church Services. When Washburn visited Battalagundu he noticed the conspicuous absence of a competent and trained Physician, and here it is better to recollect an old information about Rev Washburn; while he was doing his theological study at the Andover Theological College, he went to New York to take lectures iR the College of Physicians and Surgeons, which allowed missionary students' access to its lecture hall without fees.  Later days by using that medical knowledge, Rev Washburn started to do all the possible medical service to the sick people.  By doing medical work and service among the common people, he earned many friends for himself and for the Madurai American Mission [Ibid. pp. 37 to 39].

                                                     

Rev. Dr. G.T. Washburn, D.D.

Rev G.T. Washburn moved to Pasumalai:  The Jaffna Mission in Northern Ceylon founded the American Madura Mission in 1834.The Mission secured a grant of some 40 acres of land from the British India Government about three miles to the south-west of the town Madura, in 1845.for the purpose of establishing its educational institutions and this place was called Pasumalai.  Dr and Mrs Washburn were appointed to work in Pasumalai in 1870 to direct the educational work of the Madura American Mission. For thirty years they laboured in Pasumalai; they carried out their responsibilities with distinction and gave a new face lift to the mission compound at Pasumalai, by restructuring the old buildings and also by constructing new buildings, with a touch of architectural grace [A.l Saunders, pp, 43-48].

                                                MISSION BUNGALOW, PASUMALAI

Rev. G.T Washburn established a Press in Pasumalai in 1871 and named it as Lenox Press.:   Rev Washburn was blessed with a literary bent of mind, One of the first enterprises that  Rev Washburn undertook at Pasumalai was to get a Hoe Printing Press from America and start a Newspaper to disturb or awaken the profound oriental repose of the people, He established a Printing Press at Pasumalai and named it as Lenox Press in memory of his birth place, Lenox.  The Press very soon grew into a Newspaper Printing and publishing and binding establishment, and the judicial department of the Government adopted this Lenox Press for its order of publication and for 55 years has uninterruptedly patronised it. The first and only continuous work has been the publishing of the "True News". In 1875 an edition of 3000 copies of "A Jewel for Children" a tract written by Miss Taylor was published. By 1884 the "True News" had been made a semi-monthly and had reached a circulation of 750 copies. For 25 years Washburn carried on the Press for the benefit of the Mission at his own expense. Then in 1896 he offered it to the Madura American Mission. and it was gratefully accepted by the Mission.  When the new Church was established in Pasumalai in 1904 the old one on the hill side flanked by the grave of the Revered William Tracy was transformed into a Printing establishment for the housing of the Lenox Press. The number of pages printed in Tamil and English each year was creditably large, and more than 20 booklets had been produced in the Booklet series. [ A.J. Saunters, op.cit.. pp.49 &50] We can infer and say that Washburn played a pioneer role for the introduction of newspapers and magazines in later days, in Madurai and Tamil Nadu 

Rev. Washburn and Tamil Christan Lyric Book   Rev Webb brought out the first Tamil Lyric Book to be used in Christian worship service, and these Tamil lyrics received immediate and instant welcome not only in the Mission, but even outside the Mission also. Rev. Washburn and Rev. Chandler reviewed the hymns and Lyrics, he had selected and written for Webb. When the Mission edition of the Tamil Lyric Book was exhausted, the Christian Vernacular Education Society took it up and published two editions more within ten years, The third edition of Lyric Book was published in 1863. According to Rev A,J. Saunders, Rev GT Washburn was musical and Rev G.T Washburn in 1870, revised and further enlarged the old Tamil Lyric Book by adding more Lyrics and improved its usefulness. [ J.S.Chandler, op.cit. p.248 and p. 261.]. The native congregation members sang the Tamil lyrics of this Lyric Book, enthusiastically and glorified God in the worship services and other connected religious meetings. 

Dr. Washburn Opened a High School in Pasumalai:  By January 1875 the ripeness of the time was manifest to all and the Mission voted with great unanimity and heartiness to open a new class as the beginning of a High School. [ J.S. Chandler, p.288] In 1875, Dr. Washburn opened a Mission High School at Pasumalai, and he served as its first Head- Master, with concern for each and every student without discrimination. He opened this High school to train the students for the university examinations. This School started to flourish from the beginning. Dr. Washburn served as the Head- Master of the High school with great distinction, devotion, efficacy, .and he loved his students as a father [ Rev. A.J. Saunders, P. 40].  

Rev. Dr. G.T Washburn founded a College in Pasumalai:    Rev. Dr. George Thomas Washburn started the High School at Pasumalai, in 1875 and this high school grew into the College [ Rev. A.J. Saunders, Ph.D, Dr Washburn of Madura, an Appreciation, American Mission Lenox Press. Pasumalai, 1928, p. 40]  In 1881, the University of Madras on the recommendations of the Director of Public Instruction and with the approval of its Fellows made Pasumalai College now Madura college , a secondary college that was an institution in which the Two lower classes of the University curriculum were taught The idea of establishing a Christian college had been before the Christian community of the Madura Mission but for some years the idea had been put aside as it was beyond the ability of mission. However, the idea awaited the initiative and approval of Dr. G.T. Washburn to undertake the responsibility and establishment and conduct of such as institution.  In November 1881 affiliation was received with the University of Madras and in the following March [ March 1882] a college Class was opened with 4 Christian Young men. This Class was sent up to the First examination in Arts in 1883, By this time the student strength of the college increased to 178 [ John S. Chandler, A History of the Mission in South India, Published by the American Madura Mission p. 288

Dr. Washburn Served as a Visionary and efficacious Principal of the College:  Of all the educational service that Rev Dr. G.T. Washburn done in South India, the establishment of a College in Pasumalai near Madurai can be considered as his best contribution for the cause of Education. Dr. Washburn's former student, teaching colleague from 1882 to 1900, and Tamil Christain poet Rev. Prof. V. Santiago writes about Dr. Washburn, "Dr. Washburn worked as an educational missionary for 30 years at Pasumalai. He was one of the greatest of the Missionaries, who worked in India. He was very strong physically, mentally and spiritually and thus was a worthy model to be followed by his students in the Pasumalai". Rev. Prof. V. Santiago continues and says, " Dr. Washburn was looked upon as a model Principal. He maintained good discipline and employed various ways and means to improve the students. He gave them adequate physical, intellectual, and spiritual training. The relation between him and the students was that of a father and sons.....He saw clearly the Missionary educational work as evangelistic as pure evangelism and proved conclusively that evangelistic and educational work were supplementary to each other. He made the Mission and the Board understand that higher education was very necessary to the Indian Christian workers to cope with the situation in India and the Indian Church should have an educated ministry He ably organised various departments and societies. He raised the Institution from the Middle school to the College". [ Rev. A.J. Saunders, op.cit pp. 163 & 164] This fitting and beautiful assessment made by Rev Prof. V. Santiago about Dr. Washburn helps us to understand the total personality of Dr. Washburn.

Yokan Lodge and Rev Washburn:  Dr. Washburn built and opened a Lodge by name "Yokan Lodge" in Pasumalai Mission Compound in 1895.  The name "Yokan" was selected and used by Dr. Washburn as that was the ancient name of his old family seat, now called Lenox. In short, we can say Yokan was the old name of Dr. Washburn's native place. This Lodge was designed to be a Hostel for the older and more advanced Christian students of the institutions, and this was the last building constructed by Dr. Washburn before his retirement. [Saunders pp. 45& 46]. 

                         

                            

                                               WASHBURN HALL, PASUMALAI.

College Hall was Built by Dr Washburn in Pasumalai: In December 1888, formally the College Hall was opened in Pasumalai campus at the cost of Rs. 12650+. later the name was changed to Washburn Hall, in memory of the Washburn family, as the Washburn's family members helped to meet the expenses in connection with the enlargement of the Hall [ Saunders p. 46].

Separation of Departments in Pasumalai Seminary:  In 1891 the Mission members voted that the Theological Seminary, Pasumalai, should be made a separate department form the beginning of 1892 and that Rev Jones should take charge of it [ John S. Chandler, A History of Mission in South India, published by American Madura mission, p 295] In 1892 the Theological school at Pasumalai was divided into two separate department. The development made up-to the Jubilee year of the Seminary was thus summarised by Rev. Dr. Washburn  "This year the Pasumalai Institution has become two bands, under two leaders. For the first 28 years [ 1842 to 1870] theological and biblical instruction was given along with secular subjects, in the longer or shorter courses of the Old Seminary.  For the following 22 years [1870 to 1892] the theological students formed a department by themselves but still under the supervision and instruction of the principal of the college. At length at the beginning of this year, fifty years from the founding of the institution, the time long looked forward to, has been reached when a missionary could be detailed from the general work to make the training of our spiritual agents and pastors for their distinctive service his chief business. The records of Pasumalai present a good example of missionary development."   [ Ibid. p. 290] Pasumalai seminary began with a two-Year course but extended it to the usual Three years. Then it became a Union Missionary Training Institution and then raised to the rank of a Theological college affiliated with Serampore College, the only Institution in India authorised by law to confer Christiana Theological Degrees, All, these institutions established by Dr. Washburn were successful [ S J. Saunders, op.cit, p. 53.]. 

Part Final Will Follow Soon 

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