BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH’S INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL
AND BOYS’ HOME
It is humble effort of the Brothers and staff and students of Tindi! To bring out this maiden Industrial School Souvenir. Christened it as “STJOCFT 2004” as we have walked through our Mother India from the past 100 years of Montfortian mission here at Tindivanam. At the very outset, I wish to express my gratitude to God for His abundant blessings and leading us forward. I bow before our founder St. Montfort who is our guide and source of inspiration. I also express my sincere thanks to our daring pioneers, farmer managers and correspondents, Dedicated Brothers worked here, farmer staff and students and the Co-workers and collaborators well wishers and friends for your encouragements and constant support in our mission.
At the request of the Mission authorities of Pondicherry Bro.Denis, Bro.John Baptist Dela Sale and Bro. Martin De Vertou arrived in Pondicherry on 11-09-1903 in a small ship the “Deupleix” to teach in Petit Seminaire High School. The letter from Bro. Martial, Superior General, announcing their arrival never reached Pondicherry. Fortunately Rev.Fr.Fleury, a former missionary at Pondy, had written from paris and thus the mission had been informed a few days before, of their arrival. Fr. Escande and Fr. Rochet came to welcome them on board the “Duplexi”. They were pleased to find them in civics and travelling under their family surnames, because even at Pondy they might have met with some trouble if they had landed as teaching religious.
At the mission they received an enthusiastic welcome from Rev.Fr.Renevier, the Vicar General and from all the other missionaries. The archbishop, Mgr.Gandy, had just left for France on account of ill health. Nothing being ready to receive them, the new comers board at the mission along with the missionaries until they got their own private rooms at the college Petit Seminaire some 15 days later.
On Monday, September 14th, they began to teach at the College. Bro.Denis, the Superior, taught most of the subjects in the 3rd class, while Bro. Martin did the same in 4th class (The 1st class being the highest class in the College). As for Bro.John Baptist, he gave drawing lessons.
And thus the first community of the Brothers of St.Gabriel was founded in India. They were kept busy as they had atleast 3 to 4 hours of class and several hours of study minding a day.
Meanwhile Bro. John Baptist was getting bored at Pondicherry. He was dreaming of an Industrial School where his talents could be put to a better use. After a month of teaching, he was thinking of asking for a transfer to Thailand was he hoped, he would find more congenial work. However the authorities of the mission had not given up the idea of an Industrial School. They were merely taking time to decide where it was to be founded. Pondicherry and Cuddalor were proposed and discarded. Villupuram was favoured for a time Finally Tindivanam carried the day.
The proposal for its establishment originated with Father Escande, the Superior of the Catholic College of Pondicherry, known as “Le Petit Seminaire,” and Father Pinel, the well known Procurator of the Mission. The famine of 1896 had thrown on the charity of the Catholic Mission a number of homeless, half-starved orphans who had all been collected together at Tindivanam, and entrusted to the care of Father Combes, the then Parish Priest, and the question of providing suitable employment for those growing lads and fitting them with some means of earning their living, was one of the deciding factors in the establishment of the Industrial School of which they would naturally form the nucleus, and of its location at Tindivanam.
Organised technical education was still in its embryonic stage in India in 1880’s. It is a well known fact that industrial development must precede technical training, as it would be a waste of time and talent to train workmen for non-existent industries. The demand creates the supply, and, as the demand was then exceedingly small, it was wisely decided to proceed very cautiously and to start the school on a very modest scale, trusting to Providence for its ulterior growth and development.
Tindivanam had already a kind of orphanage. During the famine of 1897-98, the Parish priest, Fr.Combes, had gathered several children whose parents were unable to support. He kept them as long as he could find a job for them. His idea was to have some learning a congenial trade. Property could be acquired cheaply not far from the Railway Station.
Therefore, when Fr. Combes came to know the desire of Bro. John Baptist, he renewed his appeal to the Diocesan Authorities and finally it was decided to sent Bro. John Baptist to Tindivanam in order to found an Industrial School. Both the Paris Priest and the brothers were greatly delighted at that news.
It was on January 6th 1904 Bro. John Baptist packed up and went to settle down in Tindivanam.
Just as the society of the Foreign Mission aims, before everything else, to form an indigenous clergy, so the Brothers of St. Gabriel desired to obtain Indian recruits for their congregation. It is why Bro. Denis thought of founding a Novitiate. His choice fell on Tindivanam. Bro. John Baptist was putting up there an Industrial School. There was plenty of land available for buildings and the parish priest was delighted at the idea.
The Industrial School was taking shape. A new workshop 20 meters long, 12 meters broad and 10 meters height had been put up and it was blessed by Rev. Fr. Morel, the Vicar General on August 15th 1904. Bro. John Baptist was also building a Big Room above the presbytery, so that soon after the arrival of Bro. Bonin, both brothers formed a separate community with their own kitchen and refectory. Bro. Bonin came to join him on 11-09-1904.
On the 24th of July Bro. John Baptist wrote: “We have already despatched Rs.3400/- worth of furniture and Carpentry work and we have made a net profit of Rs.1112/- and all that within 4 months”. With the arrival of Bro. Bonion an expert in arts new courses were added – free hand drawing, moulding, painting, gilding and wood carving.
The first student was one Mr. Soosai from Erraiyur born on 04-08-1895.
Bro. Denis installed the Novitiate at Tindivanam in Dec.1906. The first postulant joined on 27-12-1904. In August 1908 the construction of a building for the Novitiate was started. On the 21st December 1908, on the feast of St. Thomas, the Novices, three in number, took possession of their new quarters. In January 1913 the courses in the Novitiate were regularly established.
The 3rd of February 1910 was great day for St. Gabriel: the first Indian subject of the congregation, Bro. Louis Mary, made his first profession. On 6th of January 1911 the novitiate was finally approved by Rome.
On the night of 22nd November 1916, a terrible cyclone swept through Tindivanam, destroying the workshop of the Industrial School and carrying away the roof of the Novitiate and most of the other buildings. The workshop had to be re-built, repairs had to be made.
A great joy and a great trial came in close succession. In July 1917 the Madras Government sanctioned a grant of Rs.8,000/- for the re-construction of the workshop destroyed by the cyclone of November 1916.But the trial was far harder than the joy had been great. On August 9th Bro. Bonin died at Pondicherry at the age of 53, of gangrenous dysentery. The new structure was completed by the end of December 1917 and was blessed by Mgr. Morel on 2nd January 1918. He remarked that “Cyclones, however awful and terrible they may be, are some time means used by God’s providence to set things on a better footing.
On 15th February 1918 a training section in Carpentry & Cabinet Making was opened with 6 students. This had been sanctioned by the Government after a visit of Mr. Fyfe, the Inspector of Industrial Schools. The letter from the director of Industries and Commerce announcing the sanction of the Training section said: “St. Joseph’s Industrial School, Tindivanam, is one of the best conducted schools in the presidency and it is under the superintend of Bro. John Baptist, a Frenchman specially trained in wood work, in one of France’s best Technical Colleges.”
In April 1919 Bro. Louis Mary, the first Indian Brother, was appointed Sub-director in the Novitiate in Tindivanam. There to have had some internal trouble regarding the status of the Indian Brothers.
In a letter written at the end of August 1919, Bro. Denis mentioned for the first time the Teachers’ Training school at Tindivanam. The scheme had been decided at the beginning of August and Fr. Gawan Duffy was already in Ireland collecting funds for the constructions. Bro. Denis had been asked to take the direction of that school from its very beginning. Bro. Denis was authorised to accept its direction provided he could do it along with his present function.
On the 18th of March 1920, the Governor of Madras and Lady Wellingdon visited the Industrial School and they were so pleased with what they saw, that soon after a government grant was sanctioned for the construction of decent present quarters for the brothers.
In 1920 Bro. Denis was elected as assistant General and Bro.Claudian succeeded him as Director Principal and Master of Novices.
Report concerning the beginning of 1921: “But there was then in Tindi. Another guest: Rev. Fr. Gawan Duffy, who was residing in room of the community, tormented by attacks of astha, attended to by the brothers and writing colossal amount of letters in view of gathering funds for the foundation of the Teachers” Training School along with a boarding, where the teachers and catechists of the Mission would be formed. The St. Ann’s Parish School, which the Brothers had directed for many years: partially since 1904 and entirely since 1914, was to be the nucleus of this enterprise. The first boarders were received in February 1921. They were accommodated with the orphans and they paid a monthly boarding fee of about Rs.5/-. Thus were the modest and painful beginnings of a great enterprise: In the progress and success of this enterprise the brothers were to have a large share’. (Yet, in an article on the origin and developments of this institution, published a few years ago in the bulletin of the Foreign Mission of Paris, no mention was made of the part played by the Brothers of St. Gabriel, they were simply ignored:)
At the re-opening of the school on 11-07-1921 there was a great commotion in Tindivanam. Fr. Gawan Duffy, pursuing his idea, opened a Teachers’ Training school. For that he had to borrow some of the rooms of the Industrial school and he took Bro. Louis Mary as assistant.” The beginnings were hard, very hard even. The new school interfered with the smooth running of the industrial school and naturally the orphanage was in the way for the success of the Training School, which could only vegetated. The Staff was insufficient and the pupils were very backward. They used the play ground of the novitiate and a shed was built for them nearby”. We can imagine, in fact, the congestion that must have existed. Crammed as they were, it was difficult not to have misunderstandings. The more so because Bro. John Baptist, whose cordial humour was appeasing in the highest degree, had to absent himself very often: he was very much taken up with a new building in Montfort School, Yercaud and besides he was covered with boils that refused to heal, so he had to rush to and fro between Yercaud, Tindi. and Pondicherry Hospital… And it must be added that it was not easy to work along with Fr. Gawan Duffy. Geniuses have always been difficult to deal with, and Fr. Gawan, without any doubt, was a great genies. In November 1921 he separated his boarders from the orphanage – this was only what the Brothers had been longing for:- and he accommodated them in a room where the statues had been formerly kept. Then on December 1st disgusted to see that the school was not working as he wanted it to work, he sent away all his boarders, but he kept the idea of beginning again on new bases. Helped by Fr. Morin, an old friend of the Brothers, he began the construction of a house for himself. Thus the buildings of the Novitiate and of the Industrial School were freed – and it was high time:
The house for the Brothers working in the Industrial School and the new building for the Training section of the Industrial School were achieved in October 1921 and they were blessed by Mgr. Morel.
On January 31st 1922, the teachers’ Training School was re-opened under the care of Fr. Gawan Duffy, it was Bro. Claudian who was the Director and first Headmaster of this school and he was assisted by Bro. Montfort (later on Fr. Montfort).
On 17th April 1922 the foundation of St. Ann’s Boarding was started. This boarding would enable to develop St. Ann’s School. This work, financed by Fr. Gawan Duffy, Supervised by Fr. Bastide, who was advised by the Brothers, was called to play such an important part in the Christian life of the diocese. As for St. Ann’s School which was still directed by the Brothers and belonged to them (having been built by Bro. Denis in 1914 on a plot of land he had bought from the Mission), they were advised by the same Bro. Denis “to sell it as soon as possible to Fr. Gawan Duffy for the sum or Rs. 1500/-” and apparently it was done.
In December 1922 the Industrial School was awarded a Gold Medal for the furniture it had sent to an Exhibition in Marseilles, Bro. John Baptist was awarded a Bronze medal.
The new chapel of the Brothers at Tindy was blessed by Mgr. Morel on 12th November 1924.
Bro. Claudian died on 17th May 1928 in Pondicherry hospital, at the age of 43. From 1922, till his death, he was the Director of the Training School at Tindivanam. He exerted a strong influence on these young masters, who attended this school and this was continued to their profit after they had left the Training School and were employed in their respective villages. Even Fr. Gawan Duffy, who was a man so hard to satisfy, had only praises for Bro. Claudians on the young teachers, cannot be better expressed than by quoting this letter written to him by an old Missionary: “More than the father of Tindivanam, you are in touch with these young Men; I know it here through the conversations during the gathering we hold after the Sunday Mass. The good seed you are sowing will not be lost you may be assured of this.
Let this consoling assurance be a help to you in all your worries, difficulties and other kinds of trials, inseparable from every institutions, such as yours, in this hard-to-stir India. Believe it on the word of a poor Missionary, who numbers 20 years of village life in the same spot, your ministry is by far more consoling than ours”. With Bro. Claudian’s death the Novitiate at Tindi was closed down and Brothers left the direction of the Teachers’ School and St. Ann’s School. Bro. Eugene Mary was appointed as Director Principal at the beginning of July 1928. A double story building for the orphanage was completed in 1928.
In 1932 Bro. John Baptist was in a bad way. He was suffering from an intestinal haemorrhage and from sever anemia. He was admitted in the Pondicherry hospital in October 1932 to hear himself condemned by the doctors to return to France as soon as possible. He left the direction of Tindi to Bro. Eugene Joseph and sailed for Europe on 16th November 1932. He was never to see again India and Tindivanam which he loved so much. He died in France at St. Laurent on the 12th of November 1933, struck down by an attack of apoplexy at the age of 59. He worked in Tindi and for Tindi for a period of nearly 30 years and we will ever remain grateful for the good work he had done here.
At the end of 1935 Bro. Eugene Joseph Director of Tindi. Became sick and had to leave for France for rest and Bro. Henry Joseph took over the direction of the Industrial School. Black smithy & Fitting sections was added in1939.
Fr. Gawan Duffy was doing a wonderful work at the Training School and at St. Ann’s; but he wanted to be the sole master in the place. For many years, he had his eyes on the orphanage, which, according to him was not properly managed, and the brothers had a lot of trouble in dealing with him specially as they could not agree with all his pointed of view. Finally the Mission informed the Brothers in January 1941 that Fr. Gawan would be also incharge of the orphanage. The Brothers were left solely incharge of the Industrial School and of the Training section. The orphanage and St. Ann’s Boarding were amalgamated. As a result the number of orphans went on decreasing and the number of them admitted in the Industrial School dwindled to a more handful.
In April 1949 Bro. Henry Joseph was transferred to Singapore and Bro.M.Paul was appointed as the New Manager of the Industrial School. At the same time the Director of Industries and commerce, Madras issued an order starting that not more than 30 days of holidays should be given to the Industrial School in the state, besides Sundays and holidays. This gave additional head ache to St. Ann’s Boarding authorities who had to keep open the boarding during holidays for the sake of the orphans attending the Industrial School. Negotiations between the Diocesan authorities and the brothers of St. Gabriel started, to solve this problem. During a meeting held at the end of January 1950 it was decided to hand-over the orphanage back to the Brothers of St. Gabriel, Mgr. Colas, Mgr.Gopu, Fr. Cailleault, Fr. Mariacoulandai, Fr. Becker, Bro. Eleazar and Bro. M. Paul attended this meeting and signed the agreement. The orphanage was handed over back to the Brothers on 1st April 1950. The diocese had agreed to meet all the expenses of the orphanage over and above the annual boarding grant from the Government.
Till 1952 the financial responsibility of the industrial School was with the Diocese. In 1952 Bro. Eleazar the provincial in consultation with his councillors agreed to bear the financial burden of the Industrial School.
With the coming back of the orphanage the strength of the Industrial school gradually increased. In August 1957 Bro. Thomas of Tolentino was appointed as the Manager of the Industrial School and boys’ Home.
With a view to start Motor Mechanic as an additional course, application for financial assistance was sent to Misereor. On Nov. 14, 1962, a Motor Mechanic course was inaugurated by the Joint Director of Industries and commerce. On the following morning the Vicar General of Pondicherry celebrated Holy Mass in the Carpentry Hall invoking God’s blessings on the new course. In 1963, a shed was put up.
Motor mechanic section was started on 14-11-1962. In 1965 a hostel building was built for the trainees of carpentry Teachers, Trainees and Motor Mechanics with the help of OXFAM London and Propagation of Faith. Was inaugurated by Rev.Bro.Romain Landry, the Superior General. On April 28, 1966, the 250th death anniversary of St. Montfort was commemorated with a solemn Pontifical High Mass in the Parish church by Mgr. R. Ambrose, the Archbishop of Pondicherry.
On Nov. 3, 1966, a severe cyclone hit Tindi and surroundings. All the roof tiles were blown off. A number of trees were uprooted. A tile from the roof of the Carpentry Hall fell down by the side of the Director’s right foot and the director had a miraculous escape. In July 1967, Bro. Oliver returned to Tindi, after successfully completing his studies in London and he became the director of the institution. Bro. Thomas of Tolentino handed over charge to him and left Tindi after 20 years of wonderful service and got ready to go to Europe for the Second Novitiate starting in January 1968.
In July 1967 Bro. Oliver succeeded Bro. Thomas of Tolentino as the superior, Manager and Principal. During his six year tenure prepared and sent a master plan to Misereor and to Cebemo for funds in order to expand the orphanage building, to extend the carpentry workshop, to construct a spacious workshop for Motor Mechanics, fitting, and smithy, to construct a wood store and to purchase equipments. All the projects were approved to a total cost Rs.18 Lakh by Misereor and German Government and for Rs.14 Lakh by Cebemo and Dutch Government. January 1973 by which time Bro. Oliver was asked to go over to Fiji Islands to found our Gabrielite mission over there. Bro. Thomas of Tolentino was brought back to Tindivanam and was asked to execute the extension and development project. Bro. Oliver looked after the students and orphans with much care and love.
Bro. Thomas of Tolentino was in charge of the institution and community from 1973 – 76. He executed the projects mentioned above. On March 6, 1975, Bro. Thomas met with another accident and had to be hospitalized in CMS Hospital, Vellore. He had to be there for two months. The construction works were over by the end of March 1976. On June 1, 1976, Bro. Thomas on transfer left for Campion, Trichy.
Bro. George Maliyackel succeeded Bro. Thomas during his 2 year tenure he tried to improve the facilities for the students. In 1978, Bro. Thomas Mavelil succeeded Bro. George. On Jan.7, 1979, the Platinum Jubilee celebration started with the concelebrated Pontifical High Mass. Archbiship Selvanather of Pondicherry was the main celebrant. Archbiship Arulappa of Madras, and Biships Michel Augustine of Madras, Thomas Fernando of Trichy, Arockiasamy of Kottar and Denizil D’Souza of Silchar and a large number of priests joined in the con celebration. Our Superiors, as soon as they landed in Madras, were taken to Tindi by a special bus. They were a little late for the Mass. Brothers Henry Joseph, Amance, Marcel, and Philibert, who had worked in India, were also present. Some 200 Brothers from all over India were present. A large number of Sisters, and Friends came for the celebration. Archbishop Selvanather preached a very apt homily.
The Mass was followed by a grand luncheon party. All the Archbishops and Bishops, members of Central Administration and all the Provincials from abroad were welcomed with a shawl. Rev. Bro. Jean Bulteau, the Superior General, of the Montfort Brothers of St. Gebrial, officially inaugurated the newly constructed and completed workshop in 1976, which was financially supported by Misereor and German Government, and Cebemo and Dutch Government. He spoke recalling the 75 years of dedicated service by the Brothers, thanking the Church authorities, benefactors and friends. After the grand luncheon party, a group photo was taken.
In 1981, Bro. George Maliyackel returned from England after his higher studies and he replaced Bro.Thomas. Bro. George tried to improve the financial situation of the institution. In July 1986, Tindi was permitted to start one more unit of Motor Mechanic section.
In 1987, Bro. Gnanapragasam Succeeded Bro. George Maliyackel. During this year one more unit of Motor Mechanic section was started. In May 1990, construction work started for classroom for the Industrial School boy’s with financial help received for the total cost of Rs.14 Lakhs from MANOS UNIDAS, SPAIN. And July 31, 1991, it was blessed and inaugurated. During this year Electrician Trade in N.C.V.T. was started. In 1991, Bro. Joseph Thottuchalil succeeded Bro. Gnanapragasam and Bro. Joseph was the manager till 1995.
Slowly the workers in the Workshop started giving trouble. In January 1992, the Provincial and his Council studied the problems created by the workers and decided to close down the Workshop. On March 8, 1992, an emergency Provincial Council Meeting was held at Tindi. The Council listened to the members of the community. After discussions the Council decided to close down the job section of the Workshop. We were forced to close down the production in the workshop and we were ready to give the workers the compensation as per labour laws. Inspite of the Archbishop’s request the workers wanted only work, and not any other kind of settlement. Problems could not be solved.
In March 25, 1993 the division of the Province into regions of Yercaud and Trichy came into Existence. As such Tindivanam was under the administration of Yercaud Province. On June 6, 1994, the Carpentry Teachers Training Section was closed due to lack of job opportunity, less admission and financial problem to continue the training.
As St. Joseph’s Industrial School and Boy’s Home were facing financial problems, the community thought of starting a Matriculation School in the old Post Novitiate building. Bro. Joseph Thottuchalil took the necessary steps and started the school in June 1994. From 1994-97, Bro. Rphael Joseph was appointed Principal. From 1995-98, Bro. K.M. Thomas was the manager and superior. During this period a new building was added to the old building to accommodate more children in Montfort Matriculation School. During the year 1998-99 Bro. Thomas Mavelil replaced Bro. K.M. Thomas, and Bro. V.C. Mani and Bro. Jose Kannampuzha were principals for a year each in Matric School. And first batch of 10th standard students appeared for the Government Examination. During this period grotto of Our Lady was given a facelift and given better prayer atmosphere.
Bro. Thomas Mavelil worked in Tindivanam more than 10years. Due to massive heart attack died on May 23, 2000 morning in Montfort College, Bangalore. He lived in the midst of poor students and lived for them. He was known for his kindness and helping attitude. He had an excellent relationship with parents of students, teachers, government officials and the public at large. He was a good companion and was quite humorous. He was very human in his attitudes and relationships. Bro. Thomas’ mortal remains were brought to Eachinkadu cemetery and buried there.
Bro. Raphael Joseph who worked in Montfort Metric High School as a principal, on June 11, 2000 died of cardiac arrest at Santhome, Chennai. His body was taken to Eachinkadu and in the mist of a big gathering of many Brothers and all his brothers and many relatives, teachers and old students and priests and sisters was buried in the Eachinkadu cemetery. In spite of his being strict, Bro. Raphael was able to touch the hearts of students and teachers because of his sense of justice, and desire to help them. He was a great administrator and educationist.
It was during the year 1999 that this premier institution of the Indian Gabrielite Mission was transferred to Trichy Province. Bro. Gnanapragasam as L.S. and Bro. Charles Gaspar was Principal of the Matriculation School. To accommodate the growing strength of the students a new building was constructed in 2000 by Bro. Gnanapragasam to provided lab facilities and additional classrooms and completed and inaugurated in 2001. During this period Bro. Thomas Selvam under his youthful leadership the school developed in all dimensions. Brothers’ cemetery was shifted nearer to the grotto of Our Lady to give better pathway to the upcoming High School. In 2001 the first batch of 12th Standard students of Montfort Metric Her. Sec. appeared for the Government Examination. Bro. Joseph Thottuchalil once again took the reins of this institution in June 2001.
He organised the inaugural function of the Centenary with the cooperation of all concerned. Being the Centenary of the Brothers’ presence in India, the national level celebration took off to a colourful start on 11 Sep 2002. In view of the centenary the community and the institutions were given a face- lift with renovation of the little chapel and the ITI buildings. A centenary monument with the busts of the pioneer Brothers in granite was erected elegantly. In Montfort Metric another block was built to create additional classrooms by Bro. Joseph. T. A tragedy that took place in a foreign land left the people of Tindivanam in tears. It was the sudden and tragic death of Bro. Joseph Thottuchalil during the early hours of April 29, 2003 in Lourdes, when he was on his Montfortian pilgrimage. His mortal remains were laid to rest in Tindivanam the ground where he gave his sweat and blood. It was so unfortunate that the premature death prevented him from seeing the completion of the structure in Montfort. And that block has been named as Bro. Joseph Thottuchalil Block. During this period Bro. Selvin Antony was appointed as the principal of this growing institution. At present the student’s strength has grown up to 1825.
In 2003 Bro. Gnanapragasam was appointed 3rd time as a manager and correspondent of both institution. Bro. Lawrence Diviaraj is appointed as the Principal of the Industrial School. Montfort Hr. Sec. School, construction started by Bro. J.T was completed and inaugurated by Rev. Mgr. Dr. Michael Augustine, Archbishop of Pondicherry, in the presence of Bro. Albert Selvaraj Provincial of Trichy.
The workers problem dragged for many years, has been decided by the provincial administration of Trichy to settle it through the Archbishop of Pondicherry. And finally on September 12, 2003, the problem was settled and to quote the Archbishop of Pondicherry, “Thanks to the generosity of the Brothers of St. Gabriel, the workers have received more than what is stipulated by law but according to the proposals of the Committee on TNBC”.
A Centenary Celebration to mark our completing 100 years in Tindivanam on 06-01-2004 a Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist was con celebrated by many priests. Brother Albert Selvaraj, Provincial of Trichy was the chief guest and many brothers from different communities and sisters and some old students and farmer managers Bro. Thomas of Tolentino and Bro. K.M. Thomas participated in the celebration.
I am pleased to tell you that, I am backed up by a very good set of teachers and non teaching staffs. The Institution runs smoothly despite minor problems and difficulties that erupt occasionally which are part and parcel of growth of our Institution. On the Managing board along with me are Bro. Lawrence Diviaraj, Bro. Amal Raj, Bro. Stevans, Bro. Selven Antony and Bro. John Paul. These Brothers are life giving source of the institution at present. I shall be projecting an inadequate picture unless I high light the major role of Bro. Lawrence Diviaraj in whose mind conceived many creative ideas and they add colour and pomp to the celebration of the Centenary Jubilee. Now the present Management is planning out various programms to conclude the centenary jubilee celebration in a meaning full way.
A grain of seed that was buried in the soil of Tindivanam had sprout out and grown as a mighty tree, spreading out in length and breadth, and rooting in to 6 provinces in our Mother India. While acknowledging the continued blessings and the support of our Rev. Bro. Rene Delorme Superior General and his administration and under the able leadership of Brother S. Dhanaraj the Provincial superior and the councillors of Trichy Province, we jointly with our pioneers thank the almighty God for His abundant blessings to this great Institution through out 100 years and the New Century to follow.
TOWARDS AN INTEGRAL GROWTH
TRAINING:
Knowing fully well that education is an all around development, we take utmost care to cultivate and develop the industrious and other latent talents of our trainees. Weekly tests and terminal exams are part of the curriculum.
INDUSTRIAL VISITS:
Educational tours to Industrial cities like Delhi, Madras, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Trichy, and Pondicherry are organised annually for the trainees which will enable them to see the latest technological developments in the field of Industry.
PROJECT WORK:
The students, while on training are given opportunities to produce standard components akin to their trades. This enables them to surpass in skill and accuracy, in comparison with solely training oriented I.T.I’s.
LIBRARY:
A good library is set up for the benefit of the students. Extra information given is appreciated and the chances are created to express it. Very latest edition of different technological books are added to the library every year.
SPIRITUAL:
Periodical spiritual activities are conducted to care for the trans – physical longing of the students. Talks of life career are delivered to the boys occasionally during the morning assembly. Two days retreat is organised for all the students every year. Once a week Catechism for catholic students and moral classes for the students of other faiths are conducted by our Brothers & staff.
SEMINARS:
In order to inculcate in the minds of students the Social awareness periodically seminars are conducted in different themes every year, with the help of the resourceful persons. As these students have to be in the societies, they are sufficiently enlightened about the various problems they have to face and have to overcome.
IGSSS SCHOLARSHIPS:
Indo-German Social Service Society was always helping us in the progress of this institution, especially in the starting of the Technical School, even now they are helping some of our students with scholarship to undergo technical training. We are ever grateful to them. Numbers of our trainees are benefited from their generous helps.
SKIP SCHOLORSHIPS:
SKILLS FOR PROGRESS Office at Bangalore, is also an organisation helping our institution for conducting training in non-formal for Two wheeler mechanism, Four wheeler Driving and repairs and maintenance of for wheel vehicles and electrical appliances. In addition to these training, it has helped us with tools, equipment and vehicles for the purpose of the training. It also continues to help with scholarship for the poor and very marginalised students every year.
PHYSICAL:
Physical education has been given its due importance along with other co-curricular activities. In order to bring out the best among the students, games and sports are conducted and for the winners, Certificates and Prizes are given for their achievements.
OLD STUDENTS MEET:
After the completion of the training of the students, our responsibility lies in helping them for their Placements. The best means to know their welfare is conducting of old Students’ Meet regularly. The management and the executive committee is planning to arrange this meet every year. For the welfare of the students resourceful persons will be made available to conduct seminars so as to benefit the students for the future. During these gatherings, togetherness and family spirit will be made to feel by every one, as we expect to get good response of students for this meet.
MUSIC CLUB:
The Brass Band of St. Josephs’ Boys Home is one of the best in Tindivanam. It is conducted by a specially trained teacher. The music party provides the boys with ample opportunities to bring out and develop their talents. It was started in 1999 and it will be additional benefit to the students in the future for their placement.
JUBILEE SPECIAL
REACHING OUT THE HANDICAP:
To mark the importance of this Centenary Jubilee celebration we conducted a survey for the Physically Handicapped persons who were residing 20 K.M radius of Tindivanam Taluk. The staffs and students of our Industrial School has helped us to organise this survey. More than 50 people have registered to receive Wheel Chair for handicapped but we are planning to provide only for 20 people. This programme is sponsored by the Claretians Communication Centre, at Tambaram. During this Centenary Jubilee celebrations this implements will be distributed.
FUTURE PLANS:
1. To mark this Centenary year we propose to start Hotel Management of Catering Technology.
2. To start Mechanic (Air conditioning and refrigeration) courses during this academic year.
3. To train the students in Interior Decorators course.
4. To give Multi Skill training under Non - Formal scheme for the drop-outs.
CONCLUSION:
The main purpose of the establishment of the Industrial School was to train up Orphans and poor boys of the locality in some useful trades by which they can earn their livelihood without being a burden to society. Till now over 15000 boys have gone out from this institution and are working in various parts of India and leading an honest life. I great fully acknowledge the helping and supporting hands of our superiors, sponsors, benefactor, parents of our past people and present students with trust in Providence and the strength and will of our youth, we march towards the new century.
AND BOYS’ HOME
It is humble effort of the Brothers and staff and students of Tindi! To bring out this maiden Industrial School Souvenir. Christened it as “STJOCFT 2004” as we have walked through our Mother India from the past 100 years of Montfortian mission here at Tindivanam. At the very outset, I wish to express my gratitude to God for His abundant blessings and leading us forward. I bow before our founder St. Montfort who is our guide and source of inspiration. I also express my sincere thanks to our daring pioneers, farmer managers and correspondents, Dedicated Brothers worked here, farmer staff and students and the Co-workers and collaborators well wishers and friends for your encouragements and constant support in our mission.
At the request of the Mission authorities of Pondicherry Bro.Denis, Bro.John Baptist Dela Sale and Bro. Martin De Vertou arrived in Pondicherry on 11-09-1903 in a small ship the “Deupleix” to teach in Petit Seminaire High School. The letter from Bro. Martial, Superior General, announcing their arrival never reached Pondicherry. Fortunately Rev.Fr.Fleury, a former missionary at Pondy, had written from paris and thus the mission had been informed a few days before, of their arrival. Fr. Escande and Fr. Rochet came to welcome them on board the “Duplexi”. They were pleased to find them in civics and travelling under their family surnames, because even at Pondy they might have met with some trouble if they had landed as teaching religious.
At the mission they received an enthusiastic welcome from Rev.Fr.Renevier, the Vicar General and from all the other missionaries. The archbishop, Mgr.Gandy, had just left for France on account of ill health. Nothing being ready to receive them, the new comers board at the mission along with the missionaries until they got their own private rooms at the college Petit Seminaire some 15 days later.
On Monday, September 14th, they began to teach at the College. Bro.Denis, the Superior, taught most of the subjects in the 3rd class, while Bro. Martin did the same in 4th class (The 1st class being the highest class in the College). As for Bro.John Baptist, he gave drawing lessons.
And thus the first community of the Brothers of St.Gabriel was founded in India. They were kept busy as they had atleast 3 to 4 hours of class and several hours of study minding a day.
Meanwhile Bro. John Baptist was getting bored at Pondicherry. He was dreaming of an Industrial School where his talents could be put to a better use. After a month of teaching, he was thinking of asking for a transfer to Thailand was he hoped, he would find more congenial work. However the authorities of the mission had not given up the idea of an Industrial School. They were merely taking time to decide where it was to be founded. Pondicherry and Cuddalor were proposed and discarded. Villupuram was favoured for a time Finally Tindivanam carried the day.
The proposal for its establishment originated with Father Escande, the Superior of the Catholic College of Pondicherry, known as “Le Petit Seminaire,” and Father Pinel, the well known Procurator of the Mission. The famine of 1896 had thrown on the charity of the Catholic Mission a number of homeless, half-starved orphans who had all been collected together at Tindivanam, and entrusted to the care of Father Combes, the then Parish Priest, and the question of providing suitable employment for those growing lads and fitting them with some means of earning their living, was one of the deciding factors in the establishment of the Industrial School of which they would naturally form the nucleus, and of its location at Tindivanam.
Organised technical education was still in its embryonic stage in India in 1880’s. It is a well known fact that industrial development must precede technical training, as it would be a waste of time and talent to train workmen for non-existent industries. The demand creates the supply, and, as the demand was then exceedingly small, it was wisely decided to proceed very cautiously and to start the school on a very modest scale, trusting to Providence for its ulterior growth and development.
Tindivanam had already a kind of orphanage. During the famine of 1897-98, the Parish priest, Fr.Combes, had gathered several children whose parents were unable to support. He kept them as long as he could find a job for them. His idea was to have some learning a congenial trade. Property could be acquired cheaply not far from the Railway Station.
Therefore, when Fr. Combes came to know the desire of Bro. John Baptist, he renewed his appeal to the Diocesan Authorities and finally it was decided to sent Bro. John Baptist to Tindivanam in order to found an Industrial School. Both the Paris Priest and the brothers were greatly delighted at that news.
It was on January 6th 1904 Bro. John Baptist packed up and went to settle down in Tindivanam.
Just as the society of the Foreign Mission aims, before everything else, to form an indigenous clergy, so the Brothers of St. Gabriel desired to obtain Indian recruits for their congregation. It is why Bro. Denis thought of founding a Novitiate. His choice fell on Tindivanam. Bro. John Baptist was putting up there an Industrial School. There was plenty of land available for buildings and the parish priest was delighted at the idea.
The Industrial School was taking shape. A new workshop 20 meters long, 12 meters broad and 10 meters height had been put up and it was blessed by Rev. Fr. Morel, the Vicar General on August 15th 1904. Bro. John Baptist was also building a Big Room above the presbytery, so that soon after the arrival of Bro. Bonin, both brothers formed a separate community with their own kitchen and refectory. Bro. Bonin came to join him on 11-09-1904.
On the 24th of July Bro. John Baptist wrote: “We have already despatched Rs.3400/- worth of furniture and Carpentry work and we have made a net profit of Rs.1112/- and all that within 4 months”. With the arrival of Bro. Bonion an expert in arts new courses were added – free hand drawing, moulding, painting, gilding and wood carving.
The first student was one Mr. Soosai from Erraiyur born on 04-08-1895.
Bro. Denis installed the Novitiate at Tindivanam in Dec.1906. The first postulant joined on 27-12-1904. In August 1908 the construction of a building for the Novitiate was started. On the 21st December 1908, on the feast of St. Thomas, the Novices, three in number, took possession of their new quarters. In January 1913 the courses in the Novitiate were regularly established.
The 3rd of February 1910 was great day for St. Gabriel: the first Indian subject of the congregation, Bro. Louis Mary, made his first profession. On 6th of January 1911 the novitiate was finally approved by Rome.
On the night of 22nd November 1916, a terrible cyclone swept through Tindivanam, destroying the workshop of the Industrial School and carrying away the roof of the Novitiate and most of the other buildings. The workshop had to be re-built, repairs had to be made.
A great joy and a great trial came in close succession. In July 1917 the Madras Government sanctioned a grant of Rs.8,000/- for the re-construction of the workshop destroyed by the cyclone of November 1916.But the trial was far harder than the joy had been great. On August 9th Bro. Bonin died at Pondicherry at the age of 53, of gangrenous dysentery. The new structure was completed by the end of December 1917 and was blessed by Mgr. Morel on 2nd January 1918. He remarked that “Cyclones, however awful and terrible they may be, are some time means used by God’s providence to set things on a better footing.
On 15th February 1918 a training section in Carpentry & Cabinet Making was opened with 6 students. This had been sanctioned by the Government after a visit of Mr. Fyfe, the Inspector of Industrial Schools. The letter from the director of Industries and Commerce announcing the sanction of the Training section said: “St. Joseph’s Industrial School, Tindivanam, is one of the best conducted schools in the presidency and it is under the superintend of Bro. John Baptist, a Frenchman specially trained in wood work, in one of France’s best Technical Colleges.”
In April 1919 Bro. Louis Mary, the first Indian Brother, was appointed Sub-director in the Novitiate in Tindivanam. There to have had some internal trouble regarding the status of the Indian Brothers.
In a letter written at the end of August 1919, Bro. Denis mentioned for the first time the Teachers’ Training school at Tindivanam. The scheme had been decided at the beginning of August and Fr. Gawan Duffy was already in Ireland collecting funds for the constructions. Bro. Denis had been asked to take the direction of that school from its very beginning. Bro. Denis was authorised to accept its direction provided he could do it along with his present function.
On the 18th of March 1920, the Governor of Madras and Lady Wellingdon visited the Industrial School and they were so pleased with what they saw, that soon after a government grant was sanctioned for the construction of decent present quarters for the brothers.
In 1920 Bro. Denis was elected as assistant General and Bro.Claudian succeeded him as Director Principal and Master of Novices.
Report concerning the beginning of 1921: “But there was then in Tindi. Another guest: Rev. Fr. Gawan Duffy, who was residing in room of the community, tormented by attacks of astha, attended to by the brothers and writing colossal amount of letters in view of gathering funds for the foundation of the Teachers” Training School along with a boarding, where the teachers and catechists of the Mission would be formed. The St. Ann’s Parish School, which the Brothers had directed for many years: partially since 1904 and entirely since 1914, was to be the nucleus of this enterprise. The first boarders were received in February 1921. They were accommodated with the orphans and they paid a monthly boarding fee of about Rs.5/-. Thus were the modest and painful beginnings of a great enterprise: In the progress and success of this enterprise the brothers were to have a large share’. (Yet, in an article on the origin and developments of this institution, published a few years ago in the bulletin of the Foreign Mission of Paris, no mention was made of the part played by the Brothers of St. Gabriel, they were simply ignored:)
At the re-opening of the school on 11-07-1921 there was a great commotion in Tindivanam. Fr. Gawan Duffy, pursuing his idea, opened a Teachers’ Training school. For that he had to borrow some of the rooms of the Industrial school and he took Bro. Louis Mary as assistant.” The beginnings were hard, very hard even. The new school interfered with the smooth running of the industrial school and naturally the orphanage was in the way for the success of the Training School, which could only vegetated. The Staff was insufficient and the pupils were very backward. They used the play ground of the novitiate and a shed was built for them nearby”. We can imagine, in fact, the congestion that must have existed. Crammed as they were, it was difficult not to have misunderstandings. The more so because Bro. John Baptist, whose cordial humour was appeasing in the highest degree, had to absent himself very often: he was very much taken up with a new building in Montfort School, Yercaud and besides he was covered with boils that refused to heal, so he had to rush to and fro between Yercaud, Tindi. and Pondicherry Hospital… And it must be added that it was not easy to work along with Fr. Gawan Duffy. Geniuses have always been difficult to deal with, and Fr. Gawan, without any doubt, was a great genies. In November 1921 he separated his boarders from the orphanage – this was only what the Brothers had been longing for:- and he accommodated them in a room where the statues had been formerly kept. Then on December 1st disgusted to see that the school was not working as he wanted it to work, he sent away all his boarders, but he kept the idea of beginning again on new bases. Helped by Fr. Morin, an old friend of the Brothers, he began the construction of a house for himself. Thus the buildings of the Novitiate and of the Industrial School were freed – and it was high time:
The house for the Brothers working in the Industrial School and the new building for the Training section of the Industrial School were achieved in October 1921 and they were blessed by Mgr. Morel.
On January 31st 1922, the teachers’ Training School was re-opened under the care of Fr. Gawan Duffy, it was Bro. Claudian who was the Director and first Headmaster of this school and he was assisted by Bro. Montfort (later on Fr. Montfort).
On 17th April 1922 the foundation of St. Ann’s Boarding was started. This boarding would enable to develop St. Ann’s School. This work, financed by Fr. Gawan Duffy, Supervised by Fr. Bastide, who was advised by the Brothers, was called to play such an important part in the Christian life of the diocese. As for St. Ann’s School which was still directed by the Brothers and belonged to them (having been built by Bro. Denis in 1914 on a plot of land he had bought from the Mission), they were advised by the same Bro. Denis “to sell it as soon as possible to Fr. Gawan Duffy for the sum or Rs. 1500/-” and apparently it was done.
In December 1922 the Industrial School was awarded a Gold Medal for the furniture it had sent to an Exhibition in Marseilles, Bro. John Baptist was awarded a Bronze medal.
The new chapel of the Brothers at Tindy was blessed by Mgr. Morel on 12th November 1924.
Bro. Claudian died on 17th May 1928 in Pondicherry hospital, at the age of 43. From 1922, till his death, he was the Director of the Training School at Tindivanam. He exerted a strong influence on these young masters, who attended this school and this was continued to their profit after they had left the Training School and were employed in their respective villages. Even Fr. Gawan Duffy, who was a man so hard to satisfy, had only praises for Bro. Claudians on the young teachers, cannot be better expressed than by quoting this letter written to him by an old Missionary: “More than the father of Tindivanam, you are in touch with these young Men; I know it here through the conversations during the gathering we hold after the Sunday Mass. The good seed you are sowing will not be lost you may be assured of this.
Let this consoling assurance be a help to you in all your worries, difficulties and other kinds of trials, inseparable from every institutions, such as yours, in this hard-to-stir India. Believe it on the word of a poor Missionary, who numbers 20 years of village life in the same spot, your ministry is by far more consoling than ours”. With Bro. Claudian’s death the Novitiate at Tindi was closed down and Brothers left the direction of the Teachers’ School and St. Ann’s School. Bro. Eugene Mary was appointed as Director Principal at the beginning of July 1928. A double story building for the orphanage was completed in 1928.
In 1932 Bro. John Baptist was in a bad way. He was suffering from an intestinal haemorrhage and from sever anemia. He was admitted in the Pondicherry hospital in October 1932 to hear himself condemned by the doctors to return to France as soon as possible. He left the direction of Tindi to Bro. Eugene Joseph and sailed for Europe on 16th November 1932. He was never to see again India and Tindivanam which he loved so much. He died in France at St. Laurent on the 12th of November 1933, struck down by an attack of apoplexy at the age of 59. He worked in Tindi and for Tindi for a period of nearly 30 years and we will ever remain grateful for the good work he had done here.
At the end of 1935 Bro. Eugene Joseph Director of Tindi. Became sick and had to leave for France for rest and Bro. Henry Joseph took over the direction of the Industrial School. Black smithy & Fitting sections was added in1939.
Fr. Gawan Duffy was doing a wonderful work at the Training School and at St. Ann’s; but he wanted to be the sole master in the place. For many years, he had his eyes on the orphanage, which, according to him was not properly managed, and the brothers had a lot of trouble in dealing with him specially as they could not agree with all his pointed of view. Finally the Mission informed the Brothers in January 1941 that Fr. Gawan would be also incharge of the orphanage. The Brothers were left solely incharge of the Industrial School and of the Training section. The orphanage and St. Ann’s Boarding were amalgamated. As a result the number of orphans went on decreasing and the number of them admitted in the Industrial School dwindled to a more handful.
In April 1949 Bro. Henry Joseph was transferred to Singapore and Bro.M.Paul was appointed as the New Manager of the Industrial School. At the same time the Director of Industries and commerce, Madras issued an order starting that not more than 30 days of holidays should be given to the Industrial School in the state, besides Sundays and holidays. This gave additional head ache to St. Ann’s Boarding authorities who had to keep open the boarding during holidays for the sake of the orphans attending the Industrial School. Negotiations between the Diocesan authorities and the brothers of St. Gabriel started, to solve this problem. During a meeting held at the end of January 1950 it was decided to hand-over the orphanage back to the Brothers of St. Gabriel, Mgr. Colas, Mgr.Gopu, Fr. Cailleault, Fr. Mariacoulandai, Fr. Becker, Bro. Eleazar and Bro. M. Paul attended this meeting and signed the agreement. The orphanage was handed over back to the Brothers on 1st April 1950. The diocese had agreed to meet all the expenses of the orphanage over and above the annual boarding grant from the Government.
Till 1952 the financial responsibility of the industrial School was with the Diocese. In 1952 Bro. Eleazar the provincial in consultation with his councillors agreed to bear the financial burden of the Industrial School.
With the coming back of the orphanage the strength of the Industrial school gradually increased. In August 1957 Bro. Thomas of Tolentino was appointed as the Manager of the Industrial School and boys’ Home.
With a view to start Motor Mechanic as an additional course, application for financial assistance was sent to Misereor. On Nov. 14, 1962, a Motor Mechanic course was inaugurated by the Joint Director of Industries and commerce. On the following morning the Vicar General of Pondicherry celebrated Holy Mass in the Carpentry Hall invoking God’s blessings on the new course. In 1963, a shed was put up.
Motor mechanic section was started on 14-11-1962. In 1965 a hostel building was built for the trainees of carpentry Teachers, Trainees and Motor Mechanics with the help of OXFAM London and Propagation of Faith. Was inaugurated by Rev.Bro.Romain Landry, the Superior General. On April 28, 1966, the 250th death anniversary of St. Montfort was commemorated with a solemn Pontifical High Mass in the Parish church by Mgr. R. Ambrose, the Archbishop of Pondicherry.
On Nov. 3, 1966, a severe cyclone hit Tindi and surroundings. All the roof tiles were blown off. A number of trees were uprooted. A tile from the roof of the Carpentry Hall fell down by the side of the Director’s right foot and the director had a miraculous escape. In July 1967, Bro. Oliver returned to Tindi, after successfully completing his studies in London and he became the director of the institution. Bro. Thomas of Tolentino handed over charge to him and left Tindi after 20 years of wonderful service and got ready to go to Europe for the Second Novitiate starting in January 1968.
In July 1967 Bro. Oliver succeeded Bro. Thomas of Tolentino as the superior, Manager and Principal. During his six year tenure prepared and sent a master plan to Misereor and to Cebemo for funds in order to expand the orphanage building, to extend the carpentry workshop, to construct a spacious workshop for Motor Mechanics, fitting, and smithy, to construct a wood store and to purchase equipments. All the projects were approved to a total cost Rs.18 Lakh by Misereor and German Government and for Rs.14 Lakh by Cebemo and Dutch Government. January 1973 by which time Bro. Oliver was asked to go over to Fiji Islands to found our Gabrielite mission over there. Bro. Thomas of Tolentino was brought back to Tindivanam and was asked to execute the extension and development project. Bro. Oliver looked after the students and orphans with much care and love.
Bro. Thomas of Tolentino was in charge of the institution and community from 1973 – 76. He executed the projects mentioned above. On March 6, 1975, Bro. Thomas met with another accident and had to be hospitalized in CMS Hospital, Vellore. He had to be there for two months. The construction works were over by the end of March 1976. On June 1, 1976, Bro. Thomas on transfer left for Campion, Trichy.
Bro. George Maliyackel succeeded Bro. Thomas during his 2 year tenure he tried to improve the facilities for the students. In 1978, Bro. Thomas Mavelil succeeded Bro. George. On Jan.7, 1979, the Platinum Jubilee celebration started with the concelebrated Pontifical High Mass. Archbiship Selvanather of Pondicherry was the main celebrant. Archbiship Arulappa of Madras, and Biships Michel Augustine of Madras, Thomas Fernando of Trichy, Arockiasamy of Kottar and Denizil D’Souza of Silchar and a large number of priests joined in the con celebration. Our Superiors, as soon as they landed in Madras, were taken to Tindi by a special bus. They were a little late for the Mass. Brothers Henry Joseph, Amance, Marcel, and Philibert, who had worked in India, were also present. Some 200 Brothers from all over India were present. A large number of Sisters, and Friends came for the celebration. Archbishop Selvanather preached a very apt homily.
The Mass was followed by a grand luncheon party. All the Archbishops and Bishops, members of Central Administration and all the Provincials from abroad were welcomed with a shawl. Rev. Bro. Jean Bulteau, the Superior General, of the Montfort Brothers of St. Gebrial, officially inaugurated the newly constructed and completed workshop in 1976, which was financially supported by Misereor and German Government, and Cebemo and Dutch Government. He spoke recalling the 75 years of dedicated service by the Brothers, thanking the Church authorities, benefactors and friends. After the grand luncheon party, a group photo was taken.
In 1981, Bro. George Maliyackel returned from England after his higher studies and he replaced Bro.Thomas. Bro. George tried to improve the financial situation of the institution. In July 1986, Tindi was permitted to start one more unit of Motor Mechanic section.
In 1987, Bro. Gnanapragasam Succeeded Bro. George Maliyackel. During this year one more unit of Motor Mechanic section was started. In May 1990, construction work started for classroom for the Industrial School boy’s with financial help received for the total cost of Rs.14 Lakhs from MANOS UNIDAS, SPAIN. And July 31, 1991, it was blessed and inaugurated. During this year Electrician Trade in N.C.V.T. was started. In 1991, Bro. Joseph Thottuchalil succeeded Bro. Gnanapragasam and Bro. Joseph was the manager till 1995.
Slowly the workers in the Workshop started giving trouble. In January 1992, the Provincial and his Council studied the problems created by the workers and decided to close down the Workshop. On March 8, 1992, an emergency Provincial Council Meeting was held at Tindi. The Council listened to the members of the community. After discussions the Council decided to close down the job section of the Workshop. We were forced to close down the production in the workshop and we were ready to give the workers the compensation as per labour laws. Inspite of the Archbishop’s request the workers wanted only work, and not any other kind of settlement. Problems could not be solved.
In March 25, 1993 the division of the Province into regions of Yercaud and Trichy came into Existence. As such Tindivanam was under the administration of Yercaud Province. On June 6, 1994, the Carpentry Teachers Training Section was closed due to lack of job opportunity, less admission and financial problem to continue the training.
As St. Joseph’s Industrial School and Boy’s Home were facing financial problems, the community thought of starting a Matriculation School in the old Post Novitiate building. Bro. Joseph Thottuchalil took the necessary steps and started the school in June 1994. From 1994-97, Bro. Rphael Joseph was appointed Principal. From 1995-98, Bro. K.M. Thomas was the manager and superior. During this period a new building was added to the old building to accommodate more children in Montfort Matriculation School. During the year 1998-99 Bro. Thomas Mavelil replaced Bro. K.M. Thomas, and Bro. V.C. Mani and Bro. Jose Kannampuzha were principals for a year each in Matric School. And first batch of 10th standard students appeared for the Government Examination. During this period grotto of Our Lady was given a facelift and given better prayer atmosphere.
Bro. Thomas Mavelil worked in Tindivanam more than 10years. Due to massive heart attack died on May 23, 2000 morning in Montfort College, Bangalore. He lived in the midst of poor students and lived for them. He was known for his kindness and helping attitude. He had an excellent relationship with parents of students, teachers, government officials and the public at large. He was a good companion and was quite humorous. He was very human in his attitudes and relationships. Bro. Thomas’ mortal remains were brought to Eachinkadu cemetery and buried there.
Bro. Raphael Joseph who worked in Montfort Metric High School as a principal, on June 11, 2000 died of cardiac arrest at Santhome, Chennai. His body was taken to Eachinkadu and in the mist of a big gathering of many Brothers and all his brothers and many relatives, teachers and old students and priests and sisters was buried in the Eachinkadu cemetery. In spite of his being strict, Bro. Raphael was able to touch the hearts of students and teachers because of his sense of justice, and desire to help them. He was a great administrator and educationist.
It was during the year 1999 that this premier institution of the Indian Gabrielite Mission was transferred to Trichy Province. Bro. Gnanapragasam as L.S. and Bro. Charles Gaspar was Principal of the Matriculation School. To accommodate the growing strength of the students a new building was constructed in 2000 by Bro. Gnanapragasam to provided lab facilities and additional classrooms and completed and inaugurated in 2001. During this period Bro. Thomas Selvam under his youthful leadership the school developed in all dimensions. Brothers’ cemetery was shifted nearer to the grotto of Our Lady to give better pathway to the upcoming High School. In 2001 the first batch of 12th Standard students of Montfort Metric Her. Sec. appeared for the Government Examination. Bro. Joseph Thottuchalil once again took the reins of this institution in June 2001.
He organised the inaugural function of the Centenary with the cooperation of all concerned. Being the Centenary of the Brothers’ presence in India, the national level celebration took off to a colourful start on 11 Sep 2002. In view of the centenary the community and the institutions were given a face- lift with renovation of the little chapel and the ITI buildings. A centenary monument with the busts of the pioneer Brothers in granite was erected elegantly. In Montfort Metric another block was built to create additional classrooms by Bro. Joseph. T. A tragedy that took place in a foreign land left the people of Tindivanam in tears. It was the sudden and tragic death of Bro. Joseph Thottuchalil during the early hours of April 29, 2003 in Lourdes, when he was on his Montfortian pilgrimage. His mortal remains were laid to rest in Tindivanam the ground where he gave his sweat and blood. It was so unfortunate that the premature death prevented him from seeing the completion of the structure in Montfort. And that block has been named as Bro. Joseph Thottuchalil Block. During this period Bro. Selvin Antony was appointed as the principal of this growing institution. At present the student’s strength has grown up to 1825.
In 2003 Bro. Gnanapragasam was appointed 3rd time as a manager and correspondent of both institution. Bro. Lawrence Diviaraj is appointed as the Principal of the Industrial School. Montfort Hr. Sec. School, construction started by Bro. J.T was completed and inaugurated by Rev. Mgr. Dr. Michael Augustine, Archbishop of Pondicherry, in the presence of Bro. Albert Selvaraj Provincial of Trichy.
The workers problem dragged for many years, has been decided by the provincial administration of Trichy to settle it through the Archbishop of Pondicherry. And finally on September 12, 2003, the problem was settled and to quote the Archbishop of Pondicherry, “Thanks to the generosity of the Brothers of St. Gabriel, the workers have received more than what is stipulated by law but according to the proposals of the Committee on TNBC”.
A Centenary Celebration to mark our completing 100 years in Tindivanam on 06-01-2004 a Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist was con celebrated by many priests. Brother Albert Selvaraj, Provincial of Trichy was the chief guest and many brothers from different communities and sisters and some old students and farmer managers Bro. Thomas of Tolentino and Bro. K.M. Thomas participated in the celebration.
I am pleased to tell you that, I am backed up by a very good set of teachers and non teaching staffs. The Institution runs smoothly despite minor problems and difficulties that erupt occasionally which are part and parcel of growth of our Institution. On the Managing board along with me are Bro. Lawrence Diviaraj, Bro. Amal Raj, Bro. Stevans, Bro. Selven Antony and Bro. John Paul. These Brothers are life giving source of the institution at present. I shall be projecting an inadequate picture unless I high light the major role of Bro. Lawrence Diviaraj in whose mind conceived many creative ideas and they add colour and pomp to the celebration of the Centenary Jubilee. Now the present Management is planning out various programms to conclude the centenary jubilee celebration in a meaning full way.
A grain of seed that was buried in the soil of Tindivanam had sprout out and grown as a mighty tree, spreading out in length and breadth, and rooting in to 6 provinces in our Mother India. While acknowledging the continued blessings and the support of our Rev. Bro. Rene Delorme Superior General and his administration and under the able leadership of Brother S. Dhanaraj the Provincial superior and the councillors of Trichy Province, we jointly with our pioneers thank the almighty God for His abundant blessings to this great Institution through out 100 years and the New Century to follow.
TOWARDS AN INTEGRAL GROWTH
TRAINING:
Knowing fully well that education is an all around development, we take utmost care to cultivate and develop the industrious and other latent talents of our trainees. Weekly tests and terminal exams are part of the curriculum.
INDUSTRIAL VISITS:
Educational tours to Industrial cities like Delhi, Madras, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Trichy, and Pondicherry are organised annually for the trainees which will enable them to see the latest technological developments in the field of Industry.
PROJECT WORK:
The students, while on training are given opportunities to produce standard components akin to their trades. This enables them to surpass in skill and accuracy, in comparison with solely training oriented I.T.I’s.
LIBRARY:
A good library is set up for the benefit of the students. Extra information given is appreciated and the chances are created to express it. Very latest edition of different technological books are added to the library every year.
SPIRITUAL:
Periodical spiritual activities are conducted to care for the trans – physical longing of the students. Talks of life career are delivered to the boys occasionally during the morning assembly. Two days retreat is organised for all the students every year. Once a week Catechism for catholic students and moral classes for the students of other faiths are conducted by our Brothers & staff.
SEMINARS:
In order to inculcate in the minds of students the Social awareness periodically seminars are conducted in different themes every year, with the help of the resourceful persons. As these students have to be in the societies, they are sufficiently enlightened about the various problems they have to face and have to overcome.
IGSSS SCHOLARSHIPS:
Indo-German Social Service Society was always helping us in the progress of this institution, especially in the starting of the Technical School, even now they are helping some of our students with scholarship to undergo technical training. We are ever grateful to them. Numbers of our trainees are benefited from their generous helps.
SKIP SCHOLORSHIPS:
SKILLS FOR PROGRESS Office at Bangalore, is also an organisation helping our institution for conducting training in non-formal for Two wheeler mechanism, Four wheeler Driving and repairs and maintenance of for wheel vehicles and electrical appliances. In addition to these training, it has helped us with tools, equipment and vehicles for the purpose of the training. It also continues to help with scholarship for the poor and very marginalised students every year.
PHYSICAL:
Physical education has been given its due importance along with other co-curricular activities. In order to bring out the best among the students, games and sports are conducted and for the winners, Certificates and Prizes are given for their achievements.
OLD STUDENTS MEET:
After the completion of the training of the students, our responsibility lies in helping them for their Placements. The best means to know their welfare is conducting of old Students’ Meet regularly. The management and the executive committee is planning to arrange this meet every year. For the welfare of the students resourceful persons will be made available to conduct seminars so as to benefit the students for the future. During these gatherings, togetherness and family spirit will be made to feel by every one, as we expect to get good response of students for this meet.
MUSIC CLUB:
The Brass Band of St. Josephs’ Boys Home is one of the best in Tindivanam. It is conducted by a specially trained teacher. The music party provides the boys with ample opportunities to bring out and develop their talents. It was started in 1999 and it will be additional benefit to the students in the future for their placement.
JUBILEE SPECIAL
REACHING OUT THE HANDICAP:
To mark the importance of this Centenary Jubilee celebration we conducted a survey for the Physically Handicapped persons who were residing 20 K.M radius of Tindivanam Taluk. The staffs and students of our Industrial School has helped us to organise this survey. More than 50 people have registered to receive Wheel Chair for handicapped but we are planning to provide only for 20 people. This programme is sponsored by the Claretians Communication Centre, at Tambaram. During this Centenary Jubilee celebrations this implements will be distributed.
FUTURE PLANS:
1. To mark this Centenary year we propose to start Hotel Management of Catering Technology.
2. To start Mechanic (Air conditioning and refrigeration) courses during this academic year.
3. To train the students in Interior Decorators course.
4. To give Multi Skill training under Non - Formal scheme for the drop-outs.
CONCLUSION:
The main purpose of the establishment of the Industrial School was to train up Orphans and poor boys of the locality in some useful trades by which they can earn their livelihood without being a burden to society. Till now over 15000 boys have gone out from this institution and are working in various parts of India and leading an honest life. I great fully acknowledge the helping and supporting hands of our superiors, sponsors, benefactor, parents of our past people and present students with trust in Providence and the strength and will of our youth, we march towards the new century.
1 comment:
Thanks Brother , this makes interesting reading. My father M.V. Gopalan was a student of carpentry at St Josephs Industrial training school Tindivanam.
manohar
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