Champions of a Dream

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Champions of a Dream

The Founding Members

Every great initiative is driven by individuals whose passion, faith, and dedication bring a vision to life. The pioneers and founding leaders of Santhosha Vidyalaya played a crucial role in shaping its journey. Through their wisdom, perseverance, and commitment to service, they laid a strong foundation for a mission that continues to transform lives today. Their stories inspire us to uphold and carry forward the legacy of faith, education, and care for future generations.

Ms. Eleanor D. Backhouse

President

Ms. Eleanor Backhouse joined the Dohnavur Fellowship in 1946, dedicating many years to working with young boys and teaching at Jeevalaya School.

Ms. Eleanor D. Backhouse

President

Ms. Eleanor Backhouse joined the Dohnavur Fellowship in 1946, dedicating many years to working with young boys and teaching at Jeevalaya School. Over time, she expanded her role to finance and administration, becoming an integral part of the Fellowship's leadership. In 1981, she became the President of Dohnavur Fellowship and also the first President of the Santhosha Educational Society, where she served until 1989. Her leadership and vision were instrumental in establishing the foundation for Santhosha Vidhyalaya.

Ms. Nesaruthina Carunia

Vice President

Ms. Nesaruthina Carunia

Vice President

Ms. Nesaruthina Carunia grew up in the Dohnavur Fellowship from her childhood and was among the first students to benefit from higher education opportunities facilitated by John Risk and Margaret Wilkinson. She returned to Dohnavur, dedicating herself to teaching at Jeevalaya School and engaging in village outpost missions. Her commitment to education and spiritual growth led her to become part of the leadership team. She served as the President of Dohnavur Fellowship from 1989 to 2001. In the formation of Santhosha Educational Society, she was appointed Vice President and later became the Correspondent of Santhosha Vidhyalaya, a role she held until 2022.

Mr. Ivan Balasingh

Secretary and Correspondent

Prof. Ivan Balasingh, a highly respected Professor of English at a college in Tuticorin, was deeply committed to spiritual formation and missions.

Mr. Ivan Balasingh

Secretary and Correspondent

Prof. Ivan Balasingh, a highly respected Professor of English at a college in Tuticorin, was deeply committed to spiritual formation and missions. A profound question stirred his heart: "You are taking care of one missionary child, but what about the hundreds of others? Who will care for them?" This burden led him to play a important role in establishing Santhosha Vidhyalaya, working alongside the key leaders of the Dohnavur Fellowship. Prof. Ivan served as the Secretary and Correspondent initially and, for a brief period, also took on the role of President. He was instrumental in forming the governing society, appointing staff, organizing staff training, and developing the school’s administrative framework. Beyond academics, his passion for nurturing children extended to extracurricular activities such as cycling and mountaineering, ensuring their holistic development. His vision and dedication continue to shape the institution, leaving a lasting legacy of education and care.

Mr. G. David Aruldasan

Treasurer

David Aruldasan was born in Dohnavur Fellowship to Aruldasan, one of the first to faith through Rev. Thomas Walker’s ministry.

Mr. G. David Aruldasan

Treasurer

David Aruldasan was born in Dohnavur Fellowship to Aruldasan, one of the first to faith through Rev. Thomas Walker’s ministry. Aruldasan, alongside his cousin Arulai Tara, worked closely with Amy Carmichael and became a liaison between her and the community. David rose through the ranks of the Dohnavur Fellowship, taking on leadership roles, including Treasurer and Secretary. He was instrumental in the formation of the Santhosha Educational Society and the development of the infrastructure for Santhosha Vidhyalaya. His visionary leadership and dedication to the cause have had a lasting impact on the Fellowship and school.

Ms. Shanthi Aruldasan

Member

Shanthi Aruldasan, the sister of David Aruldasan, was born and raised in Dohnavur Fellowship.

Ms. Shanthi Aruldasan

Member

Shanthi Aruldasan, the sister of David Aruldasan, was born and raised in Dohnavur Fellowship. She dedicated her life to the care and training of young girls, playing an essential role in the community's leadership from the early 1960s. As co-leader of the Dohnavur Fellowship alongside Margaret Wilkinson, she played a crucial role in the planning and establishment of Santhosha Vidhyalaya, contributing significantly to its growth and success.

Ms. Christina Jeyaventhan

Member

Christina Jeyaventhan, born in Dohnavur Fellowship, is the grandniece of Jeyamani, one of the first to faith along with Arulai Tara who was deeply influenced by Rev.

Ms. Christina Jeyaventhan

Member

Christina Jeyaventhan, born in Dohnavur Fellowship, is the grandniece of Jeyamani, one of the first to faith along with Arulai Tara who was deeply influenced by Rev. Walker and Amy Carmichael. Ms. Christina worked with children and teenage girls, eventually serving as the headmistress of Jeevalaya Girls' Middle School. Her roles within the Fellowship extended to joining the leadership team, where she worked alongside other key figures to ensure the continued success of the Fellowship’s educational mission.

Ms. Sura Carunia

Member

Ms. Sura Carunia grew up in the Dohnavur Fellowship from her childhood was a dedicated member of the Dohnavur

Ms. Sura Carunia

Member

Ms. Sura Carunia grew up in the Dohnavur Fellowship from her childhood was a dedicated member of the Dohnavur Fellowship leadership group, actively contributing to the mission's growth and development. Her work in supporting the vision of Santhosha Vidhyalaya was vital to the school's establishment and early years of operation.

Dr. R. Selvaraj Pandian

Member

Prof. R. Selvaraj Pandian, a retired Dean from American College, Madurai, was one of the founding members of Santhosha Vidhyalaya.

Dr. R. Selvaraj Pandian

Member

Prof. R. Selvaraj Pandian, a retired Dean from American College, Madurai, was one of the founding members of Santhosha Vidhyalaya. A passionate worker of the Union of Evangelical Students of India (UESI), he was deeply involved in both the academic and holistic development of the students. As President of the Santhosha Educational Society from 1995 to 2022, Prof. Pandian worked tirelessly to ensure excellence in all aspects of the school, fostering both academic achievement and personal growth.