The education system in the country improved with the involvement and contributions of Christian missionaries, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting S. Jagathrakshakan said here on Sunday.
He was speaking after unveiling the foundation stone of projects undertaken by the Madras Mar Thoma Syrian Church as part of its platinum jubilee celebrations. The function was organised to mark the conclusion of the celebrations.
The projects include construction of community enrichment centres for tribal communities around Thamampathy near Pollachi and for the parish members in Chennai.
Calling the celebrations an opportunity to begin preparations for the future, Rt. Rev. Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos, Bishop of the Chennai-Bangalore Diocese, said there is a need to regenerate and reorganise this year.
“If there is stagnation in our lives, we need to bring about change and dynamism based on scriptures,” he said, releasing the platinum jubilee souvenir.
Having the distinction of being the first parish of the church outside Kerala, the Madras Mar Thoma Syrian Church started as a student congregation and had grown into a full-fledged parish with over 650 families, said Grace George, joint convener of the celebrations.
As part of the year-long celebrations, the church undertook various activities such as providing financial assistance for the educational and medical needs, and marriage-aid to the under-privileged. The construction of a ration shop is also in progress, she said.
A youth enrichment centre for media studies in Padur is also under consideration, it was announced.
Rev. Thomas Mathew, Vicar, Madras Mar Thoma Syrian church, and Joemon Joseph, joint convenor and Joseph John, treasurer, of the celebrations, spoke.
