Tamil Christian Poet John Palmer's son Solomon Palmer and his Outstanding Descendants.

Introduction : My mind is always taken aback with awesome admiration whenever I  read and write about the lively  life track of the Great Tamil Christian Poet Mr John Palmer[ 1812 -1883] and his  remarkable descendants. In this Article , I exclusively deal with the profiles of John Palmer's son Mr Solomon Palmer and his children, and his direct descendants.. Solomon Palmer was the father-in law of Rev Gnanamuthu Jesudasan , [who was responsible for the establishment of MELIM [IELC]Church  in South Travancore].

Solomon Palmer and his Parents.  Tamil Christian Poet Mr. John Palmer and his beautiful and beloved wife Mrs Perinbam Ammal John Palmer gave birth to four children including Mr Solomn Palmer . 

Solomon Palmer and his children  Mr and Mrs  Solomon  Palmer couple was blessed with  three lovely daughters and a smart son . Solomon Palmer's children , grandchildren and great grandchildren  were and are doing very well in their life. and  strikingly all of them were and are having  extraordinary musical talent. Chronological seniority is not followed 

                                   Mr and Mrs Solomon Palmer

                                                     |     

                                           CHILDREN                     

-------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------

[1]Ms Davamani[2] MsChristina Manonmani[3]Ms.Nesamani ?[4]Son[F/oA.J .Palmer].
                                                                 
  
[1]                              Mrs. Davamani Stephens
                     Ms. Davamani [w] and Mr Stephens [H]
                                                     |
                                           CHILDREN
                                                     |
                        [1][1]  Ms. Joyce  and      [1] [2] Ms Lucy  

[1][1]      Ms Joyce Stephens [w] and Mr Arthur John Palmer[Husband]
                                                        [ArthurJP was Davamani's brother's son].
                                                      |
                                           CHILDREN
    [ Mrs Joice and Arthur J Palmer couple was blessed with 10 children].  
            [Mrs Joyce married her cousin Mr Arthur John Palmer  ]                            |
                      
[1][1][1]   Mr. Isaac Dhanaraj 
         [2]   Mr Stephen Babu Palmer
         [3]   Mr.Richard Palmer.
         [4]   Ms.Suguna Palmer 
         [5]   Mr.Herbert Palmer  
         [6]   Mr.Victor Palmer 
         [7]   Ms.Vasantha Palmer
         [8]   Mr.Edwin Sunder Palmer 
         [9]   Ms.Lucy Sulochana Palmer
[1][1][10]   Ms.Regina Davamani Palmer.
     
          [ Now I am not going to deal with all the above mentioned children of    |]
          [ MrsJoyce Arthur John Palmer. But I am dealing with the descendants|
          [of Mrs Lucy Sulochana[1][1][9]  only ].                                                     ]

[1][1][9]  Ms. Lucy Sulochana [W] and Rev. Ebenezer  Prabakaran[H]
                                                 |
                          CHILDREN[two daughters and one son ].
                                                 |
[1][1][9][A] MsJemima Jeba Priya[B]Mr.Joshua John Oliver,[C]Ms.Jessie Esther Angel .

 [A]Ms. Jemima Jeba Priya:
Ms.Jemima Jeba Priya  is a Civil Engineer by profession and she started her working career in Chennai and then moved to  UAE[ Shaarjah] and worked there  for some years. Now she resides in Chennai with her husband and children . Jemima Jeba Priya has married Er.Felix Premkumar, B.E,[E.E.E] and Er Felix had worked in countries like Doha, Qatar . Now he is working in Chennai. Ms Jemima  Jeba Priya  F. Premkumar and Er.Felix Premkumar couple is blessed with two beautiful daughters namely:[1]Ms. Joel Daniella Hadassah [6 years old] and[2] Ms Felicia Noah Joan [7 months old]. Jemima Jeba Priiya is a sharp reader, thinker and much interested in family history and Church History.

[B]Pastor Joshua John Oliver : Mr.Joshua John Oliver is the only son of Ms Lucy Sulochana  E Prabakaran and Rev Ebebenezer Prabakaran couple . Mr.Joshua J Oliver  has passed his BA in English Literature and also has passed his Post Graduate Theological Degree course called M.A.B.S. [Master of Arts in Biblical Studies]. He is really a multifaceted personality. and he is highly gifted and talented Musician .. Joshua Oliver is a great accomplished Guitarist, excellent Key Board Player, Drummer, highly talented Singer and a powerful and eloquent Speaker and Preacher. Joshua J Oliver is also an inspiring Worship Leader, great Singer both in English and Tamil and a promising Music Composer. Mr Joshua has married Ms. Mercy Fredia , M.Pharm and Joshua Freda Oliver couple is blessed a lovely smart son namely Jason Toby Oliver [1year old].

Pastor Joshua John Oliver and Nesarin Satham  Church : An Idependent Christian Church or  Sabai called Nesarin Satham Church was founded by Rev Ebenezer  Prabakaran in Chennai, in 1986 with great vision and  only with 7 believers and now this Church  is being attended by nearly 100 families; and also this Nesarin Satham Church has 7 branches. Pastor Joshua John Oliver is working  as a Pastor in this Nesarin Satham Church along with his father Pastor  Rev Ebenezer Prabakaran and assists his father , in an effective  and fruitful manner

Josh Academy of Music and Joshua John Oliver :  Mr Joahua John Oliver is a gifted, born trained and creative musician and as a corollary he has established a Music School namely Josh Academy of Music  in Chennai and this Music School is affiliated to the Trinity School of Music London . Mr Joshua John Oliver  is an excellent music Teacher and he shapes   his students as efficient Guitarists , key Board Players and Drummers,etc,. So far he has trained nearly 1000 students in  his Josh Academy of Music and today his students are shinning well in the music filed as Music teachers and Musicians. and some have started their own music Schools.

[C]Ms Jessie Esther  Angel :Ms Lucy Sulochana and Rev Ebenzer Prabakaran couple's daughter Jessie Esther Angel is working as Government School Teacher in Thirupathur. Ms  Jessie Esther Angel has married Pastor Samuel Backyaraj. and this lovely couple is blessed three beautiful and smart children namely;[1]Jesyn Shebaniya [3years], [2] Jotham Silas [ 3 years], and Joel Titus [ 2 years]. Jessie E. Angel is also a talented Singer like the rest his siblings; She is a gifted Tamil Christian  song writer , music composer and singer. Ms Jessie Esther Samuel Backyaraj has composed, sung and released many melodious Christian Albums of her own. She is a promising  and upcoming Christian song writer and composer.
.

[!][2]                                     Ms Lucy Stephens
                              Ms. Lucy Stephens [W] and Mr. Oliver {H]
                                                     |
                                               Children
[1][2][A] Mr. Gunesekaaran and    [1][2][B]. Ms . Vasantha Oliver

[1][2] [A]        Mr. Gunesekaran. Oliver[ In this article I deal only with Mr Gunesekaran Oliver and his family ]
Ms. Lucy Stephens married Mr Oliver in Malaysia and  this lovely couple begot Mr Gunesekaran and Ms Vasantha. Mr Gunesekaran  was working as an Editor of a famous Tamil Magazine . Mr Gunesekaran Oliver married Ms Angeline. Mr Gunesekaran and Mrs Angeline Gunesekaran couple begot  a beautiful daughter namely Caroline Sujatha.   And Mrs Caroline Sujata Genesekaran married Mr James Devanayagam, M.Sc [Universityof Leister,U.K], LL.B[Hons][University of London ] Dip in Administration [UK] Mr. James Deva Nayagam is currently working as Commissioner of Human Tights Commission of Malaysia.
Mr Gunesekaran and his maternal Uncle Mr Reginald Manoharan Stephens:  Mr Gunesekaran's materanal grandfather [ Mrs Lucy Oliver's father ] Mr Stephens after the death of his beloved first wife Ms Davamani , he married Ms Chellam . and Mr Stephen And Mrs Chellam Stephens begot three beautiful and smart  children namely [1] Mr Reginald Manoharan,[2] Mr. Thilak Raja and [2]Mrs Padma Charles>  AMN. Stephens Reginald Manoharan was a former Director General Of Human Resource Department [ Labor Dept], Government of Malaysia and also he served as First Secretary, in the Malaysian Embassy in United Nations.

Conclusion : Thus  the Great Christian Tamil Poet John Palmer's descendants colorfully decorated their respective fields by their enviable education , and accomplishments.  Definitely I faced many impediments  while tracing the genealogy of Mr John Palmer and his descendants .  No doubt I can say that John Palmers's family is one of the illustrious Christian families in Asia.  I have tried my best to give correct information about John Palmer and his son Solomon Palmer and his descendants  ,. Every time I write about JaPa  I am spontaneously filled with joy and pride.  Of course  every time I write ,I travel towards accuracy and for perfection. Our Forefathers generally have failed to record their genealogy with interest  I thank those who helped  me with information to write this Article.
By P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A, [ The Rights reserved. This Article will be enlarged , modified and corrected later , if needed. Comments are welcome. Correct corrections will be cordially accommodated  ]. 
                                                                 
                                             
             

               

Genealogy of the Remarkable Mr Moses Devadason and family [Injikandakku]of Nagercoil. Part D

             Genealogy of Mr. Moses Devadason of Nagercoil and family Part D:
                                                           |
 6                                            Grace[ Daughter]
                              Mrs. Grace [w]and Mr. Edward [H]
                         [This Couple begot 3 sons and 2 daughters]
             [Immediately after their marriage this couple went to Ceylon]
                                                           |
                                                    Children 
6-1                                       Mr Chandra Paul
          Mr. Chandra Paul [H] and.Mrs.Jemima d/o. George Dawson [W]
                                      [They settled in Ceylon  ].
                                                           |
                                                  Children
           [Chrndra Paul couple begot 3 Children , names not known ]
              
6-2                                             Prince [son]
  [Mr. Prince came from  Ceylon with his wife and settled in Calicut, Prince's ]
       [ wife's name is not known .This couple was blessed with 2 daughters].

6-3                                       Pushpi [Daughter]
                       Ms Pushpi [w] and Mr Victor D Christian[H]
                                                           |
                                                Six Children
6-3-1                              Ms. Graceline[daughter]
                       Ms. Graceline [W] and Mr. Ayyakannu[H]
                                                          |
                                                  Children.
                                     [One son and one Daughter]
6-3-1-A          [1]                 Mr. Arun Kumar [son]
                       [2]          Ms.  Shirley Shanthi [daughter ].
                           Mr .Arun Kumar [H] and Ms .Sofia [W]
                                                          |
6-3-1-A-1             One Daughter and her name is Adlena

6-3-2                              Ms .Ruby [daughter ].
                                Ms. Ruby [w] and Mr. Srikanth [H] 

6-3-3                                Mr. John Gabriel [Son]
      Mr. John Gabriel [H] and Ms. Gunaseeli[ W] [ name not definite].
                                                         |
                                        Children [ two Sons ]
6-3-3-A                     [1]      Mr. Edward Solomon 
                                  [2]     Mr. Samson Sunderraj

               [1]  Mr. Edward Solomon [H] and Ms . Shiny Lalitha [ W
                                                        |
                                       Children [ Two sons ]
                                                        |
                                    [1]     Mr. Rocky Mathew
                                     [2]    Mr. Raydon Darius.
                 [2 ] Mr. Samson Sunderaraj [H] and Mrs.Vidhya Samson
                                                          |
                              Children [ One son and daughter ]
                                     [1]  Master. Kian Adriel 
                                      [2]  Girl child [ name not known ]                                                         

6-3-3-A-1   Mr.Edward and Mrs Lalitha Edward couple had two children 
6-3-4                                  Mr. Jerry Jeyakumar
                 Mr.Jerry Jeyakumar [H] and Ms. Daisy [W]
                                                       |
6-3-4-A                     Evelet  Vinodhini[daughter]
                 Mrs. Evelet Vinodhini[W] and  Mr. Immanuel [H] 
                                                        |
                                               Children
                                                        |
6-3-4-A-1   Mrs. Evelet Immanuel W ] and Mr. Immanuel [H }
                                                        |
                           Children [One son  and  2 daughter ]
                   [1]            Ms. Olive [ daughter ]
                   [2]            Mr.  Mr . Israel [ son].
                   [3]            Ms. Charlet Ditty [ Daughter]



6-3-5              Mr. Christopher [ PG Teacher, died as bachelor.]

6-3-6                        Ms. M . Rachel [Full name not Known ]
                           Ms. M. Rachel[w] and Mr Rajkumar [h]
                                                     |
6-3-6-A     Rachel Rajkumar couple's son is Mr. Vasanthakumar.


7 .                      Mrs. Chinnathai [ d/o Moses devadasan ]   
                  Mrs. Chinnathai [W] and Mr Israel Washington [H].  
            [Israel Washington was Mr. Moses Devadasan's sister's son ]
                                                    |
7-1              Mrs. Chinathai and Washington couple's son was Mr. Punitha  
        [ Mr Puntiha  was a bachelor and  worked with the Indian Military and]
       [ then in Madras High Court and spent his last days in Pondichery with]
       [Mr. Thambiraj , son born to Washington and his 2nd wife Mrs . Bella ].

   Next Part  will follow  soon
By. P. BABU MANOHARAN , M.A, [Rights reserved. This genealogy will be modified,
enlarged and corrected ,  if needed , later].




      

Former Secretary to the Govt of Travnacore the Remarkble Shri.Gnana Joshua , B.A,.

Introduction ; Late Mr Gnanamuthu Joshua, B.A, was really a remarkable person ; he was a multifaceted personality, an unsung Hero,  educational and social Reformer and he was a Force; generally he was called as Gnana Joshua . He and his illustrious brother late Rev  Gnanamuthu Jesudasan [ Rev Gnanamuthu Jesudasan, was mainly instrumental in bringing the Missouri Evangelical Lutheran India Mission [MELIM] Missionaries to Kanyakumari District and also Rev Jesudasan was the first ordained Indian MELIM  Lutheran Pastor in India] were really outstanding  persons and both of them had done outstanding service to the cause of Social Justice, Cultural Renaissance,Christianity and  People's Education   In a sense they were social revolutionaries and they had become a part of the social, religious and educational history of Travancore and South India. In short  these two  outstanding brothers were trendsetters of their time.

                                                  

                                                       Mr. Gnanamuhu Joshua, B.A,

Gnana Joshua's Parents and Birth : Gnana Joshua's father Mr. Gnanamuthu  hailed from a tiny village called Uthirappatti, located on the fertile banks of the ancient  river Pazhayar , near Suchindrum , Agasteeswaram taluk, Kanyakumari District and Joshua' mother Mrs Saratha Gnanamuthu  hailed from the family of Maharasan Vethamonicakm of South Travancore [Kayakumari Dist].. It will be useful to mention here that  later Mrs Saratha Gnanamuthu's younger son Rev Jesudasan's daughter was also named as Saratha in remembrance Mrs Sartha Gnamauthu. Rev G. Jesudasan married Ms Manonmani Solomon Palmer., a granddaughter of  Christian Tamil Poet Mr John Palmer.]  Mr Gnana Joshua's exat date of birth is not known , however we can infer and  say he would have born  most probably in the year 1870..[ His younger brother Rev.G. Jesudasan was born in June , 1872, in Kandy, Srilanka ].

Gnana Joshua's Wife and Children : Mr Gnana Joshua married Ms Perinbam Ammal most probably  in 1914 [ The base for my inference .is that the first child of Mr.Gnana Joshua and Mrs. Perinbam Ammal Gnana Joshua couple, Mrs. Edith Rajambal K.V Joseph Natarajan was born on 20th October, 1915, in Trivandrum ] and this beautiful  Gnana Joshua and Perinabam Ammal couple  was blessed with eight lovely children namely; [1] Ms. Edith Rajambal  [Mrs Edith Rajambal efficaiously worked as Headmistress at Karaikudi Menakshi Girls High School ], [2] Ms. Lily Pushpam, [3] Ms Clara Christambal, [4] Ms. Sara Navamani ,[5] Mary Ranjitham ,[6]Ms. Joanna Ratinam ,[7] Mrs. Lizzy Muthammal and[8] Ms. Sugirthambal Joshua.. It is pertinent here to remember  that Mr Gnana Joshua's illustrious relative Poet John Palmer's wife's name was also Ms Perinbam Ammal.

Gnana Joshua Joined the Travancore Government Service. ; Mr Gnana Joshua  hailed from one of the very influential and illustrious Christian families of Travancore. Mr Gnana Joshua did his early education in Srilanka  and came to India for higher studies.  After  receiving his BA degree [in 19th century] Mr Gnana Joshua  joined as a Civil Servant in the Government of Travancore State.  It is apt to mention here that Mr Gna Joshua was one of the pioneer  B.A, degree holders in South Travancore..During that period  while Gnana Joshua  was working as a  Senior Civil Servant in the Travancore Government , his relative Mr C.M Agur B.A was working as Office Manger at the Honorable British  Residents' Office in  Trivnadrum . Mr.Gnana Joshua's  younger brother Mr Gnanamuthu Jesusdasan also was working as Personal Secretary to the then British Resident , Trivandrum.. Gnana Joshua had the privilege to work in a colorful  and distinctive manner  as Education and Finance Secretary  in the Travancore Government. Mr Gnana Joshua maintained a good rapport with the British Resident and the Maharaja of Travancore. Mr Gnana Joshua earned the good will and respect of the Maharaja of Travancore for his integrity and efficacious  hard work Mr Gnana Joshua in his capacity as Education Secretary  introduced many  outstanding educational reforms in the educational policy of the Government of Travancore.


Conclusion ;   The then Maharaja of Travancore  highly appreciated the  outstanding service rendered by Mr Gnana Joshua, B.A, to the people of Travancore state and nominated him  as a Member in the Sri Chitra Legislative  Council and Sri.Gnana Joshua served the Legislative Council in a colorful, distinguished and enviable way. Unfortunately the last end of Mr Gnana Joshua's life is  not clear in the History.  Any how some of  the educational  and social reforms introduced by him had helped many poor students  to come up in education and life. Really Mr Gnana Joshua achieved greatness by his  visionary and honest actions. and accomplishments. Actually  we  and Indian  history need his  Biography. Mr Gnana Joshua , B.A, lived up to the level of his name's meaning and significance and he will live for ever in our minds.
By. P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A, [ Rights reserved. This Article will be enlarged, modified and corrected later , if needed].

Former Assistant Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia Rt Rev. Datuk. Dr.S Batumalai, Ph.D, {U.k] and His Family .Part Final

Former  Assistant Anglican Bishop Dr.S. Batumalai , Ph.D,[U.K] . Part Final .

Rt. Rev.Dr.S Batumalai and his Siblings: Mr Sadayandy from the comely Cluny Estate, near Slim River, West Malaysia  and  his beloved wife Mrs Ammakannu Sadayandy were blessed with two smart sons and two  lovely daughters namely : [1] Mr S Batumalai Sadayandy, [2] Mr.S Kanny Sadayandy ,[3] Ms.S. Kanniamma ,  [2] Ms.S. Rajamma,.  It is pertinent here to say something about Mr.Kanny Sadayandy. Mr Kany Sadayandy  was probably the first Indian to hold the post  of Director of the Malaysian Industries Development Authority,[MIDA}, Government of Malaysia. . .

Rt Rev Dr S Batumalai and his wife and Children :  Rev Dr S Batumalai  and his lovely wife Mrs Elizabeth Batumalai are blessed with one smart son by name Mr Devanandan Palmer Batumalai and a beautiful daughter by name Mrs Shobanam . Dr.S Batumali has two lovely grandchildren namely: Adam and Noah. and these two grandchildren are the joy  and bliss  to Dr. S Batumalai in his old age.

Rev. S. Batumalai's  Ordination and  Theological Education :  After taking  Baptism young Batumalai willingly became a Volunteer with the OMF that was functioning in his locality and  surroundings The OMF[Overseas Missionary fellowship ] and a local Tamil  Clergy  belonging to Anglican Church sowed the seed  for Christian Ministry in the mind of young S. Batumalai . Accordingly Young S. Batumali committed him self for Lord's Ministry.  Young  S. Batumali  had to work very hard to secure a HSC  to join Trinity Theological College, Singapore. for theological study.  Mr S. Batumali worked as Evangelist for 2 years, before he was ordained as a regular Anglican Church Clergy in the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.. Anglican Bishop Rt Rev Dr..John G Savarimuthu [1972-1994, West Malaysia Anglican Diocese ], encouraged, motivated and inspired  our young Rev S. Batumalai as a god-father, to secure his B.D and M.Min and other educational degrees..

Some High-Lights on Rev S. Batumlai's Clergical Career and Education  :  During the period between 1973 and 1981,  Rev S. Batumalai served as Anglican Clergy  at the Church of the Holy Spirit , IOPH . West Malaysia .

Rev S Batumalai's intellectual inclination and excellent aptitude for higher learning took Rev S. Batumalai to England for Higher  Theological Studies.. Rev. S Batumalai  joined the famous Birmingham University for his Ph.D in Theology in 1981, and successfully passed his prestigious  Ph.D  degree course in 1984.

From 1984 till 1990, Rev S Batumalai functioned as a Dean of Students and  Acting  Principal at the famous Seminary Theology Malaysia [STM]. with great dedication and distinction
During the period between 1990 and 1991 Dr. S Batumalai had the distinctive privilege to  serve as a Teaching Staff at the famous Anglican College of Ascension , Birmingham University, UK. and during this period Rev Dr S Batumalai successfully completed an M. Phil in Islam from the famous Birmingham University, England. 

From 1991 till 2000, Dr S Batumalai served as an Archdeacon of Perak and Vicar of St Johns , Ipoh. West Malaysia. During 2000-2011 Dr. S Batumalai  served as Archdeacon of Johor, Melaka, and Nefri Sembilan and Vicar of Christ Church Melaka.

Dr. S. Batumalai was consecrated as Assistant Anglican  Bishop:  During while Rev Dr. S Batumalai was working as Vicar of Christ Church, Malacca, Malaysia ; Rev Dr S Batumalai was consecrated as Assistant Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia on Thursday , 27 th November ,2008 at St Mary's Cathedral ,in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.

                                                                                       

                                                                            
                                                                 St Mary's Cathedral , Kuala Lumpur, { Anglican ]
                                                                                      [ Courtesy : Wikipedia ]



Rt. Rev Dr. S. Batumali is An Outstanding Writer : It is said that Rt. Rev. Dr. S Batumal wrote many books in English , to incite and inspire Christians to think . He has written many thought provoking books , and some of his  famous books are given below:
[1]  Christian Prophesy and Intercession: The Bible, Barth and Koyama in Relation to Contemporary            Malaysia [ His Doctoral  Dissertation, University of Birmingham, U.K 1984].
[2]   A Prophetic Christology of Neighbourology  [KL: 1986 ].
[3]   A Malaysian Theology of Muhibbah- A Theology for a Christian Witnessing in Malaysia [KL:        1990 ]
[4]   An Introduction to Asian Theology [New Delhi , ISPCK, 1991].
[5]   Islamic Resurgence and Islamization - A Malaysian Christian Response [ IOPH: 1996 ].
[6]   The Story of My People - The Malaysian Tamils- An interview for our Identity and Selfhood,  in          Yeow Choo Lak [ed] , Doing Theology  and Peoples Movement in Asia.- No.3[ Singapore, ATESEA,        1986,]
[7]    [ed] . Vision 2020. A Malaysian Christian Response; Theology Wawasan 2020- A Dialogue            between   a Christian  Understanding of God's Vision and the Vision 2020.[ Kuala Lumpur,              1992].

[And also some other books . He has also written  many Articles in many important Christian Thelogical Magazines and Journals. ]

Conclusion : Rt. Rev Dr. S Batumalai  is an intellectual and visionary  . He is a force , great social Thinker . He is an extraordinary reader, scholar and writer, a great Christian leader, humanitarian and an untiring
fighter for social justice and religious harmony.In recognition of his various contribution to the nation the Governor of Malacca , Malaysia  conferred the Award and Citation, Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka , on Rt.Rev Dr. S. Batumalai, that earned him the Title Datuk . Rt. Rev. Dr. S. Batumalai retired from active service as Bishop in 2011.He is one of the greatest authorities on Asian Theology and Islam. His remarkable books have been decorating many famous public and private Libraries throughout the world. Rt Rev Dr. S Batumalai .Ph.D,[U.K.] by hard work and perseverance and  grit  has reached great enviable heights from the plains of Cluny Estate . We are proud of  Rt. Rev. Datuk. Dr. S. Batumali. Ph.D[ U.K].

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

Former Assistant Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia Rt. Rev. Datuk.Dr. S. Batumalai, Ph.D,[U.K] and his Family . Part A

Intoroduction:  Former Assistant Bishop of the Anglican Diocese  in West Malaysia Rt Rev Ven. Dr. S Batumalai, M.Phil, Ph.D [ U.K] is one of the greatest Theologians in Asia , and  was a prolific Writer, original Thinker, Reader , Scholar ,etc,.. He has penned so many outstanding books on Theology specially on Asian Theology and Anglican Church history. He is a many faceted personality. His biography and unrelenting struggle for his principles and good convictions will be immensely useful to the readers, researchers and the younger generation in many ways.

                         Christ Church Malacca, Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia
               

Dr. S. Batumalai's Birth and Parents:   Long time ago during nineteen forties  , a hard working, smart and a flourishing young Tamil  man  from Southern Tamil Nadu by name  Mr. Sadayandy  was happily working as a successful Plantation Supervisor in the idyllic and colorful  Cluny  Estate near Slim River in Perak, West Malaysia , with his beautiful and smart wife Mrs. Ammakkannu Sadayandy  and  during those lovely period in 1946 a beautiful boy child was born to them ;and Mr. Sadayandy and   Mrs.Ammakkannu Sudalayandy christened their  boy son  with the name Batumalai.


Mr S. Batumalai's Early  School Education : As our Bishop Dr Batumalai happened to born in a cottage located among the tall rubber trees in the Cluny Estate , near Slim River, he did his Primary School education in the schools located in the Estate and at St. Paul's at Slim River. Even though Mr Sadayandy worked only as a Rubber Plantation Supervisor , he was a different man ; he thought and acted differently and distinctively.. He eagerly longed to give a better life to his son Batumalai and  so acted accordingly. As an independent thinker Mr Sadayandy thought that  the future of his beloved descendants lies in the town , Christianity and English education and so  he acted accordingly. Dr.S Batumalai  is one of the famous former students of the famous Anglo Chinese School [ACS ],at IPOH, Malaysia . The mind blowing theological Educational details  of Rev S Batunali  will be dealt with later
.
Mr Batumalai married Ms Elizabeth Ananthan Swamithason Palmer:  Rev S Batumalai married Ms Elizabeh Aanthan Swaamithason Palmer,  daughter of Mr Ananthan Swamithason Palmer . Mrs Elizabeth Batumali is a direct descendant of the great Christian Poet Mr John Palmer of Nagercoil , Kanyakumari District in Tamil Nadu. Mr.S. Batumali married Ms Elizabeth ,daughter of Mr. Ananthan Swamithason Palmer. In this context  it is appropriate to give some reference, in the larger interest of the readers,  about Mrs Elizabeth's family back ground. Mrs Elizabeth Sadayandy, hailed from one of the pioneer and illustrious Christian Families of Nagercoil , kanyakumarai Dist, Tamil Nadu [then  South Travancore] . .Mrs.Datin Elizabeth Sadayandy is one of the direct descendants of the great Tamil Christian  Poet , Mr John Palmer[ John Palmer was born at Mylaudy in 1812, near Nagercoil , in the then  Travancore State]. .Our great Christian Tamil Poet Mr John Palmer had written many famous and popular Tamil Christian Lyrics , and  in this context  I would like to cite a few songs as ready reference [1],Thevaathi Thevaa Thirumarai Aruzhiya ..,[2]karunahara Theva Eranki Intha, [3]Aa Vaarum  Naam Ellarum Koodi Mahil Kondaduvom [4]Beththalaiyil Piranthavarai Pottiththuthi Manama ,[5] Enna Paadu  Patteer Iya Ennai Retchikka ..,[6] Vaaraa Vinai Vanthaalum Choraatha Manama [7] Yesuva kirubasanapathiya Ketta Izhinjan Enai.... .[8] Aaritdahil Yahuvan Nan Aathri Iya.,etc, And these Tamil Christain  songs of John Palmer are being sung by Tamil Christians in  Tamil Churches  throughout  the world during worship.services. Apart from these popular Tamil Christian lyrics Mr John Palmer had written the following literary works[books] :- [1] Christhayanam  [2] Gnanapatha Keerththanam,  [3] Mesiya Vilasam, [4] Saththiya Vetha Chariththira keerthanai and [5] Perananthakummi..

Mrs  Datin Elizabeth Batumalai's genealogical link with the great Tamil Christian Poet Mr John Palmer :
Great Tamil Christian Poet Mr. John Palmer  begot Mr Retnam Palmer , and Mr Retnam Palmer begot Mr Ananthan Swamithason Palmer , and Mr Ananthan Swamithason Palmer  begot Mr William Thason Palmer and Ms.Elizabeth Ananthan  Swamithason Palmer. Ms Elizabeth Ananthan Swamithason Palmer married Rt Rev Dr S. Batumalai. Mr William Thasan Palmer begot Mr. Manohar Andrew Palmer and Ms Alice Rajamanohari . In this context it is good  to say something about the great Christian Tamil Poet John Palmer.  Mr John Palmer was working as  Native Assistant and Tamil tutor to the famous  English L.M.S. Missionary Rev Charles Mault in South Travancore . And  Bishop Caldwell the great Linguist and author of the epoch making book "THE COMPARATIVE GRAMMAR OF DRAVIDIAN LANGUAGES,"  married Rev Charles Mault's beloved daughter Ms. Eliza Mault, at Nagercoil Home Church, in 1844, during that period Mr John Palmer was working as Native Assistant to Rev. Charles Mault..

Part B will follow soon .
By P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A, {Rights reserved. This Article will be enlarged, modified and corrected later , if needed ].

Former Bishop of Methodist Church in Malaysia and Singapore Rt.Rev .Dr. Theodore R Doraisamy, M.A, D.Th,. Part Final

 Bishop Dr.Theodore R Doraisamy's Trajectory of episcopal career:  Bishop Theodore R Doraisamy  was having a distinctive working career and tract. He was working as a  Full Time Teacher, in the Education Department as a Civil Servant  in Singapore  and also he was working as Self Supporting Part Time Methodist Pastor. While he was serving as Pastor in the Pasir Pajang Tamil Wesley and Tamil Methodist Church[Short St , Singapore] he earned his prestigious Master Degree in Theology from the famous Boston University School of Theology for his thought provoking Thesis 'A Philosophy for the Mission of the Church in Malaysia '

TRD Worked as Secretary For Methodist Youth fellowship:

In  August 1946, TRD  had the rare privilege to work as Secretary for Methodist Youth Fellowship and Young People's work.  In this capacity he efficaciously worked till 1963 and was instrumental for development and growth of MYF[Methodist Youth Fellowship].  In 1947 TRD had the privilege to serve as Secretary of Christian Education [ Methodist Church ] and also supervised Sunday Schools , Methodist Youth fellowship .In 1960 TRD  got the privilege to work as District Superintendent [Methodist Church in Singapore and Malaysia ] .. His unique and milestone accomplishment was .his ability to convince the Methodist General Conference, USA to agree for the formation of  an Autonomous Methodist Church in Malaysia and Singapore

.

TRD was consecrated as Bishop :  Minister Theodore Royapan Doraisamy was having a long and prolific record  as a  Minister of the Methodist Church .In December 1973, Rev. Theodore Rayapan Doraisamy was elected as Bishop of the Methodist Church in Malaysia and Singapore, at the  3 day special session of the General Conference at Trinity Theological College, Singapore.  . The election was the toughest in the history of the local Methodist Church in Malaysia and Singapore.  The newly elected Bishop of Methodist Church in Malaysia and Singapore Rt. Rev.Dr.Theodore Royapan Doraisamy was consecrated at the Wesley Methodist Church, Singapore  by Bishop Rt Rev Kim Hao  With great dedication and sincere commitment TRD discharged his official duties as Bishop for three years, from December 1973 till he stepped down in 1976.


                                                
                                        Wesley Methodist Church in Singapore 

Bishop Dr. Theodore R Doraisamy was a prolific Writer : Dr. Theodore Doraisamy was a born creative and prolific writer of great standard and caliber.. He had written and  edited many magazines , books and official publications. He had penned his autobiography, in an elegant style in English, under the title , MY CUP RUNNETH OVER" His autobiography not only deals with his personal history but also it deals with the contemporary social, educational ,political and religious history of Malaysia and Singapore. Bishop Theodore R Doraisamy had authored many thought provoking books on History,Education, Sociology, Theology,etc, in English. To cite a few:

[2]   Forever Beginning II-One Hundred Years Of Methodism in Singapore, Methodist Church In           Singapore .    [   1985,  144 pp ]

[3]   Forever Beginning,One hundred years of Methodism in Singapore, Methodist Church in                 Singapore ,          [   1985, 265 pp ]

[4]    Patterns of ministry in Singapore and Malaysia, Methodist History ,[ 21, Jan,1983, 123 pp?]

[5]   What  hath God Wrought -Motive  of Mission in Methodism from Wesley to Thoburn. [ 1983,          pages.132 ].

[6]    150  Years of education in Singapore [  pages.150 ].

[7]    The March Of Methodism in Singapore and Malaysia ,1885-1980.. [1982,  110 pages.]

[8]    Michael Robert Doraisamy Called of Christ .[ 1989, pages .122 ].

[9]    Oldham-Called Of God: Profile of a Pioneer , Bishop William Fitzjames Oldham .[Methodist              Book  Room, 1979, 103  pages].

[10]   Heralds Of the Lord : Personalities in Methodism in Singapore and Malaysia .[methodist                  Book  Room,1988, 112 pages ].

[11]   Candles of the Lord: Memorial Addresses .[ Methodist Book Room, 88 pages].

[12]   Sophia Blackmore in Singapore : educational and missionary pioneers,1887-1927. Methodist          Church of Singapore, [ 1987, 78 pages].
   
         And  TRD had written some other books  also. .

Bishop Theodore R Doraisamy was appointed as Bishop Emeritus : Bishop Rt. Rev.Dr Theodore R. Doraisamy was serving and discharging his episcopal responsibilities with rare distinction and dedication with intellectual  and social vision but due to some inevitable  political and and administrative reasons, Bishop Rt Rev Dr. Theodre R Doraisamy stepped down from his Bishop post. in 1976.  But in the same year [1976 ] Rev. Dr. Theodore R Doraisamy was conferred  and made as   honorary  Bishop Emeritus of Methodist Church, in Singapore, in recognition of his laudable and outstanding service to Methodist Church in Singapore.

Bishop Emeritus Rev Dr, Theodore R Doraisamy was dead : Till his death,  Bishop Emeritus Dr Theodre R Doraisamy's fingers were writing thoughtful and meaningful lines in mesmerizing English for the welfare of human-beings and glory of God. . But unfortunately our beloved and respected Bishop Emeritus Dr Theodore  Doraisamy  passed away from this world due to heart attack, in the famous National University Hospital, Singapore , in  June 1992.


Conclusion: Bishop Emeritus Dr Theodore Royapan Doraisamy was an outstanding Theologian, Church Historian, Thinker, Writer and staunch Methodist. . He was a versatile and vibrant personality , he was a force, a man of vision and a man of letters. He was a prolific writer ,creative thinker, humanist, educationist and administrator. . He was one of the pillars of the Methodist Church in Singapore and Malaysia. He was one of the intellectual authorities on Methodism and books penned by him are used as reference books for the study of Methodism in Theological colleges throughout the world . His educational, intellectual,writing  and ecumenical contributions had installed him as an important milestone in the educational, religious and intellectual history of Malaysia and Singapore. and Asia. He considered Education and Evangelism as his two eyes. Bishop Dr.Theodore R Doraisamy was awarded Gold Medal for Public Adminstration by the Government of Singapore in recognition of  his outstanding and enviable contribution to  the cause Education. He is no more but he lives in the innumerable books written by him .Definitely TRD was a true Christian, and a good human-being .

By. P. BABU MANOHARAN. M.A, [Rights reserved. This Article will be enlarged with additional information and corrected later, if needed . Readers'valuable comments are welcome . }

Former Bishop of the Methodist Church in Malaysia and Singapore Rt. Rev Dr. THEODORE R . DORAISAMY, M.A, D.Th,. Part. A

Introduction ;  Former  Bishop of Methodist Church in Malaysia and Singapore  Rt. Rev. Dr. Theodore R Duraisamy was one of the tallest Christian Thinkers and Leaders. of Asia and world. Bishop T R Duraisamy's mother-in Law Mrs Mathiabarnam  Christie was a native of Nagercoil and belonged to one of the illustrious pioneer Christian families of South Travancore [ Kanyakuamari District.] Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Theodre R Doraisamy's life and accomplishment will be of great use and inspiration to the readers of this Article and Micro Historians. and Church Historians. . Mrs Mathiabaranam's father Mr J.Jonathab was a first cousin of the famous Author of the monumental book, Church History of Travancore [pages 1183+, Year 1903] Mr.C.M. Agur, B,A,.Both Dr. Theodore R Doraisamy and his wife Mrs Annabella T.R Doraisamy's fore-fathers moved to Singapore   long back  from Kanyakuamari District,  Tamil Nadu, India.

Birth and Parents of Bishop T. R. Duraisamy ;  Bishop Theodore R Duraisamy was born  in 1912 in Nagercoil to  Rev. Michael Robert Doraisamy and Mrs Boosie Perinbam Michael Robert Doraisamy.. Rev Michael R Doraisamy  was one of the pioneer ministers of Tamil Methodist Church, Singapore. Bishop Theodore Royapan Doraisamy's mother hailed from the family of the famousTamil Christian Poet  Mr John Palmer, South Travancore ,[Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India].. .

                                              

                                 Bishop  Rt. Rev. Dr. Theodore R Doraisamy, M.A, D.Th,.
                           [Courtesy: Methodist Message, Methodist Church in Singapore ],

TRD's Education : Theodre R Doraisamy was enrolled as a student in 1920 , and he was a student at Serangoon English School , Singapore. This School was a branch of ACS until 1926. Theodre Royapan Doraisamy was generally called as TRD. He got a Diploma in Arts [ in the year 1933] from  Raffles College, Singapore.   He got his BA degree and a Diploma in Education from London University. And also he got an MA from  the prestigious Boston University School Of Theology for his Thesis,"A Philosophy for the Mission of the Church in Malaysia'. He also got a Doctorate degree from the Senate of the Serampore College, India. . He was a  born Reader ,Scholar and Thinker

TRD's wife and family :Theodore R Doraisamy married Ms Annabella from Nagercoil [Alli ] on 12th July , 1941.. Mrs Annabella T.R Doraisamy served as an efficacious Teacher at Fairfield Methodist Girls' School,  Singapore[ 1950-1959] and in Anglo Chinese Junior School, Singapore [1960-1979 ].Mrs Annabella Doraisamy also served as President of Tamil Provision Annual Conference Women's Society of Christian Service or TPAC WSCS[1969-1971 and 1973- March 1974]. Mrs Annabella TR Doraisamy  was a colorful personality.[Mrs Annabella Doraisamy's relatives are living with us today in Nagercoil ]

In this context it is apt to trace the family of Mrs Annabella  Theodore R Doraisamy. TDR's maternal grandfather Mr.J. Jonadab was a son of  Mrs Marthal Fanny Joseph Munshi.Marthal Fanny was a daughter of Daniel Paramanandam 1st Deacon, Home Church, Nagercoil.. Mrs Marthal Fanny Joseph begot Jonadab. Jonadab and his wife Deivayi begot Ms Mathiabaranam Christie and Ms Mathiabaranam  married Mr Christie from Singapore and Mrs Mathiabaranam and Christie couple begot  Ms. Annabella and Ms Annabella married Bishop Theodore Royapan Doraisamy  on 12 th July , 1841.
.
In this context in the interest of micro historians I would like to add one more information here . Mr. J.Jonathab , Mr.A.J. Schaffter [ Mr.Schaffter was the maternal Grandpa of  the famous Tamil  Christian Music Composer and Singer Dr Anand Chellappa [U.S]  and Mr J.Abrose [Mr Ambrose was the maternal grandfather of the world renowned Pianist  Padma Shri Handel Manuel.] were siblings.

TRD's CHILDREN:  Bishop Theodore R Doraisamy and his beautiful and smart wife Mrs Annabella T.R. Doraisamy  were blessed with three lovely daughters and one handsome son namely :[1] Ms. Dr.Preima, is a medical doctor  [2] Ms.Dr. Padhma , is a medical doctor  3]Ms. Heima is a registered Nurse worked in UK  [4] Mr. Rabi Doraisamy  is a Lawyer 

Mr Theodore R Doraisamy's Teaching career and Public Life :Mr Theodre R Doraisamy  was a born Educationist and teacher  and he served as an English Teacher at Anglo Chinese School, Singapore [1933-1958]. He served as Senior Inspector of School, Singapore [1958 ].and Chief Examinations Officer, Singapore [1959-1967 ]. He also had the privilege to serve as Principal of Teachers' Training College, Singapore [Jun 1967- Jun 1971 ]. Chief Inspector of Schools, Singapore[1971-1972 ].He had the distinctive privilege and honor to serve as Member of Presidential Council for Minority Rights [1975-1984 ]
[Part   B  will follow soon.].

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