Er. E.M. Joseph Ravi Devasahayam , Additional Director [Rtd], Ind&Com

Introduction : Er. E.M.Joseph Ravi Devasahayam , M. Tech [ Chemical], hails from one  of the most illustrious Christian families of Kanyakumai District and Tamil Nadu and he  retired as Additional Director, Department of Industries and Commerce , Government of Tamil Nadu.  He is a  native of Kanyakumari district and during his tenure in service he was  selected to  serve as the H.O.D of Industries, Power and Transportation  Division ,in the State Planning Commission, Government of Tamil Nadu.     

His birth and Parents .  : Mr. E.M. Joseph Ravi Devasahayam was born on 10-7-1956, at Vadesery , Nagercoil,  to Mr. C.Edwin Monickam and Mrs. V.J. Thayammal Edwin.  It is pertinent here  to mention that Mr. Edwin Monickam was  a direct descendant of the illustrious  and legendary Maharsan Vethamonickam of Mylaudy.

His Siblings and families.: Mr. Joseph Ravi's elder sister Mrs.Jeeva Yesudhas is married to Prof, A.D Yesudhas,  who worked as HOD in the Department of Physics, Scott Christian College , Nagercoil  and retired as Vice Principal , in the same College  . In this connection it is pertinent to mention here  that Prof. Yesudhas's daughter Mrs Premila Anandh  is now working as a Senior Lecturer in Physics Department ,Scott Christian College, Nagercoil  and his son Dr. Daniel Premchand , M. Sc, Ph.D [Physics], is working as a Scientist in United Kingdom ..  Joseph Ravi's another sister Mrs Suguna Sathya Balan is married to Mr. Sathya Balan , the Correspondent of Bharat Dass Matric  Higher Secondary school , Perungudi, Chennai.  It is appropriate to remember Mr. Sathya Balan's father late Mr. V.J. K.Dass . Mr. VJ.K. Dass was a great Educationalist and Visionary   and he was the founder of the famous  Bharat Matriculation Higher Secondary School , Adayar, Chennai.

Mr. Joseph Ravi's  Married life and family : Mr, Joseph Ravi Devasahayam married  Mrs. Mallika Ravi , D/o Mr. R.S. John and Mrs. Vasantha [d/o late Mr.D. Arumainaygam , B.A, L.T, of  Ikyanam , near Nagercoil} Mrs. Mallika Ravi, B.Sc, B.Ed, is working as the Head Mistress of  C.S.I  Middle School , St. Thomas Mount, Chennai.  Mr and Mrs Joseph Ravi  are  blessed with  a daughter and son .   Mr Joseph Ravi's  daughter   Mrs. Jennifer Monicka, B.E, is married to Mr.Paulson Chelliah,B.E, M.B.A, and this couple is blessed with a lovely daughter by name Sharon Joanna. . Mr Joseph Ravi's son  Mr. J.R. Sam Prashath , BE [Mech],  formerly worked with Infosys  as a Software Engineer and now is going to join shortly  as an Officer in the I.D.BI [ Industrial Development Bank of India, Chennai.

Mr. Joseph Ravi's  Education ;Mr. Joseph Ravi did his high School studies at SMRV  School , Vadesery Nagercoil , P.U.C at Pioneer Kumarasamy College , Nagercoil , and did his B .Tech[Chemical ] and M.Tech [ Chemical ] in A.C .College of Technology , Chennai..

His Professional career;  Mr. Joesph Ravi after having completed his M.Tech degree with flying colours, joined as Assistant Director of Industries and Commerce , Government of Tamil Nadu in  1987 and in the same capacity he worked at Virudhunagar and Maduarai from 1987 to 1996.  In 1996 he was promoted as Deputy Director in the same department and worked as Deputy Director at the District Industry Centres at Trichy and Kancheepuram . In 1997 he  worked as General Manager  at District Industries Centre at Kancheepuram with great dedication and distinction. In 2000 he was promoted as Joint Director of Industries and Commerce and worked as Regional  Joint Director in Chennai till 2002. From 2002 to 2004 he worked as Regional Joint Director at Industries  Centre in Chennai.

Mr. Joseph Ravi and Tamil Nadu Planning Commission :   Mr Joseph Ravi had the privilege to work as one of the HODs, in Tamil Nadu Planning Commission and he was  in charge of Industries , Power and Transportation Sectors., from 2004 till 2007. and during this tenure the 11th Five Year Plan Document of the State Government was prepared .

His promotion as Additional Director: Mr. Joseph Ravi was promoted  as  Additional Director of Industries and Commerce in 2007. And during this tenure, he was instrumental  for the preparation of the 12th Five year Plan Document for Micro Small Medium Enterprises[MSME]. And also he was instrumental in bringing out the MSME policy of the Government of Tamil Nadu. He was also instrumental  to bring out New Employment Generation Programme by the New Entrepreneur cum Entrepreneur Development Scheme[NEEDS],  announced by the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, in 2013.

His retirement : After having served the Department of Industries and Commerce for a pretty long period of time from 1987 to 2014, with great brilliance and beauty and devotion and distinction  he  retired on 31st July 2014.

Conclusion :  Mr. Joseph Ravi Devasahayam is  a calm and composite person and generally  he is liked by all . He is a very brilliant  person . The Government of Tamil Nadu  identified his extraordinary talents and intelligence and has wonderfully and wisely  used his service in the State Planning Commission. The contribution and the indelible marks he had stamped on the industrial and developmental map of Tami Nadu had really made him  a great and shinning milestone in the developmental journey of Kanyakumari District and Tamil Nadu . Kanyakumari District is really proud of  Mr. Joseph Ravi Devasahayam

[It will be updated with additional information if needed later]

P. BABU MANOHARAN.    [Rights Reserved}

A Great Head Master Mr. D. Arumainayagam , B.A, .L.T.,[1903- 1950 ]..

Introduction:.  Mr. D. Arumainayagam was one of the famous and outstanding  Head-Mmasters of Kanyakumari district and  he was a multi faceted personality. As a Boys' Scout  District Commissioner Mr. D. Arumainayagam  was closely associated with the late Diwan of Travancore State, Sir . C.P Ramasamy Iyer.  Mr. Arumainayagam's house at Nagercoil was declared opened  by Sir C.P. Ramasamy Iyer , such was the friendship between them

. .

Birth and Parents  and Siblings;  Mr. Arumainayagam was born  in 1903, to Mr and Mrs .Devasagayam, Charles Miller Street , Nagercoil  and Mr. Devesahayam  was  a native of  an ancient and  famous village called Ikkiyanam or Ikkiyapuram , near Chunggangadai , near Nagercoil.. Hmr. D Arumainayagam's  elder brother was late Mr.D. Roberts , B.A, B.L ,[  Father of the famous Tamil Methodist Pastor Rev. Dr. Prabhu Dass Roberts]  who served as  a District Munsiff, in Travancore State Mr Arumainayagam's  another brother was Mr Jesudhas , he worked in a bank in Madurai . and he married a woman from Kalluvilai   village near Anjugramam [ the name is not known ] 

Education and Employment .   Mr. Arumainaygam  did  his high school education at Scott Christian High School, Nagercoil and his BA. in the famous Scott Christian College ,Nageroil . After having finished his L.T, he joined as  Head Master of the S.A. Middle School, Vetturnimadam ,Nagercoil in  the year 1930. He was a kind  and able Head Master , he took very keen interest in the educational development of poor students.

Mr. Arumainayagam married Vellamadam-Karaiyankuzhi Ananchan's granddaughter:

In this connection it is better to have  a short introduction about the family of Mr. Arumainayagam's father- in-law Mr. Ananjan.  In Nanjil Nadu in Kayakumari District, East of Nagercoil there is a famous village called Vellamadam Karayankuzhi .  There lived a rich landlord by name Ananchan[David]  and he was one of the richest men in Nanjil Nadu.  Mr.Ananjan' son Gnanakann was blessed with three beautiful daughters namely [1] Mrs.Chellammal  Monickam ,[2] Mrs. Anna Muthu Devadhas and [3] Mrs .Nalla Muthu Arumainayagam.  Mr.D  Arumainayagam married  Nallmuthu Gnanakkann, a granddaughter of Mr.. Ananjan[David]  and led a blessed and happy conjugal life till they were separated by death.[a separate Post will be published about Mr. Ananjan [David ]later .

Mr. Arumainaygam's Chilren : God blessed  Mr. Arumainayagam and Mrs, Nallamuthu Arumainayagam with two sons and five daughters namely: [1]Mr. Anderson [Sunny],[2] Mrs. Leela Jeyachandran, [3]Mrs. Saro Thangaiah, [4]Mrs. Ruby RajaGopal Dhas .[5] Mrs. Vasantha John   [6] Mrs. Jegathambal Prakash Chandra, [7] Mr. Chandra.   Mr. Arumainaygam's  sons and daughters  were/are well settled  in life.  In this connection I will cite one example here .Miss. Saro Arumainayagam married Mr Thangiah from East Thathiar kulam .  And this Saro Thangiah couple was blessed with many children and one of this couple's daughter  Mrs. Vanaja was married to Mr. Thangai Durai , I.A.S, who decorated many high posts in the Government including the post of District Collector..

Mr. D.Arumainayagam and  Scout  Movement:  Mr. Arumainayagam was   intimately connected with the Scout Movemnt in Kanyakumari District  and he was sent to Delhi  for a special Training in this regard and he was appointed by the Government as District Scout Commissioner  and he efficiently served as the District Scout  Commissioner   He conducted a District level, Scout Rally  at Nagercoil in 1945 and he led the Rally with great splendour and discipline  and nearly  5000  Scout boys  participated in the  historical Rally.  And as the patron  of Scout Movement ,  Sir C.P .Ramasamy Iyer was the Chief guest of the function and  , Sir C.P. Ramasamy Iyer was highly impressed the the Scout Rally organised by the District Scout Commissioner Mr. D. Arumainayagam and subsequeintly  Sir. C.P. and Mr Arumainayagam became great friends

Conclusion:  Mr. D. Arumainayagm, was a great  Head Master and many students who studied under him later became great personalities and achievers in life. He was a highly talented Musician and was highly talented in Western Music and  he served as a lead singer in the  Nagercoil Home Church Choir.  He was elected as a  Nagercoil Municipal Council Member and served as an efficient Municipal Council Member . He also had the distinction to  serve as Panchayat Judge and in his capacity as Panchayat Judge he discharged his duties impartially.. He was a great and successful agriculturist also.  And he unfortunately died on 18th  June , 1950.  He is no more with us and his family members and specially his grandchildren are doing extremely well  in life. So long as the  Scout Movement,  is there he will be remembered by the people. [ This Post will be updated shortly }.

P. BABU MANOHARAN  [Rights Reserved]

 

Historian , Researcher and Senior Journalist Dr. S. Padmanabhan

Introduction : Dr. S. Padmanabhan the general secretary of Kanyakumari Historical and

Cultural Research Centre,  is one of the outstanding personalities of Kanyakumari district and he is a multi faceted personality. He is a historian , researcher , writer , journalist and so on .He is well known throughout the world for his special research on Thiruvalluvar's nativity .

                                                             Dr. S. PADMANABHAN

His birth and parents :Dr. S. Padmanabhan was born on 31 march 1934 at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State, He is a native of Nagercoil  and lives at Nagercoil. He is married and blessed with  lovely children .

His education and  employment  He graduated  from the University of Travancore in 1956 and entered into the Government Service in 1957 and he retired from the State Bank of India as an officer in 1988.

Dr. S. Padmanabhan and  kanyakumari Historical and Cultural Research Centre : Dr.S. Padmanabhan is the General Secretary of Kanyakumari Historical and Cultural Research Centre, Nagercoil. Dr. Padmanabhan  is the editor of  a bilingual [Tamil&English] monthly research journal by name,         Aayvukalanchiyam , published by the Kanyakumari Historical and Cultural Research Centre[KHCRC] . and it is pertinent to mention here that Aayvukalanchiyam was selected as the best small magazine by the Tamil Small  Magazine Association , Coimbatore in 2007.

Important organizations he is connected with : Dr. S. Padmanabhan was the Executive member of the Tamil Nadu History Congress  and Vice -President of the Nagercoil Kendra of Bharataiya Vidhya Bhavan of Mumbai

His outstanding works: Dr. S. Padmanabhan is a multii-faceted personality. He is freelance journalist , editor , writer and researcher . He has written some outstanding books and the following are some of his most famous works:.

[1]Nagaraja Temple [1969],
[2]Temples of kanyakumari[1970], 
[3]The Forgotten History of the Land's End [1971. English  & Tamil,
[4] Untold Stories about  Kanyakumari [1974, Foreword by His Excellency K.K.Shaw , Former Governor of Tamil Nadu] , 
[5]  In and Around Kanyakumari [1976], 
[6]South Indian temples,   research  paper presented in the World Conference of Religion, Philosophy and Culture held at Madurai in the presence of His majesty , the King of Nepal in 1977,
[7]Historic Churches of Kanyakumari [1978],Foreword by Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Arokiasamy.
[8]kumari Mavattu kottaikal [1978], Foreword by Dr. R.Nagaswamy, Former Director of Archaelogy , Government of Tamil Nadu, ] ,
[9] Thiruvalluvar [1979] , Foreword by the famous Economist Dr. B. Natarajan.
[10] The Contribution of kanyakumari to the Tamil World ,1981. 
[11]Hinduism :The Universal Religion , 1983;
[12] India,  The Holy land   ,1983.

[13] Thenkumri Thantha Thiruvalluvar , 1990, A research paper in English presented in the 7th World  Tamil Conference held in Mauritius in 1989, Foreword by Former Education  Minister Prof. K. Anbazhagan. 

[14] Maritime Trade of the early Tamils[1990] , A research paper in English presented in the 7thW.T.C held in Mauritius in 1989, Foreword by Dr. N.A. Noor Muhamad, Former  V. C. Of Kozhikodu Unversity and Supreme  Court Judge of Somalia. 

[15]Mayan in Kumari Continent[1997] , A research paper presented in the Second International Conference on Traditional Art and Architecture held at Thiruvananthapuram, in 1997. 

[16] Thiruvalluvar , A Universal Poet [2000],  Released on the occasion of unveiling of the statue of Thiruvalluvar at kanyakumari by the then Chief minister  of Tamil Nadu, Dr. Kalaignar karunanidhi on 1-1-2000, Foreword by Dr. V.I. Subramaniam, former Vice Chancellor of Tamil University, Tanjore. 

[17] Thiruvalluvar, 2004, Foreword by Dr. V. Ganapathi Sthapathi who designed and  erected the 133 feet high statue of Thiruvalluvar in the mid-sea at kanyakumari .

Some of his important research papers:

[1]Folk Arts in Kanyakumari district , a research paper presented in the seminar on Folk Arts

in Tamilnadu , sponsored by H.H Sri Sankaracharya of kanchi ,in Madras in 1983.

[2]Thiruvalluvar Hill and Valluvanadu [organised by Malaysian Tamil Coordination Front at  the University of Malaysia , Kolalampur in June , 2005.

[3]Thirukural and the hill tribes Kani, Endowment lecture in the Tribal Department of Thanjavur Tamil University in November 2005.
[4]Raja Raja Chola in Kanyakumari [1984], Tamil University , Tanjore.
[5]Jainism in Kanyakumari District [1984], Annamalai University.
[6] Little known history of Kanykumari district [1985], G.N.D University , Amirtar
[7]Temple art of kanyakumari district [1985]. I.S.D.L, Thiruvananthapuram.
[8] Raja Raja Chola ,[Authors Guild of India held at Lucknow in 1985]
[9]Kottar, the Metropolis of Ancient Tamil Nadu [7th Session of South Indian History Congress, Madras University , Madras , 1987]
[10]Tamil Culture in Sri Lanka [Goa University , 1987]
[11]A new Light on Raja Raja Chola [Poona Univeersity m1988]
[12] The dancing form of Siva [World Hindu Conference , kathmandu, Nepal, 1988]
[13] Ramayana in Kanyakumari District [1990],
[14]Thiruvalluvar , a Universal Poet [ 12th World Poet Meet , Seoul, S. Korea, 1990]
[15]The Forgotten Hisotry of Thirukottaru [ International Society of Tamil Studies , Pondichery, 1991
[16] Chera Chola Pandya in Kanyakumaari [7th Session of T.H.C at Mother Teresa University , Kodaikanal , 2000],
[17] The contribution of Dr, Caldwell to South Indian history , M.K University, Madurai , 2001
[18] The Contribution of Prof.. Sundaram Pillay   to Histriography , Madras University , Chennai 2001 ,and so many other  research papers.

Dr. S , Padmanabhan and Thiruvalluvar's Nativity Research : By his tireless effort  and  creative research. Dr. S. Padmanabhan has established that the Great Thiruvalluvar was born at Thirunainarkurichi in Kanyakumari District. His thesis that Thiruvalluvar was born at Kanyakumari District is a challenge to the Tamil Scholars. This research book was released in 1990 by the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu  Dr. Kalaingnar . At the invitation of His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam , the then President  of India, Dr. Padmanabhan met the President at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan , New Delhi on 15th Novembere , 2002 and concisely explained his theory that Thiruvalluvar was born in Kanyakumari District with external in internal evidences and for the same he was highly appreciated by the President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. On that occasion on behalf of Kanyakumari Historical and Cultural Research Centre , Dr. Padmanabhan as its General Secretary presented one metre high bronze statue of Ayyan Thiruvalluvar to the President Dr. A .P.J. Abdul Kalam, which was installed in a separate room at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan, New Delhi, with great veneration . Dr. S. Padmanabhan was awarded a title "Thiruvalluvar Thoothar" by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in a function held at Nagercoil on 09-07-2010.

Honours and recognitions  received by him :  Dr. S. Padmanabhan  is considered as an authority on the history of Kanyakumari District. For his research work "The Forgotten History of the Land's End ", he was awarded a honorary doctorate  degree D.Litt by the World University Round Table of USA ,in a function held at New York in the year 1983 and  the convocation address was delivered by him  on that occasion   Dr. Padmanabhan was honoured,  as one among the five outstanding historians of Tamil Nadu, outside the academic field by the Vice Chancellors of Bharathidasan  University and Tamil University on 18-08-1991 , and one of the seven reputed writers by the then Minister of Finance Dr. V.R. Neduncheliyan on 13-041992 at  a  sparkling function held at  Kundavi Nachiar College in Thanjavur and in the Golden Beach , Chennai respectively. Indian Council for Cultural Relations has deputed Dr. S. Padmanabhan thrice as a Delegate of India to Mauritius, South Korea and Africa in the years 1989, 1990, and 2010 respectively.

He was nominated twice by the Government of Tamil Nadu in he year 1997 and 2000 as a Member of Tamil Nadu Council of Historical Research for a period for 6 years.  As a special invitee of the Government of Andrapradesh , Dr. Padmanabhan has participated in the Lumbini  festival held at Vishakapatnam in March 1998 and presented a research paper on The Impact of Buddhism on Christianity .

Estimate and conclusion : " His contributions which provide a wealth of information unfold the history of Kanyakumari District in social, cultural and political fields"  said  Prof. K.A. Nilakanta Sastri, Madras [1971].. "Shri. S. Padmanabhan is doing a distinguished service by making the people culturally conscious" said  Kulapathi K. M. Munshiji, Bomany [1967]. This two sentences are enough to understand the greatness and accomplishment of Dr. S. Padmanaban. He has visited England, USA, France, Rome , Nepal, Srilanka, Mauritius, Maysia , Singapore , Hongkong , Tailand, South Korea, Japan, Baharain and Ethopia.  As a Senior Fellow of International School of Dravidian Linguistics , Thiruvananthapuram , Dr. S. Padmanabhan went to Mexico and gathered materials for writing a book on The Impact of Dravidian Culture in the Maayan Land of Mexico.At the invitaion of Ambo University in Africa he went to Ethopia  for a field study and found out the cultural contacts between  Africa and India.Dr. S. Padmanabhan  has developed a special regard for the Travancore Royal family  and Pioneer family of Nagercoil .  Dr. S. Padmanabhan has wriiten, the biography of Pioneer Kumaraswamy in Tamil [Avara Munnodi Avara Muthanmai= He was the Pioneer -He was the First]. Dr. S. Padmanabhan is very friendly, unassuning  , a born researcher and has brought great laurels to Kanyakumari District .Definitely Dr. S. Padmanabhan is a shining and living  milestone in the history of India and Kanyakumari District  in the  field of history, religion and culture. Now he is living with us and definitely so long as we think and remember the great Thiruvalluvar ,we will also remember Dr. S. Padmanabhan for the research he has done on Thiruvalluvar. .{ Later if needed  this article will be up-dated ]

P.BABU MANOHARAN    [Rights reserved]




 .                                         

Remarkable College Principals : Prof . V. Hamsa Devi : Part I :

Introduction ; Kanyakumari district  has proudly produced  many outstanding College  Principals who played crucial and deciding roles  for the intellectual, educational, and overall  development of  India . Prof. Hamsa Devi is one of the illustrious College Principals that our Kanyakumari district has ever produced . Definitely she is a multifaceted  and remarkable personality .

Prof. Hamsa Devi and her  birth and parents : Prof. V. Hamsa Devi was born at  Sucheendrum in Kanyakumari district on 28 July,1938 in an illustrious family as a daughter of late  Mr. P. Vivekanandan [ Ex M.L.A] and Mrs.M. Dhanalekshmi Vivekanandan.  Her father Mr. P. Vivekandan, B.A,  was a former member of the Travancore Cochin State Assembly and  he had the distinctive privilege to serve as a Member of the Reform Committee of the Travancore Cochin  State.

Her  husband and children : Hamsa Devi  married  Mr. P. Gopal  at the age of 20[ who  retired as Station Superintendent , Southern Railway and this couple is blessed with two daughters and a son , namely:[1] .Dr. G. Bhanumathy , she is an allopathic Doctor and  an astrologer by choice, [2] Dr.G. Vijayalakshmi,M.A, Ph.D , is working as a Professor of English  , in the prestigious  University College , Tthiruvaananthapuram and[3] Mr. G. Mahinth Gokul , B. Tech,M.B.A,  is a SAP consultant in a  reputed Company in USA..

Prof.Hamsa Devi's siblings : Prof. V. Hamsa Devi has three sisters and three brothers. Her sisters are [1] Dr. Vijayal, [2] Mrs. V. Rajakumari, [3] Mrs.V. Saraswathy  and her brothers are [1]Mr. V. Nandakumar B.A. B.L, Public Prosecutor , Retd, [2] Mr. V. Balasubramaniam, M.A, is a writer and he  has authored two books , and [3] Mr. V. Santharam , I.P,S. worked  in the Police Department ,Kerala State and retired as Inspector General of Police.   He  is a born Poet , Painter and Writer and he has brought out many books of  poems and his wife Dr. P. Anitha Dhamayanthy, M.A, Ph.D, is working as a  Professor  of English at the famous Government College for Women , Thiruvananthapuram.

Prof. Hamasa Devi's education :  Hamsa Devi did her school education at  the famous S.M.S.M    High School, Sucheendrum and her B,A ,in history at the Government College for Women , Thiruvananthapuram and her M.A, in history at  the prestigious University College, Thiruvananthapuram.

Prof. Hamsa Devi and her teaching career:  Prof. Hamsa Devi  received her  Government appointment order to work as history lecturer in a  College , in Kerala State in the year 1961. After having served as history lecturer in many Government colleges throughout  the breadth and length of Kerala State she was appointed as  Principal at the Government College , Kasaragod in 1989. She has an enviable record of having successfully officiated as Principal of four  famous  Government Colleges in Kerala State namely:{1]Government College,Kasaragod, [2] Government College , Nattakam, Kottayam, [3] University College, Thiruvananthapuram [21-8-1991 to 24-6-1992] and finally [4] The Government College for Women , Thiruvananthapuram [1992-1994] , from here  she retired in Mach 1994.

Prof. Hamsa Devi is a writer and translator:  Prof. Hamsa Devi is a voracious reader and proficient in Tamil , Malayaslam and English. She has written a few beautiful poems in Tamil and English. She has translated the "Thirukural " from Tamil to English in very beautiful, enviable and  poetic style and she has published  the same  as a book . Moreover now she has been translating the famous Tamil devotional work, "Thiruppavai'  from Tamil to English .

Conclusion:  Prof. Hamsa Devi is now residing at Thuruvananthapuram . She is a born thinker and a multifaceted personality . No doubt hardly a few people would have got the privilege to work as Principal of four famous Government Colleges in Kerala State including the famous University College, Thiruvananthapuram . The people of Kanyakumari can be really proud of Prof. Hamsa Devi, on account of her extraordinary accomplishment in the field of education, history, administration  and literature.

P.BABU MANOHARAN..[ Rights Reserved,  This Article will be altered , modified and corrected if needed later.}




  

Dr.Abideen B. Peter, Ph.D.; Dr. A.J. Anandan.I.P.S, D.G.P[Rtd], Pianist Sheila Arnold [Germany]:Part I:

Introduction :  

Many of Mr. Daniel Paramanandam's descendants ,   have become  impressive and important milestones in their respective fields. True to this great tradition,Dr. Abideen Bobujee Peter , M.V.Sc, Ph.D, and his paternal cousin  Dr. A.J. Anandan, I.P.S, D.G.P,[Rtd], and Dr. Anandan's sister Beatrice Amaladasan's graddaughter ,the renowned Pianist Sheila Arnold[Germany], have brought  lasting laurels and fragrances to Rachel Fanny Peter's family [ Rachel Fanny was the eldest daughter of Mr. Daniel Paramanadam , the first Deacon of Nagercoil  Home Church.  Mr. Peter [Sr] married Rachel fanny , the eldest daughter of  Mr. Daniel Paramanandam and Mrs. Paramaye Fanny. Mr. Peter and Rachel  Fanny Peter were blessed with many lovely children including Mr.Chinnathambi Peter.

Mr. Chinnathambi Peter and his family : Because ,Mr. Chinna Thambi ,worked as  Postmaster , he was generally known as Cinnathambi Post Master or Peter Postmaster. Mr. Chinna Thambi Post Master married a beautiful   Iranian Muslim girl  by name Razia ; and this loving couple was blessed with three smart sons and one lovely daughter namely:[1] Mr. Agur Samuel Peter[Baba], [2] Mrs. Beatrice Amaladasan [Baby], [3] L. M. Peter[Gedgi]  and Mr.P.N. Peter [Mogu].

Mr. Agur Samuel  Peter [Baba or A.S. Peter] and his family :  Mr. Chinnathambi Peter, christened his eldest son  as Agur Samuel Peter, in honour and remembrance of his remarkable  first cousin C. M. Agur, B.A, the author of the monumental book called, "The Church history of Travancore" [  Pages 1183,   Madras, 1903. in English]. Mr. A. S. Peter worked as a Senior  Clerk ,under an American missionary called Mr. Edward Kraft  who was then working as manager of the [MELIM] Lutheran schools, Nagercoil Synod.. Mr. A.S. Peter married Annie Dorothy, the elegant eldest daughter of Mr. John Subbiah in 1947 and this couple's  only son was born on 19-03-1948. Mrs . Annie Dorothy Peter was working as a secondary grade teacher at the Concordia High School, Nagercoil,  till her retirement.  Mr A.S .Peter , christened his male child as  Abideen Bobujee Peter , in remembrance and honor of his maternal uncle Mr.Abideen; Bobujee for Gandhiji and Peter  was  their  family name. But Abideen Bobujee Peter is generally called as Bobujee.

Pioneer Picture Palace and Peter's family;  Mr. A.S .Peter  was living at his ancestral house  along with his wife Dorothy and son Abideen Bobujee Peter ;which was located just behind the well known Pioneer Picture Palace, The entire land of that area including Pioneer Picture Palace, near  the landmark structure  "Tower Junction" at Nagercoil ; was the ancestral property of Peter Post Master's  family[ the fore- fathers of Dr Abideen Bobujee Peter] of Nagercoil .The land of the Picture Palace  Cinema theater  was leased out to Pioneers for a meagre amount by Mr.Chinnathambi Peter.[Dr. Abideen Bobujee Peter's grand-father], But later the Pioneers built  Pioneer Picture Palace on that spot ,  the Pioneer Picture Palace  was later destroyed by fire accident.

Baba's family moved to their new House :Mr. A.S. Peter's family built a new nice house at Simon Nagar Road, Nesamony Nagar, opposite of Concordia High School, Nagercoil ; Mr Baba and his family   moved to the lovely new house  in 1974 and they were living in the new house  happily for many years.

Dr. Abideen Bobujee Peter , B.V.Sc, M.V.Sc, Ph.D:    Dr. Abideen  Bobujee Peter did his high school studies at Concordia High School , Nagercoil and passed the S.S.L.C in 1963, then he did his P.U.C at Scott Christian College , Nagercoil[1963-64] and passed  with flying colors.  In the year 1965 he joined B.V.Sc degree course in the famous Madras Veterinary College and meritoriously passed out  in 1971.  In November 1971 , Dr. Abideen Bobujee Peter, joined as Veterinary Asst. Surgeon[VAS]in Animal Husbandary Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, in Ramanad Dist. Later he was transferred to Kanyakumari Dist  and he worked as V.A.S at Thiruvattar, Chemmangala, Mondaymarket and Aravaimozhi.

Dr. Bobujee's marriage and higher education :Dr. Bobujee, married  Dr.Pearl Grace Sugirtha ,B.V.Sc, daughter of Mrs. Devanesam Appadurai and Mr. Appadurai, in 1978  and grand daughter of Col. Subanandaraj of Pandarathoppu,near Nagercoil [Dr. Pearl Grace Sugirtha  and  Dr. Banerjee Jesudasan , M.S, F.R.C.S, former H.O.D of General Surgery , C.M.C, Vellore,  are  maternal first cousins]. Dr.Pearl Grace Sugirtha Bobujee ,started her professional career at the Institute of  Veterinary Medicine [I.V.P.M], Ranipet. So Dr. Bobujee also got transfer to IVPM, Ranipet  and both of them had been working at Ranipet , IVPM from 1980 to 2000.during these years  Dr. Bobujee did his M.V.Sc and Ph.D  and Dr. Sugirtha Bobujee did her M.V.Sc. In 2000 Dr. Bobujee was transferred to Central Referral Laboratory , Saidapet , Chennai  as the Head of the  State Lab and soon Dr. Sugirtha  Bobujee also got transfer to the same Lab at Saidapet After a long and dedicated  service Dr. Bobujee retired from active service  on 31-03-2006.

Recognition to Dr. Abideen Bobujee Peter :  The dedicated service and  specialized skill of Dr. Bobujee were well respected and appreciated by all the I.A.S officers who served as Secretaries and Directors in the Animal Husbandry Department , Govt of Tamil Nadu.  So the Govt of Tamil Nadu appointed Dr .Bobujee as Consultant  to the department of Anaimal Husbandry, Govt of Tamil Nadu after his retirement. This was really a rare honor and privilege  given to Dr.Abideen Bobujee Peter,  by the Govt of Tamil Nadu. As Consultant he worked at the Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Chennai for two years with great distinction .

Conclusion:       However  the work  as Consultant was so heavy and demanding Dr. Bobujee resigned his Post of Consultant to the Government of Tamil Nadu [ Dept of Animal Husbandry] and worked for a private Poultry Company at Namakkal for 1 year and in the meantime his wife Dr Sugirtha Bobujee went on voluntary retirement and built her own house in Madhavaram in the plot given by her mother Devenesam Appadurai . Now Dr Abideen Bobujee Peter and his beloved wife Dr. Pearl Grace Sugirtha are happily living in their new and neat  house at Madhavaram , Chennai .  Dr. Abideen Bobujee Peter has visited many foreign countries including , U.K, U.S.A , Germany  etc.  During one of his visits , Dr. Bobujee along with wife Dr Sugirtha Bobujee happened to  meet his  paternal aunt Mrs. Beatrice Amaladasan's  granddaughter the world famous classical Pianist   Mrs. Sheila Arnold at Cologne,Germany and Dr. Bobujee and his wife ,still cherish that landmark and lovely meeting .  More  over the famous multifaceted musician Noel James , a close and  long time friend and manger of the world famous  Music Director and Composer  A.R. Rahman, is Dr. Bobujee's maternal first cousin .  Dr. Abideen Bobujee Peter  is very calm , well educated, composed  and well liked by his friends and family members and his helping mentality really deserves mention here. 

[ In Part II, I will deal with  the world famous classical Pianist Mrs. Sheila Arnold  and Dr. A.J .Anandan ,IPS, DGP[, [.Rtd, karnataka].

P. BABU  MANOHARAN.  [Rights Reserved]

GENIUS AND MAESTRO OF WESTERN MUSIC PADMA SHRI HANDEL MANUEL : PART FINAL :

Some Peaks he touched and some important events of his musical journey:   Handel Manuel was given the distinctive  privilege to compose music for the  United Nations  Hymn  written in  English by Shree C. Rajagopalachari , former Governor General of India , and the Hymn was sung by the  world renowned singer M.S. Subbalakshmi at the U.N. Head Quarters , New York ;  after training by Handel Manuel .

Mr . Handel Manuel was given the rare privilege to do the harmonization of the Indian National Anthem and he accomplished the job in an excellent and enviable manner .The British press reported :" The Westminister Choir was led in a very fine performance of the Indian national Anthem by Handel Manuel" .

Handel Manuel was really a remarkable man ,he was at his ease in the company of the elite and was equally with humbler common people. He kept himself in constant touch with the Consul Generals of Germany ,  the USA. The USSR, the British Dy. High Commissioner , and with Heads of Cultural Centres  like Max Muller Bhavan, USIS, House of Soviet Culture, British Council, Alliance Francaise etc.

Handel Manuel  was the only Indian to be invited as Guest of honour to the TCHIAKOVSKY INTERNATIONAL  MUSIC COMPETITION  AT MOSCOW.

The renowned American composer  ALAN HOVHANESS has dedicated his  "Arjuna Symphony" and "An Organ Sonata "  to Handel Manuel . In another occasion Handel Manuel was  invited from the audience by the renowned Gospel singer , MAHALIA JACKSON  to the stage to play at her concert in Chennai[Madras]; she has also dedicated one of her songs to Handel Manuel.

In 1978 , the wife of a former Chancellor of West Germany  visited Madras and as she wanted to visit places of interest and importance  in Madras, the German Consulate decided  to take her to  St. Andrew's Kirk as well ; so  the Consulate telephoned the Church in this regard . When she visited the St. Andrew's Church , Handel Manuel  happened to be there in the Church   and Mr. S.W. Chandra Dhas who was  in charge in respect of her visit to the Church,  introduced Handel Manuel to the former first lady of the West Germany. During his conversation Handel asked her if she would like to hear some organ music , she said yes and requested Handel to play something sad . S.W. Chandra  Dhas writes ,"Handel chose a Bach piece and the Honourable  Lady sat on a chair listening . I noticed tears rolling down her cheeks; Handel had touched her emotions, I was sure. When the music was over she thanked Handel profusely ; and as she was leaving , she extended an invitation to him saying ,'when you come to Germany next, do not hesitate to call on me' ",[ KIRKSPIRE, January 1995]. And like this he was privileged to meet  ever so many important events  and personalities ,in  his life time.

After his retirement  as Dy. Chief Producer , for Western Music ,All India Radio ,  Handel Manuel  was appointed  Producer Emeritus , AIR and Doordarshan  Kendra for Western Music.  In 1982, Sangeet Nataka Akademy assigned him, the task of Investigation  and Development of Music in Nagaland ; for reporting to Govt of India.  More over Admiral Stanley Dawson  invited Handel Manuel to Delhi  to train and give  polish to the Band of the Indian Navy ;which was declared the best of  the three Bands of the Indian Defense Services , that year.  Mr Handel Manuel was  also invited by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu , Dr. J. Jeyalalitha , who was once Handel's student in the Church Park Convent School; to give polish to the Madras Police Band.

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Awards and Honours :[1] In January 1983 the Government of India ,awarded Handel   Manuel ,the prestigious" Padma Shri" Award for the remarkable services he did  for the cause of Western Music in India. [2] He had the distinction  to compose music for  the , "March India 1973" song  for the Independence day celebration .[3] He was the one who composed the "Variations of All India Radio Signature Tune",[4] He was the Music Composer for , "The Golden Wand , A Dance Drama".[5]  He composed Music for a Children's  Ballet [6] He composed music for , "The Trumpet  Tune". [7] Handel loved children and his , Uncle Handel's Children's Programme" over the  AIR  used to be an ardently awaited programme.

Handel Manuel and St. Andrew's Church :   Handel Manuel's musical life  was so intimately interlinked and connected with  St. Andrew's Church, Madras,.  Handel Manuel  took over as Organist and Choirmaster of St Andrew's Kirk , Madras , in 1941. He served as the Organist and Choirmaster of St. Andrew's Church[Kirk] for 53 years till his death on 22nd October 1994.  The holy worship service at St. Andrew's kirk ,Madras[Chennai]  used to commence at  9 o' clock in Sundays, and Handel Manuel was one of  the earliest Church goers, and used to  arrive in the Church. even before the commencement of the Service.  He used to check the supply of electricity and the working conditions of the musical instruments especially the Pipe Organ.   Besides usual  eight pieces of  Organ  Music by Handel Manuel , it was really musical treat to listen to Handel with the Choir . Handel  led the congregational singing of the Hymns to the correct tempo;and almost every Suday  ,Handel  Manuel ,presented a  melodious  and  beautiful  anthem in the St Andrew's Kirk  till his death..  He is no more with us , his absence is conspicuously  being  felt during the worship Services at St. Andrew's  Church [Kirk], Madras[Chennai].  Mr. Fred Alberts , during Handel Manul's  funeral service said , "Mr . Handel  Manuel will remain part of the history of St. Andrew's church, Madras " . Yes that is true.

Handel Manuel's last journey : The great Maestro and Genius  of Western Music  Mr. Handel Manuel passed away on  22 nd October , 1994. His funeral  took place on Sunday 23rd October, 1994, morning at 11 am.  And the the memorial service was held on 30th October , 1994.  Many paid fitting tributes to the departed  Maestro of Western Music  Mr. Handel Manuel . Let me conclude this Post by citing a condolence message received by Mrs. Alice Handel Manuel from  Dr. Gudrun Vogel  [ The Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Madras], " Over decades we had a very close , harmonious and successful partnership with Mr. Handel Manuel, whose knowledge of western classical music  we all admired and whose concerts--as a very able conductor or as organist and pianist -we greatly enjoyed....I sincerely wish that you and your family will find some consolation when remembering the achievements of Mr.Handel Manuel by which I mean not only the recognition among others by the 'Who's who in Music" or being awarded the Padmashree but the fact he could until the last live and work for the great love of his life-western classical music"..

Handel Manuel was taller than  the awards he received .He was really a Genius and Maestro of Western Music in India.

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

GENIUS AND MAESTRO OF WESTERN MUSIC PADMA SHRI HANDEL MANUEL: PART I:

Musical  Genius Mr. Handel Manuel [ 1918-1995] :  Mr. Handel Manuel was one of the greatest and rarest musical  geniuses  of western music that this world has ever produced . He was a  globally acclaimed Pianist and musical  celebrity of  the twentieth century. Mr. Handel Manuel's  mother Mrs. Daya Manuel was  a  great-granddaughter of the legendary Daniel Paramanadam, the first Indian Deacon of the Nagercoil Home Church.  By his  extraordinary musical accomplishment Mr . Handel Manuel had become a  legendary  personality in the filed of western music .

His Birth and Parents : Mr . Handel Manuel was born as a male child to Dr. Manuel and Mrs. Daya Manuel , on 27 April , 1918.  Mrs. Daya Manuel was an offshoot of a great illustrious christian family of Nagercoil.  Mrs. Daya Manuel's great grandfather Mr. Daniel Paramanadam was the first ordained Indian Deacon  of the  Home Church , Nagercoil . Mr. Daniel Paramanadam and Mrs. Paramayee Paramanadam begot Marthal Fanny;  and Mrs. Marthal Fanny and Joseph Munshi begot  Mr. Ambrose ; and Mr. Ambrose and Mrs. Luis Ambrose begot Mrs Daya Manuel and Daya Manuel was the mother of our legendary Music Maestro  Mr. Handel Manuel.

His family and his education :   Dr. Manuel and Mrs . Manuel were blessed with  four children [two sons and two daughters ] namely:[1] Mr. Handel  Manuel ,[2] Sunder and  [3] Rajeswari and [4]Lister.  Music was the great love of Dr. Manuel  senior and his children also inherited this great quality from their father Dr Manuel. Sunder is an adept at the clarionet and cello and an accomplished soloist on the flute. Lister  is an accomplished pianist , organist and conductor of church choir and Rajeswari is a singer and pianist . But Handel  Manuel was a genius and surpassed all of his siblings in western music. Handel Manuel's son Viji Manuel and his grandson Sajjid are also great  musicians Handel Manuel did his school Education  in Tuticorin and collegiate education at the famous Madras Christian College , Tambaram , Chennai.

The back ground of Handel Manuel's name:  On the eve  of Handel Manuel's birth , his father Dr . Manuel   with great musical flair attended  a musical performance of the  iconic Oratorio Composer George Frederic Handel's  [ 23 February1685-14 April  1759],masterpiece Oratorio, "Messiah" at the famous St. Andrew's Church, Chennai [The Kirk ]. Dr Manuel was  highly impressed and infatuated by the  musical performance , so  he decided to christen his  boy child as Handel after the great German born  British music composer  George  Frederic Handel. True to his name Handel Manuel  touched and reached great heights in his musical career.

Handel Manuel was multifaceted Musical Genius: Handel Manuel  was born in the family of music lovers and musicians .  He was a self taught musician . As born musical prodigy Handel very easily picked up mind and soul the  music, naturally and easily. Handel began his musical  travel and training with violin and very quickly he became an excellent expert to play keyboard.  He became a world class Organist , Pianist.and in short became fluent in any type music; including  classical or light.

Some unique places of his musical  journey: The Madras Musical Association was  founded  in 1893 by European Expatriates in Madras[Chennai]  with the then Governor of Madras Presidency as it's Patron ; to propagate  and perform western music in the city of Madras in particular and India  as a whole.    He became  the first Indian Conductor of Madras Musical Association at the tender age of 23.  Mr. Handel Manuel was the Founder Director of the Madras Philharmonic and Choral society.   He served  as the Organist  for more than  fifty years  at the St.Andrew's Church, Chennai [The Kirk ].Day by day his musical fame was reaching far and wide.

Handel Manuel's  Musical  Performances in Foreign Countries :  Handel Manuel's remarkable musical talent was recognized throughout the world. In 1964 at the invitation of the British Council he went to UK and gave performances in West Minister Abbey , London and in Edinburgh Cathedral, UK and his recitals  were recorded by BBC[British Broadcasting Corporation ] and also recorded by French Radio and broadcast in UK and France ; and also televised  in Germany. Thus  the musical talent and fame of Handel Manuel ,wafted  above these countries in the air and brought indelible fame to Handel Manuel in European countries also.

In 1984 Handel Manuel was privileged to visit  the  United Kingdom and Europe  again  and gave outstanding musical performances  at several celebrated Centres and Cathedrals and impressed the British and other European audiences overwhelmed by the reception and encouragements  Handel Manuel extended his musical tour to USA, and gave mind blowing  musical performances and recital in many important cities like Minneapolis , Philadelphia, San Francisco etc. At San Francisco  Mr . Handel Manuel,  in a fantastic manner played on a new huge Six-Manual Organ  commissioned just one month before.  In 1993, musical genius Handel Manuel  revisited UK and Europe and gave mesmerizing western musical  recitals..

Handel Manuel was  a peerless  Accompanist :  Handel  Manuel was a world class Pianist and Organist and he was sought after by foreign and Indian artistes like Melli Metha , the father of the world  famous musician Zubin Metha  ,American violinist Jack Gladzer, Argentinian violinist Alberto Lysy [Protege of the great violinist Yehudi Menuhin]; Australian violinist Michael Grube ,the Dutch Cellist Francois  Vetter and some other outstanding instrumentalists.  Handel had also accompanied many great vocalists from  UK, the USA , Japan and some other countries. After rearing  a recital  of Handel Manuel in Madras , Michael  Grube  paid Handel Manuel a public tribute and said, "I have played with many Pianists in the world , but none like Handel Manuel "

Mr. Handel Manuel  as a Guest Pianist had appeared many a time with  number of internationally acclaimed Jazz Groups  such as Barrel House Jazz Group from Germany;  Bob Barnard's Jazz Group from Australia , Clark Terry and his Jolly Giants from USA etc.

Handel Manuel as a  Conductor:  Handel Manuel  was an extraordinary Orchestra Conductor .He was the first Indian to decorate the post of Music Director of the Madras Musical Association [MMA].and he held the post  with great distinction and acclaim for 36 long years. He had the honour of conducting many mind blowing world class  Orchestral and Choral Concerts. Once he  got the rare distinction  of  performing as the Guest Conductor of the Berlin Chamber Orchestra .He had the  privilege of directing the music part of several stage productions of most of Sullivan and Gilbert operas and musical  plays like Fiddler on the Roof, The King and  I, Hans Christian Anderson , Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor  Dream Coat, Papp's version the Pirates of Penzance  etc.

Handel Manuel rubbed shoulders with great international musicians :  Handel Manuel had the distinction and opportunity to participate at  the International Congress of Organist at Cambridge. After his returning  from this International Congress of Organist , he had exchanged notes with tall  names such as Westminister  Abbey's Simon Preston, Frederick Swann of the  Crystal Cathedral, Los Angeles , William Mathias [ who was commissioned to write Prince Charles' wedding anthem] Frederick  Jackson and Carey Blyton. Handel Manuel in fact commissioned Blyton to write a piece for his own choir , the Madras Philharmonic and Choral Society.

Handel Manuel and the Madras Musical Association : The one man Institution of western music Handel Manuel  joined the Madras Musical Association [MMA] in 1939 as a chorister under Lady Papworth.  In1945  the Conductor of MMA , Mr. Long walked out during the rehearsal of  Mendelssohn's , "Hymn of Praises"  in a fit of anger , in that context Handel Manuel was requested to step into  Long's place and  Handel Manuel accepted the position as  the Conductor  of the MMA . He  worked tirelessly and enthusiastically and gave good practice to the MMA choir; and the "Hymn of Praise " was performed  as scheduled on March 20, 1945.  in  remarkable  and impressive style. Since then there was no turning back for Handel . The Madras Musical Association [MMA] was consistently flourishing for forty years under the leadership and guidance of  Mr. Handel Manuel , the first Indian Conductor of the MMA ; receiving  laurels from outstanding musical personalities like Sir. Malcolm Sargent for it's musical productions like the Gilbert and Sullivan  favourites.  Another outstanding landmark in the annals of the MMA was  when the acclaimed American Composer  Alan Hovanhes dedicated his ," Arjuna Symphony " to  Mr. Handel Manuel [ KIRKSPIRE , January  1995  ] .

[Part  II will follow shortly ]
P.  BABU  MANOHARAN. M.A, [Rights reserved. This Article will be enlarged, modified or corrected later, if needed ]
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