This segment is on the architectural work

words are not suffice to thank these lovely people

Fence – Cables – Gate (May 2013)

April/May, 2013:  In order to utilize the back land or 2 acres for agriculture, in particular research products, as the first step fence is erected.  Work will be complete after the peanuts are harvested.

Saminathan, the present manager, is overseeing the work.

Doors (March 2013)

Thiru George Samuel (retd. from Amtrak, Washington D.C.) visited the site during his recent visit and assessed on the architectural aspect of the site.  He noticed 2 doors that were damaged and took care of that work worth $500.

Land Documents (2010)

  From 2002 to 2007, Rani paid for the land and experienced severe losses. After that it was a bigger struggle to get the land documents transferred and claimed. Somehow people involved with this deal perhaps thought she would never return to fulfill her dreams.  Although the knowledge of these documents from patta to chitta is very simple, just to get bribes they make it very complicated for a lay person to understand.When Rani almost gave up and decided never to return to India, Thiru Ramaswamy and Thiru Chockalingam, neighbors in Gopalapuram, with that brotherly concern came forward to help her and secured all the documents.

Griha Prevesham (Sep 2009)

Click on image to see full size and details.   

Thru Thiru Ganapathy, Engineer Bhaskar  did a fantastic admirable job in the first building.  Rani tried many other sources but it just did not work because Vittalapuram is in a remote place, 2.5 hours from Chennai and 1.5 hours from Pondicherry.  Bhaskar risked his life and went to the spot every day in his bike.  People travelling on ECR will know how dangerous, how many accidents take place on a daily basis.  As soon as Bhaskar accepted the job, in a few weeks his brother (over a lost love) committed suicide.  Contrary to what others might think of this as a bad omen, he did this more as a ‘service’ and the building stands tall to showcase his hard work.

Several chief guests:  Mrs. Priya Sumithra Morlock, Rani’s niece from California, Sumithrin her son, from Maryland, Mrs. Janobi Raja, Rani’s father Pastor S. Thomas’ cousin and the only living relative of that generation, Father Michael Amaladas from Loyala College, Mrs. and Mr. Bhaskar, Mrs. and Mr. Ganapathy, Mrs. Ansuya Vijayan, Mr & Mrs. Ramaswami Subramaniam were all present.  Joining them were Sophia Vanathayan’s father and brother, Mr. & Mrs. Raja from Pondicherry, Mr. Segar and Mr. Pavankumar’s families and many more.

The event began with a special group of folk dancers from Thanjavur who danced for 2 hours from the main road to the pandhal.  Bible, Jesus picture, salt, water, etc. was traditionally carried in. Kolam drawn. Milk boiling overflowing was done.  Event concluded with a delicious meal.

Vaasal (Oct 2008) 

Building work had started April 2008, and several events took place without Rani’s presence.  Thiru and Thirumathi Ganapathy, Thirumathi Ansuya Vijayan were there on her behalf.  October 2008 the entrance door was to be erected and Rani attended the function.  Navarathinam, nine different gems each with its own qualities, were auspiciously laid in the ground and the door was fixed above that.  Beautiful tradition!  Kalaaksharam board was also erected.  Holding them are Bhaskar and Karthikeyan, Ganapathy’s son.

Boomipoojai (ground breaking) (Feb 2007)

Mr. David Rajan and his team from neighboring village Poonthandalam took care of this event.  Special guests were Rev. Franklin David and his wife Elizabeth.  The Panchayat leader Thiru Sahadevan along with the village officers were present.

A dream… (2002-2005)

 Mr. David Rajan informed Rani about this piece of land in 2002.  It was 8 acres from the main road to the back waters.  However, even though there were legal agreements made, because the main road was paved as a main road to Thirukulakundram, the rates were raised and Rani took a big beating by getting only 3.4 acres. This was a big blow and the disappointment even hospitalized her.  However, in 2007 she decided to pursue her dreams.  Overnight Thiru Sunderan Moses gave an architectural sketch which motivated her to move on!