Shoots in Search of the Root – My Ancestral Story

There is an interesting story behind the single Christian tomb in a village called, “Usarathu kudiyirupu” (Brahmanavilai) near Udankudi in Tuticorin District Tamil Nadu. Sadly this village has no Christian residing there today. The only Christian witness there is the tomb of my forefather, Vachiramani Christian Ubathesiar (1835-1910).

Vachiramani Ubathesiar lived in this very village as a landlord owning more than 1000 acres of land, thousands of sheep and cattle. He was a Hindu priest in the temple which still remains in the village. Being proficient in Tamil literature, he was also involved in educating the unlearned, conducting classes in open platforms in his village 130 years ago. However he became a Christian, hearing the story of Joseph from an English missionary. Because of his Christian testimony he was then forced to leave his village and possessions. He settled down in Jaffna (in SriLanka) as a Tamil teacher and gospel worker. In his old age, after he returned to India from his services as a catechist (Ubathesiar) at Jaffna, Ceylon, he made advance arrangements for his burial at his native place, Osarathu kudiyiruppu. Thus, his grave is the only Christian witness in that village now.

Vachiramani Uphadesiar had five boys and four girls. His eldest son Rev. C. P. Gnanamani was also a Tamil scholar and teacher. His epic Tamil grammar book written in 1885 was gazetted as a text book in the schools. Rev. Gnanamani’s eldest son Rev. Canon C. D. Gnanamani was a great scholar in Tamil Literature. Rev. P. S. Peter who was also an excellent Tamil poet became a member of this family, by marrying the daughter of Vachiramani Ubathesiar. All these three poets and lyric writers have contributed over 750 lyrics and other poetic works. They have written in carnatic musical style with specific raagas (tunes) and thaalas. Some of their famous Tamil lyrics are: kaalame devanai thedu, Yesuvin namame thirunamam, Anbe piradanam, aathume thevanai (Mary’s song).

An endowment has been created in the name of Vachiramani Christian at the Madras University, under the Tamil Christian Literature Seat in the year 2010. Thus the name of Vachriamani Christian has been given a place of honour in the field of Tamil christian literature by Madras university. The number of descendants of the nine children of Vachiramani Christian connected so far is about 450. The countries they live include Malaysia, Singapore, Britain, Germany, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, USA and Australia.

The sacrifice Vachiramani Uphadesiar made in leaving his wealthy style of living cannot be compared to the eternal salvation he has gained in God’s mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord! “For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life (soul)? Or what shall a man give in return for his life (soul)?” (Matt 16:26).

I am proud to be Vajramani Upathesiar's great granddaughter’s granddaughter. To me he is a model like our father Abraham of the Biblical heritage.  Both left their places and followed God’s plan which resulted in future generations turning to that same God in multitudes. There may be similar interesting stories in everyone’s family history. It would turn to be a blessing to future generations when one seeks and finds it. 

Souces: Jebalin John, “Veraithedum Vizhudhugal” in Dinamani Kadir dated 30.5.2010, translated by Mr John Jeyanandam in “ Vachiramani Christian’s Nine Gem Comminuque” and E-mail information from Mr John Jeyanandam in Vachiramani Yahoo Group.