1985 Maramon Convention: Astronaut turned Evangelist James Irwin wows with display of rare Moon Rock
“Weight – 4.5 ounces (129 g)” Photo by Leo Boudreau
In a historic and mesmerizing moment at the 1985 Maramon Convention, the congregation witnessed a unique blend of science and spirituality as former astronaut and evangelist James Irwin took the main stage. Worshippers were left in awe as Irwin, who had walked on the moon during the Apollo missions, showcased a rare Moon rock, adding an extraordinary dimension to the spiritual gathering.
The anticipation heightened as Irwin donned custom gloves and carefully opened a special bag that cradled the precious lunar rock artefact. The air in the convention pandal was thick with excitement as he unveiled the rock retrieved during Irwin’s historic moon journey, became the centre of attention. Holding it high for all to see – the rock, once part of the distant lunar landscape, now found itself in the hands of a man whose journey had transcended the boundaries of our world.
The 1985 Maramon Convention would be remembered as the moment when the celestial and the divine converged in a sermon delivered on the banks of the River Pamba.
Mr. Irwin said that his experience exploring the moon on the Apollo 15 mission in July 1971 moved him to devote the rest of his life to “spreading the good news of Jesus Christ”. He resigned from the astronaut corps a year later and became the founding president of High Flight Foundation, an interdenominational evangelical organization based in Colorado Springs.
To church groups around the country, Mr. Irwin often spoke of the lunar mission as an epiphany, declaring, “I felt the power of God as I’d never felt it before.” Quoting Scripture on Moon
While on the moon, at the end of the first day exploring the rugged lunar highlands, Mr. Irwin said he was reminded of “my favorite Biblical passage from Psalms.” Speaking by radio to Mission Control in Houston, he began quoting the passage, “I’ll look unto the hills from whence cometh my help,” and added quickly, “but, of course, we get quite a bit from Houston, too. “https://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/10/us/james-b-irwin-61-ex-astronaut-founded-religious-organization.html
About Astronaut James Irwin
Astronaut James Irwin was an American astronaut, test pilot, engineer, and geologist who gained fame as the eighth person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 15 mission. Born on March 17, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Irwin had a background in aeronautical engineering and earned a Master’s degree in the same field from the University of Michigan.
Irwin was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1966 and made his first spaceflight as the lunar module pilot for Apollo 15 in 1971. During this mission, he and Commander David Scott spent three days on the lunar surface, conducting scientific experiments and exploring the Hadley-Apennine region. Irwin’s activities on the Moon included using the lunar rover, a vehicle designed for lunar exploration, making them the first people to drive on the moon. They collected 175 pounds of rocks and soil from the moon’s surface.
After his space career, James Irwin left NASA in 1972 and pursued various interests, including writing and public speaking. He founded the High Flight Foundation, a Christian organization, and later became involved in several ventures.
Tragically, James Irwin passed away on August 8, 1991, at the age of 61, due to a heart attack. Despite his relatively short time in the spotlight, his contributions to lunar exploration and the advancement of scientific knowledge left a lasting impact on space exploration and the understanding of the Moon’s geology.
Remembering Dr. Ida Sophia Scudder – Founder of CMC Vellore
Dr. Ida Sophia Scudder
‘Aunt Ida’, as Dr. Ida Scudder was fondly called, was born in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu on 9th December, 1870 and passed away on 24th May, 1960, in Kodaikanal. To this day, she is remembered with great affection by the staff, students and alumni of CMC Vellore and the citizens of Vellore.
Her passionate concern for the women of India sprang from the night she was begged by a Brahmin gentleman to come to save his young wife who was struggling in childbirth. Then only a teenager with no medical training, she could offer no help – but the man refused to allow her doctor father to come near his wife: “it would be better that she died than be seen by a man”. On that same night, two other men came to her parents’ bungalow with the exact same request, and departed with the same sad response. The next morning she was shocked to learn that all three mothers and their babies had died – all for want of a female doctor. She gave up all thoughts of marriage and a comfortable life in the USA, and instead threw herself into medical training, returning to India as a qualified doctor in the year 1900.
Her primary focus in those early years was women and children. She started with a tiny clinic: just one bed with a window through which medicines were dispensed. In the year 1902 she opened the 40-bedded Mary Taber Schell Memorial Hospital in Vellore. In the next year, with a small band of dedicated helpers, she saw over six thousand patients and conducted 40 surgical operations. She did not neglect the rural population, but would take out bullock carts, carrying nurses and medicines, and hold ‘roadside clinics’ at the nearby villages.
The funds to build the first small hospital were donated by a New York banker, Mr. Schell, in memory of his late wife Mary. He actually gave Ida Scudder more money than she asked for because he wanted it, he said, to be a “very good hospital”. This concept of not settling for “good enough” but striving for excellence was one of the hallmarks of Aunt Ida’s life, and of the institution she founded. CMC has always tried to be the very best it can be, sending its staff for higher studies at leading institutions around the world, and investing in the latest medical technology.
Right from the beginning, Ida knew that she needed to train women to help women. Initially it was compounders and nurses: formal nurse training began in 1909. By the year 1918, she proudly opened the Missionary Medical School for Women, which offered the LMP (Licensed Medical Practitioner) course.
In 1928, ground was broken for the “Hillsite” medical school campus on 200 acres at Bagayam, Vellore. In 1928, Mahatma Gandhi visited the medical school.
In 1942 this was upgraded to a full MBBS degree course, and men were admitted from 1947 onwards. The Nursing School became the first College of Nursing in India in 1946 and is now a WHO collaborating centre for Nursing and Midwifery. In 2020, CMC Vellore celebrated Aunt Ida’s 150th birth anniversary and 120 years of CMC Vellore.
Ida Scudder is famous as the founder of the Christian Medical College and its associated hospitals, but her legacy is far greater than the institution and its buildings.
She brought new hope and dignity to women in South India, giving them the benefits of modern medicine previously denied them by cultural barriers. She opened up the health care professions to women from all faiths and backgrounds, encouraging families to allow their daughters to train as nurses and doctors and showing by her own example and her students’ achievements that women could equal men both in medical studies and clinical proficiency, and excel in leadership even in the toughest of times.
Ida Scudder inspired hundreds of young medical professionals to take the words of Jesus as their motto. He said that he had come, “not to be served but to serve.” Many of her graduates dedicated their lives to bringing healthcare and new hope to remote areas of India. Others continued to serve in Vellore, passing on the torch of knowledge, skill and compassionate caring to new generations.
At the same time, Ida never lost “the common touch”. Patients loved her because of her compassionate care for them and the way, even after retirement, she used to sit beside them in their pain and hold their hands. Her students loved her because she made them her family, spending her off-duty time with them for relaxation and fun, and not just studies. Her colleagues and staff members respected her trust in them and her integrity, tireless hard work and indefatigable spirit as she strove to build “not a medical college, but the Kingdom of God”.
Ida Scudder, who never had any postgraduate medical training, was a pioneer in many areas: medical training for women, roadside clinics, new initiatives in education and research. Yet, she was so determined to start helping in India that she had arrived in Vellore, in 1900, without any working experience: her plan was to serve her internship under the supervision of her father. However, he died within a year of her return to India.
When it came to the first years of academic teaching, she had to go back to her basic text books and constantly study to keep ahead of her students. Nevertheless, she recognised the value of research and both published papers herself and encouraged others to do so. She tried to make sure that CMC was at the forefront of introducing new treatments and acquiring the latest equipment. Her commitment to improving the quality and effectiveness of medical practice has resulted in CMC Vellore being one of the leading medical research institutes in India.
For her tremendous and tireless service to the nation, Ida Scudder received the Kaiser-i-Hind medal in 1920. But she was not someone who merely achieved great things herself; she also inspired others to achieve more than they could imagine. She had to cajole and persuade people to train in new specialities and take up unfamiliar administrative responsibilities – and people responded willingly because of her leadership and passion. Somehow, during the closing years and aftermath of the Second World War and with no financial security, she managed to pull together a top class faculty to staff the new Medical College.
As we now gradually recover a respect for nature, and an awareness of its value and fragility, we should remember that Ida Scudder, one hundred years ago, was a committed environmentalist. She ensured that there was always space for flowers and trees in her hospital. She loved creation and retired to the blossoms and natural beauty of Kodaikanal.
Ida Scudder continued to provide inspiration and moral support for those who assumed leadership of the College and hospital after her retirement in 1945. She encouraged the emergence of a cadre of Indian professionals who were committed to the highest standards of medical practice and education. Her funeral in 1960 in Vellore was an all-community event with thousands of people of many faiths lining the streets. The Government of India issued a commemorative stamp on 12th August 2000 in her honour.
Ida Scudder’s example of dedicated service to God and to mankind, her tireless work, pioneering spirit and deep practical faith has continued to motivate the Christian Medical College Vellore, its staff and students, to the present day. Her values and ideals remain at the centre of the institution and are the reason why it continues to grow, continues to have room for both rich and poor and continues to hold international respect for its work in education, healthcare and research.
Always she carried great burdens: responsibilities to her patients and staff, shortage of resources and difficult leadership decisions. However, this never showed, for she relied ultimately on her God, who, in the words of her favourite hymn, was her Vision, Shield and Delight.
Ida, a charismatic and indomitable leader who was completely committed to her cause, was ably supported by many wonderful women who strengthened her hands and worked beside her, to make all her dreams for India and Indian women come true.
Additional Reading
Calling, Conflict and Consecration: The Testament of Ida Scudder of Vellore
By Reena Mary George, MBBS, MD(RT), MA(CS), Professor of Palliative Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India https://journal.cjgh.org/index.php/cjgh/article/view/10/82
For further study – Researchers can follow this link to the Ida Sophia Scudder Papers. Schlesinger Library Archived at https://hollisarchives.lib.harvard.edu/repositories/8/resources/5677#
World Sunday School Day: 5 Nov 2023 (Free Ebook – Robert Raikes and how we got the Sunday School)
5th November 2023 : World Sunday School Day – The first Sunday of the Month of November is celebrated throughout the world as Sunday School Day. The Mar Thoma/ CSI/ CNI churches are celebrating Sunday, 5th November, 2023 as World Sunday School Day.
Robert Raikes (1735- 1811), an English Publisher, started the first Sunday School in the city of Gloucester in England in 1780. During the early days, reading, arithmetic and Bible was taught at the Sunday Schools.
In 1809, Church representatives of the Malankara Churches held a meeting at Kandanadu Church, near Ernakualam to arrange facilities to teach children in the Church about religion, prayers and sacraments. The India Sunday School Union was founded in 1876.
The Mar Thoma Sunday School Samajam was established on 25 February 1905, at the Maramon Convention.
We encourage our readers to read and share this Free 4 page PDF Ebook Resource for your Sunday Schools and children’s services: Robert Raikes and How We Got Sunday School
Also read – Pages from History: Formation of Mar Thoma Sunday School Samajam – 1905
22nd October 2023: Family Sunday Service (Free Malayalam pdf EBook) CNI-CSI-MarThomaSyrianChurch
On 22nd October 2023 (21st Sunday after Pentecost), Family Sunday is celebrated by the CSI church, CNI church and the Mar Thoma Syrian Church. This year’s motto is “Family an expression of the Kingdom of God”.
Download this free pdf Ebook published in Malayalam in 1951 that is still relevant to today’s Christian life. This book can be used as a resource for your Family Sunday service. The link can be shared and used by church members, parishes and church organizations. It can be accessed on any smartphone, tablet or computer for free.
The Principles of Christian Family Life (Malayalam) (Published in 1951)
Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association Day – 1st October
The Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association, established in 1924, is a recognized organization within the Mar Thoma Church. The reformation within the church ignited a strong desire among people for group prayer and Bible study. Rev. C.P. Abraham Kassissa initiated the inaugural prayer meeting at Chayal Mar Thoma Church, Ayroor, which later evolved into monthly gatherings.
The first anniversary meeting, presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Thoma, took place at Sehion Mar Thoma Church in Ayroor. Subsequently, on August 23, 1924, as decided during the first anniversary meeting, a special assembly was convened at Chayal Palli. During this gathering, an association was formally established under the name “Malankara Mar Thoma Somedha Suvishesha Sanghom” which was later changed to its current form in English as the “Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association”.
. The following individuals were elected as office bearers:
- President: Very Rev. C.P. Philipose Kasseessa
- General Secretary: Sadhu Kochukunju Upadeshi, Muthampakkal, Edayarnmula
- Travelling Secretary: Kolakottu C.J. John Upadeshi
This association began as a fellowship of dedicated believers who volunteered their efforts in God’s vineyard without seeking financial gain or personal motives.
The association’s activities are guided by a Seven Point Program:
- Intercession
- Bible Study
- Sharing of Experiences
- House Visits
- Ministry to the Sick and Needy
- Conducting Prayer Meetings
- Spreading the Gospel among People of Other Faiths and Ideologies
Notable activities include:
- Edavaka Mission
- Gospel Team
- Abraham Mar Thoma Memorial Bible Institute
- Abraham Mar Thoma Memorial Convention
- Abraham Mar Thoma Memorial Lectures
- Monthly Intercession Prayers, including All-Night Prayer
- Suvishesha Nilayam and Mission Fields
The camp center for these activities is the JMT Camp, which also serves as a research and meditation center located in Kombadi, Tiruvalla.
The Association manages three mission fields at Achencovil near Punalur, Mukkada near Ranny and Kalkulam near Chungathara. Its official magazine is the Tri-Monthly ‘Sandesam’ containing sermon notes, Bible studies, articles and the news about the association.
The Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association serves as the organization in the Church emphasizing the ministry of the laity in the Church. The Platinum Jubilee of the Association was celebrated in 1999.
C. P. Abraham Kasseessa, Cherukara Chuzhukunnil, Ayroor 1876-1940
C. P. Abraham Kasseessa, hailing from Cherukara Chuzhukunnil, Ayroor (1876-1940), was the son of the Vicar General, Very Rev. Philipose Malapan (1836-1894), of Cherukara in Ayroor. Abraham’s ecclesiastical journey began after completing his Matriculation when he became a Deacon in 1897 and subsequently a Priest in 1898. His visionary zeal led to the establishment of numerous Mar Thoma Parishes in and around Ayroor, and it was his unwavering commitment that ultimately gave rise to the Evangelists’ Association.
During the Revival Movement (Naveekaranam), prayer groups emerged in various Mar Thoma Parishes. These groups dedicated themselves to Bible Study, Intercessory Prayer, and spreading the Gospel message. Under the guidance of Rev. C.P. Abraham Kasseessa, prayer groups from Kuriannoor, Ayroor, Maramon, and Kozhencherry convened at Chayal Mar Thoma Church, Ayroor. The inaugural meeting occurred on August 23, 1923, followed by monthly gatherings led by Abraham Kasseessa.
The first anniversary meeting, presided over by Abraham Mar Thoma Thirumeni, took place at Sehion Mar Thoma Church in Ayroor. Subsequently, on August 23, 1924, as decided during the first anniversary meeting, a special assembly was convened at Chayal Palli. During this gathering, an association was formally established under the name “Malankara Mar Thoma Somedha Suvishesha Sanghom” which was later changed to its current form. The following individuals were elected as office bearers:
- President: Very Rev. C.P. Philipose Kasseessa
- General Secretary: Sadhu Kochukunju Upadeshi, Muthampakkal, Edayarnmula
- Travelling Secretary: Kolakottu C.J. John Upadeshi
Ayroor Achen, Rev. C. P. Philipose
Ayroor Achen, Rev. C. P. Philipose (born. May 25, 1868, died. February 2, 1948), son of Ayroor Cherukara Naranathu Paruvelithundiyil Very Rev. Philipose Malpan and Mariamma Philipose (Chengannur Kanjipuzhethu).
After completing his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), he was ordained as a deacon in 1892 and later as a priest in 1895. Rev. C. P. Philipose served as the vicar for various parishes in the vicinity of Kozhencherry and Ayroor. Many of the Mar Thoma parishes to the east of Kozhencherry owe their establishment to his dedicated efforts.
In 1890, Rev. C. P. Philipose assumed the role of General Secretary of the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association, a position he held for over half a century until his resignation due to declining health. He provided steadfast leadership for the Maramon Convention for nearly five decades and was a significant contributor as one of the main translators. His sons, Mr. C. P. Philip and Prof. C.P. Mathew, continued his legacy. Rev. C. P. Philipose passed away on February 2, 1948, and he was laid to rest in the cemetery of Kozhencherry Mar Thoma Church, in the front row.
Kolakottu Kochukunju Upadeshi, C. J. John Upadeshi
Kolakottu Kochukunju Upadeshi, also known as C. J. John Upadeshi (1879 – July 19, 1975), held the distinction of being the first Travelling Secretary of the Mar Thoma Evangelists’ Association. Born into the renowned Kolakottu Family of Ayroor, he received his early education in Ayroor itself. From a very young age, he nurtured a profound aspiration to engage in Gospel work. Despite being born with a physical impairment that caused a noticeable limp, he persevered in his calling, and God empowered him to provide significant contributions to the Voluntary Evangelists’ Association during its formative years.
At the inaugural meeting of the Voluntary Evangelists’ Association, held at Chayal Mar Thoma Church in Ayroor on August 23, 1924, he assumed the role of Travelling Secretary. His dedicated service spanned nearly four decades, during which he toured numerous Mar Thoma Parishes and established Association branches. He played an instrumental role in founding Edavaka Missions and facilitated the setup of administrative centers for the Association. His approach emphasized strengthening local branches rather than hosting grand conventions.For a period, he resided at the AMM Bible Institute in Kompadi, Tiruvalla, where he conducted Bible classes for students. He remained faithful to his mission until his heavenly calling.As the scriptures proclaim, “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”
Sadhu Kochukunju Upadesi
Sadhu Kochukunju Upadesi (born Dec 1883, died 30th Nov, 1945) also known as Mr. Moothampakkal Itty Varghese from Moothampakkal, Edayaranmula near Chengannur, held a remarkable place in the history of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church. He served as the inaugural General Secretary of the ‘Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association, established in 1924, and remained in this role until 1945. Over the span of nearly four decades, he fervently preached the teachings of the Bible in clear and accessible language throughout South India.
Sadhu Kochukunju Upadesi embodied the life of a true Sadhu, committing himself to a spiritual existence. He composed an impressive repertoire of more than 200 hymns, many of which continue to feature prominently in worship books across various denominations to this day. His powerful messages led thousands of individuals to turn to God in faith.
Read more about his life in our free pdf Ebook: https://nalloorlibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/sadhu-kuchujunu-upadeshi.pdf
His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan
Dr. Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan held the position of President in both the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association and the National Missionary Society. In 1917, he was consecrated as a Bishop and served tirelessly as the Suffragan Metropolitan, dedicating himself to the spiritual fortification of the Church and its missionary endeavors. In 1944, upon the passing of Titus II Metropolitan, he ascended to the role of Metropolitan.
The Abraham Mar Thoma Bible Institute, established to train voluntary evangelists within the Church, bears his name in recognition of his contributions. His visionary outlook led to the creation of the Mar Thoma Suvishesha Sevika Sanghom in 1919 (Sevika Sanghom was inaugurated on Friday, February 14, 1919, during the Maramon Convention), as well as the Voluntary Evangelists Association in 1924.
He also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Vanitha Mandiram in Tiruvalla, an educational institute for the Sevika Sanghom. Although his tenure as Metropolitan spanned only four years, his extensive ministry as a Bishop significantly fortified the Church in all its missionary endeavors. He departed to his eternal home in 1947.
Read more about his life in our free pdf Ebook: https://nalloorlibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ebook-dr-abraham-mar-thoma.pdf
Free E-Book [PDF] The Mar Thoma Church Heritage and Mission by Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan
As part of Nalloor Library’s commitment to preserve the history of the church – we present to you an important history book as a free pdf – The Mar Thoma Church Heritage and Mission by Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan (3rd Edition). This important book documenting the history of the Mar Thoma Syrian Mar Thoma Church was first published on 1st July 1985. The 2nd Edition was printed 29 December 1986 and and an updated final 3rd Edition in 1993.
About Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan
Born in 1913, he was the son of Rev. M C George, Kuriannor, a devout Minister of the Church, who passed away in 1923. After his graduation and teacher’s training, he taught in the CMS High School, Kottayam for 12 years. He resigned from his teaching job and studied Theology at the United Theological College in Bangalore. He then secured S T M Degree from the Union Theological Seminary, New York and Ph.D on Bhagavad Gita from Kennedy School of Mission of the Hartford Seminary Foundation. The title of his thesis was, “Viśvarūpa Darśana: a study of the vision of God in the Bhagavadgītā”.
He had the opportunity to travel extensively in European countries and after returning from the States, he was in charge of the Manganam Parish for a year. He worked as the first Principal of Mar Thoma College, Tiruvalla. In 1953, he was consecrated as Bishop as Alexander Mar Theophilus, together with Thomas Mar Athanasius and Philipose Mar Chrysostom.
A participant of the Assemblies of World Council of Churches representing the Mar Thoma Church at Evanston in 1954, Nairobi in 1975, and Vancouver in 1983, he worked as Missionary Bishop for many years, which involved extensive travel in India and abroad. He was President of the Bible Society of India for nearly 10 years and was also one of the Vice-Presidents of the United Bible Societies. He has also attended the Central Committee of the W.C.C on different occasions. He attended the Lambeth Conference in 1980 and the Anglican Consultative Council held at Nigeria in 1984.
In 1973, he was designated Suffragan Metropolitan and as Metropolitan in the year 1976 after the demise of Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan. Together with the responsibility as Metropolitan he was in charge of the Niranam-Maramon Diocese with 82 Parishes.
He used to spend several weeks in a year with the youth giving leadership discourses & training in camps and conferences and encouraging them into personal commitment towards Jesus Christ. He took special interest in the developmental activities and the social concerns of the church, its educational institutions, its missionary and evangelistic outreach, its witness and ecumenical concerns.
In 1999, Alexander Marthoma was designated Alexander Marthoma Valia Metropolitan, as the first Marthoma Metropolitan to be made Valia Metropolitan. He passed away in 2000.
Explaining the Maramon Convention 2023 to Children (Free pdf) Useful for Sunday School students and teachers!
A free pdf resource sheet for Parents / Sunday School Teachers to explain to their children facts and events chosen from the history of the Maramon Convention.
The story of ELS and A Lifetime with Books – Two Free eBooks
“The written word is like a seed. If it falls on prepared soil having moisture and sunlight, in due season it will grow and bear fruit.”
We present two free eBooks in pdf format courtesy by V M Abraham. He and his wife Leelamma Abraham are known for their life long mission and role in the formative years of ELS (Evangelical Literature Service) in India and the expansion of its work across India.
In fact my life in the role as the leader of ELS was a victory march of eighteen years. It is only with the eyes of a beholder that such struggles and victories can be seen, especially in a spiritual field. We never worked for personal gain – be it money, popularity or position. We firmly believed that ‘godliness with contentment is great gain’. In times of crisis it was great to listen to God by reading His Word and meditating upon it to hear what He was saying. At such times, it was God’s Word that comforted, encouraged and gave me direction and purpose. I know that He is a God who speaks; but to hear His voice, one must choose to listen.
~ V M Abraham
A Grain of Mustard Seed
The Story of Evangelical Literature Service (ELS) is an account and a confirmation of that blessed truth that God is utterly dependable and that His faithfulness towards us never fails. Authored by V.M. Abraham and Ida David it is a firsthand account of the ELS story in India.
In 1946 a bookshop was started in Chennai in a small rented room. That was the beginning of ELS. God blessed the work and in 1954 ELS was registered in Chennai under the Societies Registration Act. God has blessed the vision of Donald David and the work that began in 1946 as a one room shop, today has twenty three centers in nine states of India – Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Delhi, Dimapur, Secunderabad and Pondicherry.
A Lifetime with Books – Personal experiences of V M Abraham and Leelamma Abraham in Christian Book Ministry (2017)
“VM has sketched us many interesting aspects of his life, from a boy with bare feet going to school, to beinginvolved in a world wide literature ministry where all the essential lessons learned in Madras/Chennai, were shared with CLC workers in different parts of the world, what a wonderful heritage to pass on.” ~ Geoffrey and Pauline Williams.
The Printed Page
- The printed page can go where the human voice cannot.
- It travels cheaply.
- It leaps language barriers, and is never influenced by racial prejudice.
- It preaches the same message to everyone.
- It never loses its temper… never talks back
- It never tires, but works even when men sleep.
- It is never discouraged.
- It always catches a person in the right mood.
- It speaks without a foreign accent.
- It never compromises… never changes its message.
- It continues to witness long after its author has died.
All copyright belongs to the respective publishers and Mr. V. M. Abraham. Kindly attribute the author, publisher and the website for any future use. Nalloor Library never charges for any content and only asks for proper attribution for any information used from this website.
Saluting our Freedom Fighters on India’s Independence Day
There have been several great souls in the Syrian Christian Community who rose to partake in the freedom struggle for India’s Independence. As India enters the 75th year of Independence, Nalloor Library would like our readers to remember a few freedom fighters who represented the Syrian Christian community and share their stories in their Sunday Schools and meetings across the world. This list is no means a complete list and only four have been chosen as representatives. We salute each and every freedom fighter across this great nation who participated in the freedom struggle and those who gave their lives for India’s freedom. Jai Hind!
Shri Thevarthundiyil Titus also known as ‘Titusji’ – Dandi March
The historic Dandi Salt march by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 triggered the wider Civil Disobedience Movement leading to India’s freedom from the British. Among the marchers that would change India’s destiny was just one Christian and a Mar Thomite, Shri Thevarthundiyil Titus also known as ‘Titusji’. A devout Gandhian – he was known by the name Titus in his earlier days. “Titusji” was the name given to him by Mahatma Gandhi as a token of love and honour.
Read more: Remembering the Mahatma of the Mar Thoma Church (Freedom Fighter) Rare Photos and Video
Mr. O. C. Chacko of the Indian National Army (INA)
Mr. O. C. Chacko was part of the Indian National Army (INA) of Subash Chandhra Bose and member of the Kuriannoor Mar Thoma Church, Pathanamthitta, Kerala. We post a link to a write up that was published on his 100th (centenary) birth anniversary.
Read More at: 100th Birth Anniversary of a Marthomite Freedom Fighter – Mr. O. C. Chacko
Rev. C.V.George B.A., B.L
General Secretary of the Mar Thoma Sunday School Samajam. He was the only Mar Thoma Priest who is recognized and awarded as a freedom fighter by the Government. Before his ordination, he was in jail for almost a year for his participation in the Freedom movement of India.
Read more at: Pages from History: Birth of Freedom Fighter (Advocate) Rev. C.V.George B.A., B.L
George Joseph
George Joseph, a barrister, fiery nationalist, avant-garde journalist, pioneer trade unionist, and ardent champion of important public causes, has etched an indelible place in the history of India’s war for Independence. He hailed from Kerala and was not just a pioneer in several fields, he was also a staunch supporter of Annie Besant’s Home Rule movement and Gandhiji’s Non-Cooperation movement during India’s freedom struggle.
He was born in Chenganoor (Kerala) in 1887, which at that time was part of the Travancore Kingdom. He completed his Law at the University of Edinburgh and it was during his stay in London that he became acquainted with notable freedom fighters like Madam Cama, S K Verma, S R Rana, and Veer Savarkar. He returned to India after finishing his education and though he established his legal practice initially in Chennai, he eventually shifted it to Madurai. George Joseph went on to become a famous criminal lawyer in Madurai. From the time he started practising there, he championed the cause of Madurai’s tribes, such as the Piramalai Kallars and Maravars. In 1920, following the Perungamanallur firing (also referred to as the Jallianwalla Bagh of the South), the British implemented the Criminal Tribes Act, labelling these groups as criminals. He vehemently opposed the Act by voicing his opinions in newspapers and he also represented these communities in court proceedings. The residents of these settlements gave him the name ‘Rosapoo Durai’ (a Rose amongst Leaders), as a symbol of their gratitude. ~indianculture.gov.in
Sculptor P. E. Thomas – a life of dedication and art!
Read the amazing story about sculptor P. E. Thomas (1934-2017), the first student from Kerala at Visva-Bharati University founded by Rabindranath Tagore. Thomas was born in Mallappally, a town in south Kerala, to Poykamannil P M Eppan and Annamma. He completed his basic education at Kottayam CMS School and College. His art work adorn many notable places.
One of them being”Nalla Idayan,” a concrete structure weighing two tonnes erected at the Marthoma House in Kozhikode, was completed by Thomas at the behest of Theodosius Marthoma Metropolitan, who was the then Kozhikode Bishop and alumni of Visva-Bharati University.
“Rhythm” and “Dance of Death”, fashioned out of plaster of Paris in 1966, were kept on (the Lawrence School, Lovedale), Ooty school premises; “The “Family” (1975) told the story of a bold family head who told his family members to emancipate themselves. The statue of Christ at Gethsemane at Kandal Cross Shrine, Ootty, the “Elephant” designed for the Postal Department at Thaipakkad tourist centre, the statues of ‘sage Patanjali and the Snake’ in front of the Madras Regiment Hospital at Wellington and the Little Horse at the needle factory at Ketti in Tamil Nadu are some of his major works.
Click to read more at OnManorama.com – https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/art-and-culture/2021/12/20/p-e-thomas-master-malayali-sculptor-visva-bharati-santiniketan.html
Nalloor Library 