Benjamin Thankaraj

http://www.rabindran.com/37.html

Mr.J.Benjamin Thankaraj was born on8th November, 1905, as the youngest son of Mr.D.John Sahayam and Mrs.Salome John Sahayam the second daughter of Rev.J.Joshua, at NAGERCOIL.

           He lost his father when he was just two and a half years old.  He was brought up under the tender care of his God fearing mother as a God Loving boy.  He had his school education at NAGERCOIL.  He got the Travancore Maharaja’s scholarship and passed the B.A.(Hons.) Course from the Maharaja’s College, Trivandrum.  Immediately after passing the examination, he got an appointment in the Judiciary Department.  But his mother wished that he should serve in the mission.  Hence he left the job in the Judiciary and joined as teacher in the Scott Christian High School, NAGERCOIL on 1st June, 1931.  He worked there as teacher till he became headmaster of the LMS High School for Boys, Martandam on 1st June 1962.  He retired from service on 31st May, 1966.

Mr.Thankaraj married Sunderabai on 11th May, 1933. She was born on 5th April, 1914 as the only daughter of Rev.Y.A.Chelliah and Mrs. Muthabaranam Chelliah. Her parents hailed from the ancient Christian Keezhaveedu and Konam families of Kottikodu and Gnaniar family of Moolachi.

They were not having children for eight years. By the unceasing prayers of the relatives, friends and well wishers God blessed them with five daughters and two sons. One of their daughters passed away as an infant in six months. By the Grace of God the other children are very well settled in life.

Mr.Thankaraj was elected as Deacon of the Home Church, NAGERCOIL in 1947 and made as its Secretary immediately. He served the Church as Deacon for 31 years, Secretary for nearly 13 years, Treasurer for 6 years, Accountant for 3 years and Manager of the Home Church School for 3 years. He had served the Kanyakumari Diocese since its formation at various capacities as member of the Executive Committee, Church Board, Properties Board, Scott Christian College Governing Board etc. for several years. He was the Correspondent of the Scott Christian High School, NAGERCOIL, LMS High School for Boys, Kadamalaikuntu and LMS High School for Boys, Mathicode for several years after his retirement.

           Mrs.Sundarabai Thankaraj brought up the children under her tender care into God fearing children.  She became ill at a very early age and passed away on 7th September, 1975.  Mr.Thankaraj became sick within a few months after his wife’s death.  He was keeping indifferent health for some years.  He passed away on his eightieth birthday on 8th November, 1984.