The Society of order of the Sacred Transfiguration
The Society of order of the Sacred Transfiguration, Mount Tabor, Pathanapuram is the Educational agency which runs the institutions. It is a charitable society registered under the Societies Registration Act XII of 1995 in 1964 with Reg.no.246 / 1964. The Mount Tabor Diara, Pathanapuram was founded in 1930. It is the real fruit, of the vision of our founder Superior His Grace Mar Thoma Dianysius Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Church.
A Word About Our Founder
The life of His Grace Mar Thoma Dionysius is a source of inspiration for all of us in the family of Mount Tabor. His Grace was a pioneer in the educational field of Kerala. More than five decades back, His Grace laid the foundation for a Religo Educational Centre at Pathanapuram at a beautiful hillock which he christened as 'Mount Tabor'. His Grace was a student of Christ Church College in the Oxford University during 1937 – 39. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, former President of India, was one of his best friends there. Inspired by the noble traditions of western culture and civilization, His Grace wanted the Mount Tabor to be the fountainhead of progress for the people around. He was consecrated as Metropolitan of Niranam Diocese of the Orthodox Church in 1940 and continued in the same ecclesiastical post for 32 years till his demise on 3rd December 1972. Besides being an ecclesiastical episcopal leader, he was also a versatile social leader, philanthropist, humanist and educationalist. The valuable services rendered by Mount Tabor educational institutions, hospitals and orphanages in different parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu testify the commitment of His Grace for the cause of education and social welfare in the backward and under developed areas.
Biographical Sketch of Ponniah Higher Secondary School
“ As one lamp lighteth another, nor grows itself less, so nobleness enkindleth noblesness” says the immortal poet in his poem yourself. True to these immortal words, the founder of our institution the late Mr. Ponniah pillai was inspired by the great life of thrphist and founder of the pachaiyappa's College and Educational Trust. The following quotation from the esteemed colum of “The Hindu” dated 28 June 1930 throws light in the opening ceremony of this great temple of learning by Mr. William Erlam Smith, M.A.I.E.S. DPL on 27 th June 1930 and how Mr.Ponniah Pillai enpressed his desire that arose in his heart from his own school days to emulate the noble example of the great philanthrophist Pachaiyappa. Prior to its upgradation as a High School, the school was founded by him in 1924 as a Higher Elementary School ( St. Antony's Elementary School ) Mr. Erlam Smith the then Director of public instruction commended the service of Mr. Ponniah Pillai to this locality by the establishment of this Institution. Mr. Ponniah Pillai had adorned the office of the Chairman of Tiruchirappalli Municipality for three times. Mr. P. A.Ganesa Aiyar B.A.L.T., the first Head – Master has done his best in making the flog of this Institution fly high. The history of this great centre of learning, catering to the needs of the predominantly backward population of this locality during the past half-a-centary of its existence substantiates the fitness of the founders spirit. “ Men may come and men may go, but i go on foreever” said a great poet. This institution in the true spirit of the poet quoted above had been steadily educating abd sending thousands of its students into the society not only teachingthem the three 'R's but also shaping,chissling and making them into better citizens of our motherland. To start with, the school had a total strength of 270 Pupils and 15 members of staff. The pupils of this Institution won almost all the Trophies, shields and tournaments. The school had been managed with forsight and Imagination by the late Mr. Ponniah pillai till the end of the second World war ( 1945 ). Since he had become old and due to various other reasons, he had to look for a suitable and deserving educationist who could run the Institution with Missionary Zeal and enthusiasm. In the year 1946, he met a noble soul the late Most Rev. Marthoma Dionosius, the founder of the Society of the Sacred Transfiguration, Mount Tabor Monastery at Pathanapuram, Kerala and a great educationist philanthrophist and a true servant of Almighty. His Grace, The Bishop had a brilliant academic career. He studied English Literature at the renoured Oxford University along with such eminent personalities like the late Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Ex president of India and the emirenent authority of Eastern philosophy in the world. His Grace had also served as Army Chaplain during the 2nd world war. His Grace was the best friend of Lord Halifase (Lord Irwin, Viceroy of India) and many such great personalities of India and abroad. His Grace had to visit Trichy on his routine tour as Millitary chaplain Providentially His Grace and the Late Mr. Ponniah Pillai was much attracted by the Ancient Orthodex Syrian Church to which he gladly transferrd the Mangement of this Institution. Though there were some problems initially, the school steadily continued to grow and render yoemen service to this locality. This Society of Sacred Transfiguration is a Monastic wing of the Ancient Orthodox Syrian Church. Though it is mainly a spiritual order, it is rendering excellent service in the field of education in both Tamil Nadu and Kerala States. In Kerala, the Sociery is running a first grade Arts College, High Schools and Elementary Schools inculding Nursery Schools in different parts of that state. The Members of this Society are highly qualified and dedicated in the service to the society as disearnt by the founder of this order our Late Most Rev. Mar Thoma Dionosius. For the first time in the history of his great Institution, a Rev, Father was appointed as the Head of the Institution in 1955. The then Rev. Fr.C.T. Thomas Karthanar ( the present Manager His Grace the Most Rev, Thomas Mar Themotheos, The Bishop of Malabar ) left no stornes unturned for the progress of our Institution and his efforts bore fruits abundantly. The results and tone of the Institution showed a remarkable progress and the Institution underwent a change for the better under his magic touch. It was during his termuse of office as the Head-Master that the “Mid day Meals Scheme” for pour pupils was introduced first. It is to be recorded that this Noble Scheme is still continued and being implemented with Zeal. (About 70 pupils are being fed everyday with the assistance from the Management, the Staff, Pupils and Old boys ) This is an unique Contribution of our School.