VIGNETTE OF A VILLAGE

Y. Roosevelt, M.A., M.A., M.Phil., B.Ed., PGDPM. B.T. Asst. in History Fort Bishop Heber Hr. Sec. School, West Bouleward Road, Trichy - 620 002.
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Name of the Book : VIGNETTE OF A VILLAGE Author Mobile E-mail Tamil Version Edition No. of Pages No. of Copies Price : Y. ROOSEVELT : 9962227274 : roosevelt04@gmail.com : http://www.scribd.com/doc/74388527 : First Edition - 2011 : 117 : 500 : Rs. 150/-

Published by United Village Development Association Mettupatti, Lalgudi.

Typesetting & Printed at Lax Master Prints, Trichy

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A map without Mettupatti

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A map with Mettupatti

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FOREWORD
P. THIRUGNANASAMMANTHAM,
M.A.B.T., Headmaster (Retd.) U.D.V. Higher Secondary School, Tiruchirappalli-2.

On going through the vignette of the village Mettupatti, I was transported to a state of ecstasy which is inexplicable in so many words. I feel like offering a bouquet to Mr. Roosevelt, the author of the vignette, for having gathered so many facts about the village and for having clothed them with his own inimitable style. After reading this unrevealed history of Mettupatti, the people, Students and Children of the nondescript village Mettupatti will doubtless hold their heads aloft in pride. The author has strained himself so much to place the little village he belongs to in limelight. I am sure that the denizens of Mettupatti will remain with utmost gratitude to the author for having brought irressitable charm to the village. Naturally all the book-lovers will expect from the author much more than this. Finally it is crystal clear that the author Mr. Roosevelt is greater than this achievement. I wish him all success in life.

FOREWORD
ANISHA SERENE AMBROSE 3706, N. Autrey CT., Missourrie, Texas, USA.

My Village My People is much like a histroy book of the days of old of our beloved Mettupatti. It takes us back in time to the first days of what we now call our home. This book contains a brief yet descriptive summary of how this village was developed, from its first days to its present days. It incorporates the tradition created and the culture still carried on and to be channeled to future generations. A village is not built by itself but a group of people with a common cause. We know Mettupatti as our village, our love, our one and only but more importantly, Mettupatti is where we live, we have connections with this place, with the people, with the animals and with the land. We are one when one suffers, we all suffer, when we celebrates, we all celebrate. So let us take a tripdown memory lane to the memories we made, to our ancestors, to our families of today, to the things that make this village what it is now. Let us lead about Mettupatti. After all, there is no place like home. Anisha Serene
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FOREWORD
Mrs. LEELA SESHANATHAN M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre U.S.A.

I want to take an opportunity to thank Mr. Roosevelt the author. To me, Mettupatti is my house The people of Mettupatti is my people and I love them and I am very proud, even though I am not a Tamilian. I really very proud to be in Mettupatti and also I just want to say thank you Roosevelt even though I dont deserve it.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Without a dedication, a thoughtful provision there is no way in which I, a teacher of a busy city could have ever written this book. I wish to acknowledge the help of well-wishers, supporters, for their valuable guidance and assistance. More over the encouraging words of few people, who not only assist but also appreciate the committment for this successful accomplishment.

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INDEX

Page No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. History of the Hamlet The Fort - Kottaimedu Coleroon Mission The Rise of Christianity in Mettupatti Church of South India Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church The New years Day Bajan My Village My People Hobbies Inspiring Personalities The Best Forgotten Personality Advocate Became Adventist An Outstanding Personality Lakes Around the Village Picnic Spots and Historical Places Youngsters Volley Ball Club Friends Kabaddi Club 144 The Advent of Guns Spiritual Renaissance A Black day A Brigand Birds in and Around Mettupatti River and Reminiscence
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1 11 15 17 29 33 37 47 51 65 69 71 75 77 87 91 93 95 97 99 101 103 107

HISTORY OF THE HAMLET

India is a wonderful country in this beautifull world. GOD created earth and sky mountain and occean trees and birds, rivers and crops everything. He made for human. Thus India that flows milk and honey has got every wealth like other countries in the world. Among the Indian states Tamilnadu has a unique qualities in culture, traditions etc., In Tamilnadu state there are 32 districts at present. One of them is Trichirappalli, which has historical background in every step in its growth. In the district 6 taluks are now. One among them is Lalgudi. In Lalgudi taluk there is a village known as Mettupatti. This is an educated village consists of 500 families of christians in majority, Kallas and also other castes people. This village has a unique historical background from the name to nativity. It is completely surounded by fertile lands and enveloped by cocount trees and Tamarind trees. In the south there is a river called Koozhai Aru and in the north twin canals. Between the two water ways the settlement of the people of this village made in the days of immemorial. I want to make a political history of Mettupatti village and its neighbourhood villages and the origin of their names. As the great poetess Avvaiyar tersely put g_V wz V 1 (A place without a river is a dreary waste). It ensures good water supply for the people and the lands. Thus our village has all the excellent qualities what the Tamil Literature emphasised in the ancient period political history of Thiruthavathurai.
1 _ka-kBV
1

Thiruthavathurai was a Vellan Vagai Village throughout and was included under Idaiaru Nadu that lay on the northern bank of Kaveri. When cholamandalam was divided into serval larger revenue units named as valanadus, Idaiarru nadu came under Pandikulasani Valanadu. There was a change after Kulothunga I took reign over this area and it was called as Dina Chinthamani Valanadu named after his queen. During the reign of Rajaraja the old name was restored. When the pandyas of second empire captured the Chola Mandalam, Pandikulasani Valanadu was renamed as Pandi Kula pathi Valanadu An inscription Virupaksha engraved in 1497 A.D. Mentions the Valanadu Pandikulasani again and introduce Chennai Kurram as a new revenue division under which Thiruthavathurai was included.2 Eighty three inscriptions are copied from various parts of the temple complex of saptarishivara at Thiruthavathurai. Among the evidence four were belonged to pallavas and contemporary Pandyas. Fifty one belonged to the Cholas and five inscriptions engraved by the pandyas. Five inscriptions belonged to the period of Vijayanagar rulers the remaining inscriptions are dated on palaeographical grounds. 3 These inscription has helped verymuch to study the political, social, economical and cultural history of Lalgudi and its neighbourhood.
2 http : //www.Varalaru. com/ 3 Ibid. 2

Nadu : Several nadu division were existed and among them Paniyur nadu (may be Panamangalam) Marugal nadu were under Kshatriyasigamani Valar Chiruvayil nadu (Shatriyas) was included under Jayasinga Kulakala Valanadu. Kalar Kurram included serveral villages such as Manarka (may be Present Manakkal) Thuvedimangalam (Thirumangalm) Chembian Kattur (Kattur) Vadavur, (Vazhudur) Nagar (Present Nagar) Vazhkkai (may be Valadi) Nagar Thirumazhavanur (Thirumazhabadi) Konraikudi (Konnaikudi) and Virapandya Chadurvedi Mangalm. Nerkuppai (Nekkuppai) was included under Thanjavur Kurram. etc were also mentioned in the inscriptions. But no evidence of existing Mettupatti Village, because it was not a residential area. So no records or inscriptions about this village. But there are 104 names of villages were mentioned in this inscriptions and the suffix helped us to understand the pattern or types of settlements that had occured around Lalgudi. According to this inscriptions the names ends with Kudi Suggesting the antiquity of this area and Mangalam showed the Brahmin settlements. For example Konnaikudi Kothamangalam. In Lalgudi area with the suffix nallur are six in number. The villages that has names end with the suffix Puram are considered as mercantile settlements. Venkatachalapuram, Parantakapuram, Uyyakonda Cholapuram (Uyyakondan Vaikkal) existed as
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mercantile settlements during the Chola period. Uraiyur, Cauvery area or present Uyyakondan canal might be trade centres. Attupalli is now mentioned present Thirukkattupalli. This is surmised the mentioning of two neighbouring villages namely Niyamam and Ayirathali along with Attupalli in an inscription. Among the 104 villages 70 percent of the villages still have the same and 15 percent with corrupt names and remaining 15 percent not traceable.4 Formation of New Villages Formation of new villages was a regular feature in those days. Several new villages were formed by either separating or clubbing certain amount of lands from the already existing villages. This was carried out by royal orders issued on recommendations by higher officials. During the reign of Raja Raja II, four such new villages were formed by the orders of the king. 16 veli, 8 ma of 1/2 Kani of land from Chembian Madevi Nallur (present Chambiakudi) a hamlet of Gandarat Chathurvedi Mangalam was separated to form Raja Rajan Kurrur. 46 1/2 and 2 1/2 ma of land was separated from Karkudi Karikudicheri (may be Kurichi) Which included order Irulnikkik Konda Chatur Vedimangalam to form Rajagambiran Kurur. Valakkuttur was formed by separating 8 1/4 veli of land from Korramangalam, (Kothamangalam) 54 1/2 veli and 3 1/2 ma of land from Pathipatha Mangalam alias
4 http : //www.Varalaru. com/ 4

Pagai Aruthu Konda Cholanallur and 1 1/2 veli land from Alaivay which got separated from Sathamangalam (present also) were annexed from Kulothonga Chola Kurrur. All these four villages were formed at the request of Kurrur.5 Based on the inscription of Thiruthavahurai we can easily understand the origin of the village, naming reason, sufix reason etc. This Lalgudi Taluk was ruled by Chera, Chola, Pandyas reign, but not directly it did not treated as headquarter. Uraiyur was the capital of Chola in 300 B.C. 300 A.D. to 575 A.D-Kalappiras ruled the district and Uraiyur was the capital. In 590 A.D. Pallavas become powerful in that region and the king Mahendravarman ruled the territory and had Uraiyur as capital. After the pallavas were defeated by cholas, Aditya Chola got victory over Trichinopoly. In the year 1225 A.D. Koisalas and then Pandiya the second ruled for some years. After the invasions of muslims, Trichinopoly was under the control of Mohameddan rulers for 100 years. After a long struggle it was ended by the success of Vijayanagar kings untill 1736 A.D. In the period of Chola, Cauvery Poompattinam was the capital and also a harbour. So cholas paved the Chola Pattai or Chola Peruvazhi (NH) on the southern bank of river Caveri from Cauvery Poompatinam through / via Thirvai Aru, Kallanai, Karur and reached Erode.6 This is known as Vanihap peruvazhi or commercial route. So the influence of the above kingdoms ruled over those Trichinopoly and neighbouring taluks. That is com/ 5 http : //www.Varalaru. why sembian Madevi Kudi (Present
6 _k| E> _ 2006 >t V| kVVFE m D 13 5

Semiyakudi) named in remembrance of a chola queen.7 The evidence spreaded over throughout the district where we could see the inscriptions in the temple villages. In the east, present Alampakkam and sembiyakudi were under the rule of later pallavas and cholas.8 Ariyalur was ruled by Mazhavarayar of Palayakkara in 18th and 19th Centuries9 Perungudi, near Somarasampettai was under chola king Uthamacholan10 and Cholamadevi near Sooriyur also ruled by the Cholas. Though Uraiyur was the Capital of Cholas it was an eminent trade centre for all kings. Arms sales and other equipments were sold out here. Import and export might be flourished on the southern Bank of Cauvery during this period. According to this above evidences from various magazines the new villages known as the queen name or dynasty name or caste bases names. In and around the Lalgudi Taluk was under the influence of Chola, Pandya, Hoysala, Vijayanagar, Kingdoms. More over the Pudukkottai Kings, Vijaya Ragunatha thondaiman territory was also very near to Trichirappalli. Almost all the villages which are situated in and around Lalgudi were traced by evidence. Some are still non traceable. But the formation of new villages after that period could be understandable by the historical records which comes after 18th century. Under this catergory Mettupatti has got the evidence. Origin : In the year 1800 there are villages on the
7 _k| E> _ 2006 >t V| kVVFE m D 13 8 Ibid. 9 Ibid. 10 Seminar-conducted by wV Srinivasan, Trichirappalli Numismatic Club 2008 6

northern bank of coleroon river. Among them one village known as Reddiyur situated near present Koozhai Aru region which was back of beyond peacefully. In the northern bank of Coleroon river people lived there and worked in lands for their survival in the season of Kharif and Rabi . Calm and peaceful life was prevailed in Reddiyur. In 1817, Unabated rain in the district had led to inundation of low lying areas. To avert flood in to Cauvery, water is being let into coleroon. Water level in the lakes and tanks are also in the upward trend. In the areas under PWD river protection division of Trichy 67 lakes and tanks got, filled. Paddy crop and banana cultivated areas more than 300 hectares of land was submerged. In Lalgudi taluk localities in the district were also undergoing similar hardships. The Kucha houses too collapsed. Low-lying areas in the taluk were inundated, including Reddiyur. So the people of this village, were sheltered in the high lands. But the widespread rain washed off 55 villages completely. Floods in the Cauvery and coleroon and wild stream caused by heavy rains and there was no chances of receding. There was a great mass of water overwhelmed by a flood. Which causes heavy loses to the Reddiyur Village and other villages by the breaches of the Cauvery bank in 837 places and also coleroon bank the flood tide of the Cauvery river and the splashing waves was not reduced for many days. The fury of the flood washed away about 55 villages including Reddiyur.11 The village was severly affected and almost completly drowned by the heavy tides. The people of Reddiyur Village were greatly feared so
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that they had left their homes where the tide would reach them but they found it high and dry. The people were found themselves in deepwater to do anything and lost their bag and baggages. In this situation everybodys heart stood still, when the tides raising its heads frequently. Because it might be in low lying area so that the complete area sourounded by flood. They saw water....water alone in all directions, because the stanley reservoir at Mettur was not yet constructed at that time. It was built only in the year 1934, ie. after 115 years of calamity of Reddiyur village in 1817. Days passed on. The elders had a gleam of sunshine litup even in the dark days. So they planned to swim from that area to somewhere, where there would be high elevation. When the flood become recedes they moved one family after another with heavy heart as they moved from their nativity. According to hearsay, few families were swamup and reached the citadel which was situated in northern side from Reddiyur. When the survivors, reached the citadel known as patti, There were two pattis in that area. One was north of Reddiyur. The citadel was called as Mettupatti, the other one was called as Akkaraipatti which was situated north of Mettupatti at the two canals (Third canal) bank. The families made huts for them and search to work somewhere in that area.
11 CSI Centenary Souvenir 1991, an aricle Written by Mr. Henry Samuel 8

The land where they had settled there was

Kottaimedu (Fortress) This sand fort reveals the sufficient evidence for the chieftains could have ruled in that area or might be ruled by petty kings and settled for some years to lookafter tax collections from this territory.

In 1800 the Trichinopoly (district) areas were ruled by Nawab of Arcot when the English came to power. In the year 1801 July 31st there was an agreement made between Nawab of Arcot and the British and then Trichinopoly under the control of ancient Reddiyur Mesmerizing view of Mettupatti from the English Army. The same year the first collector Mr. John wallous was appointed by the British. In 1802, the District Status was given. In 1802-1803 the areas of the newly formed district were divided by the collector in to three, ie., eastern, western and northern. In 1805 the three divisions were annexed with Tanjore district and Trichirappalli was treated as sub-division. Then in 1808 only Trichirappalli attained the status of District. The district collectors office was in the military
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paradeground(nowitscalledasUraiyur-Pandamangalam)12 The military forces, offices and colonies were only at woriyur. In the year 1819 when the heavy flood affected all the areas which were near and far the bank of river cauvery and coleroon, the English shifted their residence, military forces, offices and colonies from Pandamangalam to cantonment area. Because Uraiyur was the capital, trade centre and mercantile area of chola period which situated very near to cauvery river. In those years the river was very widen and the southern bank was in present Nachiar Koil. The shifting of English colony and the sheltering of Readdiyur people were coincided and the facts that were revealed are genuine and true historically. So it can be proved easily with strong facts and evidences of formation of Mettupatti village in the year 1819. After some years Trichirappalli had been divided in to 5 taluks for administrative purpose. They were Trichy, Kulithalai, Musiri, Udayar Palayam, Perambalur. In the year 1920 Karur and Lalgudi had reached the taluk status. Only in 1948 Pudukkottai Samasthanam had joined with Trichy.13

12 Courtesy : Dinamalar-History of Distict dt.12, 13.02.2009 13 Ibid. 10

THE FORT - KOTTAIMEDU

In ancient times the forts were built on the hills for protection from the enemies. It was only in that area there the rulers of the states ruled their countries. Who ruled Mettupatti? When he had ruled it? In which Kingdom he belonged? If we analyse the imperial cholas period. We can get some ideas to understand the territory. This region of cauvery delta was ruled by cholas and it was recorded everywhere in and around the district temples and the Thiruthavathurai temple, Alambakkam temple. It is also recorded the eastern teritories ie.... Kokudi, Ko Anda Kurichi, Sembian Ma Devi Kudi, are the witness villages of cholas. In western side of Mettupatti Chembian Kattur, Mummudi Cholamangalam, Pallavapuram and some villages adding the name of Mangalam and Nallur are the evidence of strong base of cholas in this region. So the entire vast area north and southern bank of coleroon were ruled by Cholas. It might be considered that our village also ruled by a subordinate of chola king for the purpose of collecting taxes and look after the grievenses of people. The land was treated as a waste land which was sourrounded by bamboo trees. As per the epigraphical record of chembian over the land accounts and the same had to be settled. So the king had ordered the subordinate to settle the case. So the man appointed to look after the land that man could have settled at
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Mettupatti and built a Kottai for him to get his status as a petty king in the small territory, when the chola king all the way from could not keep an eye as everything that had happened in this small area. The petty king or chieftain could have ruled this region and he was answerable to the king superior and also he was responsible for all the tax collections and also punishments given to the people for crimes. So he had to built a Kottai in the elevated area of Mettupatti. Where the flood couldnot reach from coleroon to this area. In early chola period, according to inscriptions, they built Sand Forts with using bricks and stones. The later cholas only built palaces and temples by using big stones. Examples for early cholas are thottian Kottai, Kottaimedu, in Irunglaur, Kulithalai etc. For later chola, Thanjavur Prahadeeswarar temple, Gangai Konda Cholapuram, etc., It might be that the chieftains could not be allowed to built strong stone fort as equal as to the emperors of the chola reign. So the chieftain built here a sand fort, what we called still, Kottai Medu or Elevated Fort. The fort could have been built from Chellandi Amman Koil in the east to west of Jobs house and in the north upto the volley ball ground and Karuppu Koil and in the south upto CSI cemetry. When you stand at the CSI cemetry, even now you can see the entire area from here upto Koozhai Aru Now you just imagine the high land 250 years back. The height
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of the fort might be 60 feet and the entire fort could have covered CSI, TELC cemetry lands, Volleyball grounds and it would end in the eastern side near the Raja Veedhi or what we called as south street. The Kottai Medu was an area of our childhood by playing ladder and slide, hide and seek in the Kottai Medu. Behind the koil, most of our people could have seen brick construction in the southern side of that Koil. Still I remember the brick packed halls. If time and people permit we can easily unearth the hidden truths of Kottai.

See the height of the Kottaimedu where the spectators are sitting and watching the triples Volley Ball tournament which held in the year 1963 played by Messrs. Samuel Joshua (substitute-sitting) Jacob (Chella), J. Wilson PET. (Standing) Reginald James, VellanurMuthusamy

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COLEROON MISSION
The Coleroon Mission was founded by Rev. Samuel christian Koblhoff. He longed to extent the Kindgom of Christ from the head quarters of Irungalur. In the year 1880-1890 there were three districts ie... Trichirappalli, Irungalur and Ariyalur. This branch of work had been extended from Irungalur to Tanjore in combined effort to spread the message of Christ among the people. So the Reverends found the finance position was not satisfactory, so the endowment amount of Rs.1000 was diverted to Irungalur for the service rendered by Rev. Kohlhoff, the secretary of the local committee, Irungalur. There fore it had a partial endowment of its own. They felt the district was very vast and unless it divided into several pastorates, the Lords message would not reach the people adequately. Having that in mind the collections made for the pastors endowment fund since Rev. Swamidoss had been there to put into the Savings Account at Mettupatti, the Chief and most enlightened congregation of the district was formed into a pastorate and had become the residence of a native clergyman. The sum collected during those years accumulates to a thousand rupees and was then to be invested to the benefit of Mettupatti pastorate. The amount collected there was meagre, since the majority was poor cultivators and coolies.14
14 U.T.C. Archives, Swamidoss report about Irnungalur Mission, 1888. 15

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The Rise of Christianity in Mettupatti CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA 15

In the year 1830 when the coleroon mission had been started to spread the love of Christ all the way from Erungalur to Tanjore travelled by chariot. The people began to assemble in a common place to worship. They wanted to make a tabernacle for their worship. They conveyed the message to the missionaries. In the year 1832 The Most Rev. Daniel Wilson had visted Mettupatti and surprised about the interest of the innocent congregation. Rev. Daniel wilson utilised the longing of the people in Mettupatti and neighbouring areas. He used to come frequently for their spiritual development. The people called upon him for every functions. After some years the congregation felt that they would construct a church for their own. In the year 1885 February 12th, Thursday morning a comformation service held at 11.45 a.m. and the foundation stone was laid by Rev. Fredrick Gel. Then Rev.Gnanapragasam took initiative to acquire lands from the congregation. People offered their plots whole heartedly. On that day church offertory was Rs.5/- only. Then Rev. Yesuadian had served for christ between 1886 April to July. He was the best witness for Christ Most Rev. J.L. White Iyer noted this comment in his annual report.Rev. Yesvadian who was a witness and who cared the congregation and church at Mettupatti, used to come all the way from Trichy Fort Church to this
15 Based on the available Inscriptions, records, Tablets in Mettupatti. 17

18

St. Andrews Church, Mettupatti. (CSI)

An Inscription at Tranqubar

Rev. Yesuadiyans faithful service at Mettupatti inscribed in the tablet.

19 Thanks : P. Lawrence Rajarajan

village. In that period there was no bus service to rural areas. To encourage the congregation he humbled down by the way of changed his dress from cassack to casuals and joined with the congregations in their brick works at Chengamedu. Though he was a priest he never keeps himself away from the local people rather he used to more intimacy with them for the upliftment of the church and congregational life. The construction of the new church was going on without any hindrance. On 24th December 1889 when the X mas service took place the new Church bell was fixed in the tower, which offered by Rt. Rev. Achchasan Williams, the second Bishop of Tinniveli. After six years of hardship, endeavour and great diligence the church had been completed by His grace. On 19th Feb. 1891, thursday at 10.00 a.m. the new St. Andrews Church was dedicated by Rt. Rev. Gel. People were flying high when the service took place. They offered their valuable souls to christ and also offered their money to the church. The total offertory at the dedication service was rupees 16 and 7 annas and 3 1/2 paise in total. The gradual development went on. They realised the need of a presbyter-in-charge would have been at Mettupatti. So they had to pray for residential for the presbyter. Then again by Gods grace they built a parsonage in 1895. Another need for the church was to conduct a baptismal service. The congregation need a baptismal font, so they informed it to others, one of them had
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accepted. Mr. R.M.S. Benjamin had granted it for the church and it was dedicated by Rev. Daniel in the year 1908 in the month June 7th. Rev. David Chellappa

As an young priest

With Queen Elizabeth

With former C.M. K. Kamaraj

In the year 1933-1934 and 1936-1938 was remarked as an important period in which Rev. David Chellappa had served twice as a pastor in Mettupatti. He
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was the first Indian in Madras (presidency) Diocese. When he returned from U.K. he visited our village and met the people of Mettupatti. The congregation of St. Andrews Church hugged and embraced Rev. Chellappa. When they released him from their embracement the spectacles of priest fell down into two pieces. In his remembrance the church built a parish hall in the year 1991and it is known as Bishop David Chellappa Memorial Hall. The Goshen Girls Elementary School had become christian girls school on 09.04.1941. during the period of Rev. V. Edward Chelliah.

Students of Goshen Girls Elementary School with Rev. W.H.Blake-a Minister in Tanjore Province, (Late) R.M.S. Benjamin, (Late) Mrs. Dora Chelliah (left extreme), Mrs. Irene (Mr. Kulothungans mother right extreme)

In the year 1941 the Andrews Church celebrated its golden Jubilee year in the presence of Rev. Fredrick watson B.A. (Cambridge), Correspondent, Bishop Heber High School, Teppakulam. Patrons from Trichy Rao. Saheb Dr.A.Mathuram Rao Saheb S.K. Devasihamani had participated and honoured the function in a grand manner.
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Between 1940-1945, Rev. V. Edward Chelliah was the presbyter, who had done the additional provisions with in the church and off the church. On 9th of April 1941, the Goshen Girls School had been renamed as united christian school for Girls. Then the pulpit was given by Smt. Siromani Devi in the same year. The new extension of the St. Andrews Church compound wall was built in memory of Mrs. & Mr. Muthu by R.M.S. Benjamin. Esq & Mrs. Thotharipu Ammal in the year 1944.

In the year 1915 the first and the elder daugther of R.M.S. Benjamin, Baby. Mary Sellammah, born on 8.11.1910 at Panruti and died at Mettupatti on 14.7.1915
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only at the age of five. In her remembrance an inscription carved on a metalplate and it was fixed in church compound wall by her aunt R.M. Thothirippu Ammal. Another tablet was errected by its side which records, R. Madalaymuthu, who died on 23.11.1922 at Irungalur and M. Sarah Ammal, who expired on 21.11.1922 at Mettupatti. This inscription also carved on a metal plate and fixed on the wall by their children R.M. Thothirippu Ammal and R.M.S. Benjamin. R.M. Sundaram Benjamins grandfather Mr. Royappan Muthusamy had worked as a catechist under the supervison of Kholokhoff at Irungalur. During Rev. David Gnanaiahs missions the parsonage was shifted from Mettupatti to Lalgudi. During the tenure of Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Doraisamy there was a conflict between the pastorate committee of Mettupatti and the CSI-Trichy-Tanjore over the issue of assisting finance to rural churches. When the Bishop denied to give financial help to Mettupatti, the pastorate committe had decided to overrule the orders of the Diocese since they didnt give permission to renovate the church. But the village congregation by their own effort they collected money and grains and started work and the powerful youth team were under the guidance of Mr.T. Paulraj, Mrs. Kamalam and Mr. Jacob. The entire youth boys and girls gave their full support, co-operation, labour for the renovation work. At that time Dr. Solomon Doraisamy, the Bishop, on his way to Sembarai and
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Sengaraiyur had take a brief break in the main road and viewed the church from his car when it was described by Mr. Henry Samuel an accompanian. The work had been completed in 6 months span of time. Then Mr. George Peter who had been always keep in touch with Mettupatti, after the church work was over he concentrated on outer area of the church i.e., compound wall and garden. He wonderfully planned the garden and designed the pathway. The beautiful garden add one more feather to the crown of the village. An European missionary commented, this is one of the beautiful church gardens in south India. Mr.George Peter had spent his time and energy for making the church garden like a brindhavan in a palace. He brought saplings and young plants to embellish the church campus. Then in the year 1982-84 the Andrews church was renovated and rededicated by Rt. Rev. Dr. R. Paulraj during the period of Rev. M. Samuel. 10 species of saplings, 10 species of shrubs, creepers, young plants, like rose plants, Jasmine, lily, etc were planted in the Garden.Mr.C. Karunakaran, the elder son of the 45 years long term catechist Mr. S.Chelliah teacher, who spent his own money for planting bougain villaea in six colours, which adorned the entrance during 80s Mr. Arun, elder son of Rev.David Durairaj has paid a huge amount for saplings and church renovation work. Both of them had green fingers: you can see all that still.
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In 19th Feb.1991, St. Andrews Church had reached its centenary year during the mission of Rt. Rev. Dr. Paulraj as bishop of Trichy-Tanjore diocese. He laid the foundation stone for parish hall in memory of the Rev. David Chellappa. Rev. R. Stalin was the then presbyter and conveyed his interests to the pastorate committee, to celebrate the centenary year. The pastorate committee formed various committees such as tournament committee, invitation committee, reception committee etc., He spent all his time to organised it successfully. In that time he had no two wheeler and got it from somebody, went everywhere and gathered advertisement, offertory, donation for the same. He took the sole responsibilty for publishing the souvenir. For the first time some people wrote articles for that and proved their talents. The pastorate committee had suggested to conduct a volleyball tournament and it was conveyed to me when they asked me to organise it in a grand manner. I replied to coduct it as a flood lit tournament for both men and women. Amidst of heavy oppositions by the tournament committee members my suggestion was a bit off centre. But I stood in firmly to conduct. Then they had accepted half-mindedly. I am concerned only with general policy not with the nuts and bolts of how it is actually done. When the tournament committe estimated the expenses it costs around 12000 rupees. It was a huge amount by that year so everyone saw me that I was a nutty as a fruitcake.
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I took it as a challenge to conduct a flood-littournament for the first time in the history of the taluk. A remote village like Mettupatti was able to conduct a Volley Ball tournament at night and get a good response is undrempt of. The tournament committee permitted to collect donations from all other churches and well wishers. The donation books are issued everywhere through all the CSI Churches. Here Mr. Jesudoss, P.E.T. in Puthur Bishop and Mr. C. Karunakaran, Phy. Director, Fort Bishop HSS, both of them had collected 1/4 th of the total actual expenditure in Trichy town the rest of the amount collected from donation books and local collection. When the amount raised every day, the seniors become happy and had the confidence over to conduct the tourney successfully. Mr. J.A. Daniel, the former manager of Kothari Sugars, had provided us the flood-lit posts for the club. Here, I must thank Mr. Reginald James, Samson Christdoss, Periyasamy, Fredrick Ambrose and all the team players paid their full attention on making the ground in a state level status. We have decided to invite Mr. M.S. Kandasamy, as the president and an officer from Kothari Sugars as chief guest for the inauguration. On the final day JJL Gnanaraj, President, Trichy District Volleyball association had participated with Mr. A.R. Samuel the then secretary of TDVA and wondered when they saw the crowd and spectators. They said, how is it possible to get this much of spectators at a remote village. Even though we were happy about that there was a fly in the ointment.
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It was really a enjoyable ceremony, after a very long span of years. The teams participated were Paramasivapuram Volley Ball Club, Jupiter, Salem Police, Periyavarseeli, YMCA, Melur, Poovalur, Pullambadi, Anbil and the women-teams were Amala Girls Hr.Sec.School, Musiri, Savithiri Vidyalaya Hr.Sec. School, Seva Sangam and Holy Cross all from Trichy. The girls teams managers, Physical Directresses and Headmistresses were influenced by Mr. Karunakaran to get their consent. By the remarkable efforts of Mr. Karunakaran who is the joint secretary of Trichy district Volleyball club at present the centenary tournament was conducted successfully. Any way I learned early to lorded it over conducting conventional matches. To make the junior players. I took the maximum effort to light up their mind and physique but it was the kiss of death to all my efforts.

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TAMIL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 16

Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church, which is a brothern mission and elder mission in the Mettupatti soil. In the year 1851 the TELC church had been inaugurated with a minimum congregation of 93 souls. The first TELC missionary Rev. M. Samuel was sent by Bishop Andman and in his period the parsonage had been built in the year 1866. In the year 1883 the church was dedicated by J.M.N. schewartz. In 1905 the TELC Elementary school had got the recognition by the department of Education, Tamilnadu. In the year 1933, was celebrated as a golden jublee year and in 1935 the church had been renovated as full concrete structure. It is the first concreate church in south India. In the year 1951 The St. Michael Church Centenary year was Celebrated in a grand manner by constructing the compound wall and the necessary works. Rev.B.Fr.Thiliandar rededicated the church. 23.05.1958 the church had celebrated its diamond jubilee year and Rev. W. Hellinger conducted the service. In 1976 the church had its facilities like tower light, audio system, Jubilee memorial arch, fans etc. The Rt.Rev. L. Easter Raj B.D., M.Th dedicated all the new entries of the church and conducted the service and delivered a good message.
16 Based on the available inscriptions, records, tablets in Mettupatti. 29

St. Michaels Church (TELC) Mettupatti.

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In the year 1979 the church vestry room was built and it was blessed by Ret.Rev. Jayaseelan Jacob on 02.09.1979. In the 150th year the tiles on the roof had been removed and convert it as concrete roof and the pulpit was shifted from right to left. The Rt. Rev. Dr. T.Aruldoss M.A., B.D., M.Th., D.D. rededicated the church. The church had played an important role in the field of carol. The youth of TELC under the secretaryship of Mr. R. Soosairaj had performed well for the development of bajan and carol both with in the church and off the church. The full fledged orchestra had been arranged by Mr.S. Sugumar and everybody was on cloud nine during christmas season. But at present because of job opportunity, health sake, education, offsprings future course and someother reasons the congregation migrated from the village to urban areas. Though they are away from their soil, their mind always longing for its nativity.

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32

THE NEW YEARS DAY BAJAN

Our village alone having the prestigeous celebration of Puthu varusha Bajanai, or New year Bajan, in the world. No part of the world is celebrating bajan like our village on the earth, on1st of January every year. On the new years day both CSI and TELC have started practice right from the first of December and have regular practice in the late evenings. There are three million dollar questions unanswerd still : 1. Who started the Bajan? 2. Why it was started? 3. When it was started? Anyway the practice session, preparation, tuning writing songs etc. are interesting matters in those years. Some seventy years (!) back the CSI Christian church Bajan began at Mr. Muthusamy Pattinathar house. The congregation went there and garlanded the elder and welcome him to start it. He was a good carnatic singer and when he sings, the group also sing in chorous. This was a wonderful matter, the gospel through the music had started from a Hindu family. The Christian honoured him and that created a good relationship between christians and Hindus. Then Mr. Packianathan alias Pondy Vathiyar, who was also a talented in carnatic songs led the Bajan for some years. He was a wonderful solo singer. Who could
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sing suitable songs for every special occasions. Mr. Unnatha Solomon also had role in the Bajan. In TELC carol Mr. J. Wilson PET, the longterm catechist wrote many canticle songs in the early stage and in later the youth brought many songs from Madras and other Diocese Churches. In the seventies Chella alias Jacob led the C.S.I. Bajan for a long period. He was the cantor of the Bajan for nearly twenty years. Messrs Jacob, Robert wilson, Prabhaharan, catechist chelliah wrote many canticle songs for cine tunes both Tamil and Hindi. Some songs were written only for the purpose of performing dance during the carol round. Whenever they perform dances before the houses the offertory amount could have been raised, otherwise no performance could be performed before the houses. The final dance would be before Company christdoss house. At the last moment the thundering sound even from the minimum instruments like miruthangam, jalar, in addition of clap have produced much echoes. The chorous sung in a high pitch and voice and dancing sounds that could reach the sky. The carol round only ended at even 7.30 p.m. some years. The final dance performance has an unique atmosphere because the TELC carollers when they have completed their carol rounds at the end of reaching their church, immediately they cameback and participated in the CSI bajan singing and dancing. The spectators from all the streets had assembled at the corner. So the superstar performers Messrs.Robert Wilson.
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Joe(Malaysia),Ramkumar,Gnanadurai,VaikolaiRajaiah, Prabaharan all could have danced with their maximum strength like king David. The bajan would have been ended with the song Seeresu nathanukku Jayamangalam and the recital benediction of Deva nama sangeerthanam, Deva,Deva,Thebajandancewasintroducedbyasrilankan, a friend of Nelson (Enochs Uncle) Who studied in YMCA College came here with him and performed dance on new years day.

CSI Bajan 1972

TELC Bajan 2009

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36

MY VILLAGE MY PEOPLE
Mettupatti was under the control of Thuraiyur Zamin Prasanna Venkatachala Reddi (1880-1899) which was in Musiri taluk. Like this village, there were villages in northern bank of coleroon were also under the jurisdiction of Thuraiyur Zamin. 17 To protect the villages and its people some people were appointed. They belonged to a particular committy known as Vanniyar who was very brave, fearless and prowess their discretion in the better part of valour. They were gallant knights, brave soldiers. Due to these qualities they protected the areas and fought, so that their fame spreaded all over the district of Trichinopoly. Thats why they were also called Servaikara. Among the Servaikaras Mettupatti Vanniyars were talented, courageous and able-bodied. So they were given priority to control over the other villages and they were given lands as salary for their profession as vigilance warriors.18 The elder Suviseshamuthu stanapathi who belonged to TELC church, his great grand father, Osaimuthu Servaikkaran had served for Thuraiyur Zamin and received the salary Rs.5000/- per annum from the Zamin.19 In those days there was a sand Fort in Mettupatti Village, then it was used as grave yard for vanniyas. In that period the vannia community people were in higher status in village administration. Kannusamy Anthony Muthu Stanathipathy and Thambusamy Servai, who was the then Munsif were
17 TELC Magazine-beyond mission matters K. Mettupatti p.107-109 18 Ibid 19 Ibid 37

belonged to Osaimuthu Servai clan. All of them belonged to TELC church. As long as stanathipathi Suviseshamuthu lived in as good as to Zamin, the people of northern part of coleroon river and to people of Mettupatti village, especially to the congregation of TELC church servaikkara, have had the authority Osaimuthu Servai and mastery over all the people. Suviseshamuthu started a vannias association in Mettupatti and it spreaded all over the vannia villages. Then in the year 1871 he died and buried in northern bank of Koozhai Aru with his forefathers. In Bible, the Servaikaras are mentioned as Captains. In the ancient period chenchi Fort, Tanjore, Trichinopoly and Madurai in Tamilnadu were the capitals of the kings. When the Nawab of Arcot ruled Trichinopoly district there was a community called Udayars were to be the Stanapathis for Nawab of Arcot. Palayam was situated 80 km. from Trichinopoly and 8 km. from Jeyankondam. Since the Nawab was unable to collect taxes from Trichinopoly to Palayam areas, he appointed a Udayar who was a commander-in-chief in his army to collect taxes in the year 1509. The village then known as Udayar Palayam. From 1509 to 03.01.1951 there were 25 zamins controlled and collected taxes for Nawabs and other rulers. So nearby 440 years Zamindars were ruled 120 villages of Udayar Palayam area.
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After the kings rule, the territory of Trichinopoly fell in to the hands of British. Then the Udayars collected the taxes and paid it to the British as it were in Nawabs period. In the same matters happened in Thuraiyur, Ariyalur Zamin villages when British took control over the Northern Villages of coleroon, the servaikkara vannias had dropped from the previous vigilance work and to collect taxes and paid it to Trichinopoly tole centre. So, our people like Osaimuthu servai, Suviseshamuthu stanapathi were also had the responsibilities to collect and pay the taxes to the British.
THE BOUNDARIES OF METTUPATTI

Chengamedu : These words represent the meaning east direction - a mud fort which might be instraight position near the Koozhai Aru area or it might be brick chamber where Rev. Yesuadiyan had worked with the congregation. Angium : It means THERE -far away from a residential area. Naluvan Thidal or Navadan Thidal Which means one who committed suicide by hanging himself in that area called Naluvan Thidal which might be an outer area nearing other boundaries in north east. Or it might be NavadanThidal as it was recorded in the ancient will. The area near Oothu vaikkal was also known as Navadan Thidal. Kaluvan Thidal : It was in the north west of the village which could be utilised by the thieves for robbery. Kaluvan means theif in Tamil.
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Thus as mentioned in the origin of the village history, we have been studing the vannias were appointed to protect the villagers of Mettupatti and other villages, from the threatening, robbery, atrocities done by burglars. So the boundaries of chengamedu in the east, which means brick chamber and Angium in the west. Kaluvan Thidal in the north west could be an area of thick forest environment used for robbery. Patti may be derived from the Tamil Pattu which means small village or hamlet which situated in a high land who came and made their settlement for their survival from where the flood washed the whole area in 1817 and 1819. So the place where they had settled Medu pattu and it might be derived in tamil colloquial as Mettupatti. Sirmayan Kudi - Which means the small group of people, where they resided. Pattaha Cheri : Where mixed clans of people lived together for a common purpose. Pattaha Cherri - means V where the people might have been stored their grain to protect them from flood or drought D Which may derived as D and cheri means village or a street. Siru Mayan Kudi means \B[ - small group of sudras resided in a street, They might be architects, musicians and Kammalas or Sudras or proferssionalists. So the villege Sirumayagudi Pattahacheri are not separate villages, they are one which has the prefix of Sirumayangudi as its historical name. Akkarai Patti : Next bank of a river or a canel.
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SOCIAL CONDITION Our ancestors had earned their bread and butter as farmers, coolies In that time of Mr. Kohlhoff Ministry many people were seeking help from him for their food and clothes. But then the number greatly decreased and many had learnt since to find their own means of living and not to trouble their pastor who ought to be supported by them.They worked hard, but they were paid only chicken feed. Though the amount was very meagre they were very calculative and had the vision of saving for their descendents in future. So that the next generation had reached the status of employees from the state of coolies, in which they had fallen on evil days. SCHOOL EDUCATION In those days of pre-independent period there was poor communication and transporting facilities between Mettupatti and Lalgudi. So our parents had to walk all the way from our village to Lalgudi for their schooling through the rail road without chappals. Some of them they had no food, not even black tea in the morning itself, so they had to walk with empty stomach to learn with bag on their back,with heavy hearts as they walked. Since there was no noon-meal scheme introduced, they had their lunch as their morning tiffin and sometimes their supper. They lived a very frugal existence and frugal meal of bread at every night. On their return from school they were happy. They ate like a birds and had walked like a antelopes. They studied well.
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TELC Elementary School, The Tree stood for test of time

PROFESSIONAL COURSE : Before Independence the classes were classified as IV form, V form and lower forms and higher forms like that. After they got through their schooling they had joined the Teacher Training School at Irungalur. The best and unforgettable contribution of the Coleroon Mission was the Teacher Training School. The teacher training school was under the control of the church between 1936 to 1962. According to Mr. Ignatius Devaraj, local resident of Irungalur says When the recognition was cancelled for the Teacher Training School at Tranquebar in Tanjore District during the year 1936, St. Johns Church was able to get recognition from the government to help them to run the Teachers Training school for both men and women in the new name called New Tranqubar Teachers Training School. As they were roaming here and there after the completion of their III
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form, they would be called by local presbyters-in-charge or it could have been a call from the head qurarters, Irungalur Church, then they went and join the T.T. Schools. Gradually our people take turns. The enlightment of our fore fathers attitude and wisdom gave birth to renaissance in their lives. Among them, very few discontinued and return with a single cloth bag without the knowledge to the Principal or Teachers. Some stayed back in our village after the vacation. Those who had completed the T.T. Course they were noticed by others, then their brothers and sisters had been motivated to join teacher training course. So they set their eyes on teacher training course. JOB OPPORTUNITIES The power of appointing teachers in the schools vested with the correspondents of the schools, not as it is now. Local church pastor had been the correspondent of the nearest schools, which were under the control of his ministering area. For example, the Lalgudi presbyter or Iyer had the power to give orders to join within his pastoral zone i.e., Venkatachalapuram@oovanoor, Sembarai, Sengaraiyur, Mettupatti, Pudukkottai, Kulamanickam. Though he was authoritarian of 6 schools, he never be proud rathar he had a heart of gold. The correspondents were very kind, generous, forgiving and also strict. Our people happily joined duties and made their settlements wherever they were appointed. But they were assembled together for all ceremonies which was held at Mettupatti without fail.
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Transport : The only wonderous matter after the train and buses was the bicycle. It had a unique status in those days. Whoever had a brand of Raleigh, the green shining, sparkling spokes made them walk as a peacock dances when it see the clouds in the air. The Malyasian return had it. Then step by step the need of the bicycle was understood. The cost of the Indian bicycle was Rs.23/- If it had dynamo the costs would increase. So some of them out of fear or stingy mentality they never bought till they return to soil. The dynamo, which covered by yellow spun cloth and a wire basket had the meritorious out look than the other bicycles comparatively. And those who had gun licences they add one more extra fitting of having holders to keep their arms safe when they go out for hunt. Lalgudi Days : Before 1950s the capital of India was only Lalgudi as far as our people concerned. Gopal Kadai (SRG-Store), Anantha Cafe were their-terminals and Rose bus, TMT, Devahi Bus Service was the express buses in our area. Those who had bicycles they used to come by that to Lalgudi and brought back the groceries and especially palm- sugar ( k_D), which covered by the same leaves tied by green ropes, that was the reason our people had no sugar in their bodies only in their minds. First week end of everymonth the salaried class people they could meet one another at Sirthaiyur the taluk head quarters and shared many matters. That was the terminals for our peoples travelling route.
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Sundarm Super Market, Mettupatti.

Village at Night in 50s - 60s When the sun sets the darkness enveloped the village. The coconut and Tamarind trees covered the outskirts, the cool wind from the fertile lands and the heavy fall of mist make us feel pleasant breeze. No electric service, only oil lamps in every corner of the streets and also before the churches. A man at dusk, when the sunlight has almost gone, he came and litup the streetlamps; which is errected in every corner and also before the churches. A 10 feet height stone pillar errected on the earth. On the top, the lamp covered with glass and the iron frames like a square shaped lantern. The man once in a week pour oil and replace the thread for bright flame. There were lot of bad omen stories which threatened us to walk on the streets and nobody was venturing out at nights. In summer nights people used
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to go for hunting and fishing. Robbery was unaware except once the church main bamboo screen with painted long mat stolen by a neighbour village man. Like robbery once there was also a fire accident in the east street occured in the year 1968. Seasons : As the christmas season is enjoyable there are also some other seasons are also enjoyable in our small village. When the vacation begins as all of them are teachers they used to play volleyball in every evening at 3.00 p.m. While the twelve played, rest of the players they sat and watch, but never turned their faces blue. During the day time we used to go river side in the summer for fish hunting only by the licencees. Others never touched their weapons. Now the matter is vice versa. In the winter, the heavy rain occurs and in december every morning could be the misty morning, which didnot allow us to wake up early. But in 80s we used to wakeup early and made jogging upto Komagudi and did parallel bar, weight-lifting / body-building exercises and morning practice in volley ball also. During these years a regular volley ball practice had been conducted like a coaching camp. These are the village customs which had been practised in our village since time immemorial. After nine months of work and schooling, the summer seemed a bed of roses.
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HOBBIES
Before 50s people used to go for dramas which was performed on the streets and some touring type of dramas. Then they went to see ponnar-shankar therukkoothu, Ramayana, Mahabharatha. When cinema enters in the life of the people the former disappeared. And often used to go to pasca at Konnaikudi, Poondi, Periyavarseeli and Pullambadi for Thiruvizha. Both men-and women had enjoyed the above. During leisure time women used to play Thayam chess like game, men played Tiger-goat game. Youth used to hunt by catapult, most of our people were expert in that skill. Hunting : During the month of october the guns were got polished to start the game. Between october to end of February all the licencees used to go for hunting crane, night heron, Quill, sand-pipers, pelicans, open-bill stork and even geese especially the migrated. Mr.Reginald James, who shot a rare goose and informed it to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and received a letter and still he keeps it and also the ring. Now Hunting is entirely prohibited and our people diverted their minds from hunting to conservation. Some licencees have surrendered their guns. At western ghats, Rajamanickam alias Henry Rajaiah, who shot a guerilla which disturbed the people much in 40s. In and around Perambalur taluk many licencees shot leopeards, porcupines, deers. Now the territory comes as reserve forest and under the control of forest department (R.F.)
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Bull-fight / Jallikkattu : In the early days very few men had the valor to taming the bull. I heard some valorous story of taming the bull by peter alias Pethuru and Anthony. At present Sugirtharaj is the hero of taming the bull. Premkumar alias Prema had two bulls which secured more score in Alanganallur Jallikkattu. Now the supreme court has orderded to follow some rules to conduct the Jallikkattu. Cock Fight : Though it is banned, some groups performed it in the out skirts area near Koozhai aru. The roosters from other villages in the taluk were participated two decades ago. Silambattam : It is a skillful physical activity with a stick. During on the ceremony of marriage, the puberty functions, Bishops welcome functions etc. There were some talented and experts in Silambattam they are, Thangaiyan, Othaveetu Pitchai, Vaikolai Pitchai, Edward, Hitler, Rajaiah (Vaikolai), Joseph (Osai). Among them two are alive and Hitler has got the skill to perform in a unique way still and he spent his youth days in cine field. Recently he had performed at vestry Hr. Sec. School and this generation were wondering about the performance of Kattan Master After a long struggle he is recognised, identified and getting pension in the category of Kalaignar Pension. Spiralling sword and fire rotating game were also at that time. Now every play is disappeared due to the minimum Physical activities and western culture. Radio : Next to cinema Radio has played an important role in mass communication right from the
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beginning. Radios should have the licence to consume by the people. Very few only had in early days. Then gradually the number was increased and the youth had pocket radio in 70s. All India Radio had three waves, but two only could hear. One is fully dominated by news, Uzhavar Ulagam like that, the other is Vivid Bharathi which completly broad casting the Cine Songs especially dominated by Hindi Songs. Manchaya Geet was the last programme in that night broad casting, that ends when we had supper. In the eighties Abraham Chelliah, the former president used to hear the old songs, when the advent of two-in-one tape recorder was introduced in the market, not only he enjoyed but also from his open terace by his raised volume we could also hear the old hits of ThiyagarajaBhagavathar,P.V.Chinnappa,T.R.Mahalingam songs. It ends only at 11.30 sometimes when he forgot to stop the radio, the mm sound continues till early moring of the next day. Music : Messrs. Kale, Reginald James and Robert wilson have the love of music is in their blood. In the leisure times they used to play bulbuldara, mouth-organ, Hormomium. Mr. Kale dedicated it for church Services and Mr. Martin (Mr. Peter Julius brother) also used to play for bajan. The wonderful instrument mouth-organ only knew the lip movement of Robert Wilson and Reginald James. Really that was enjoyable when we heard it. Now Kales sons sam and Devi are playing for missionary field, utilising their talants for chirst through music gospel. Sam wanted to learn violin and Devi wanted to learn casio, but Lord has chosen them in vice versa and both are now in Nehameas ministry.
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50

THE INSPIRING PERSONALITIES

Mr. Robert Wilson : He was the first postgraduate degree holder, second higher secondary school headmaster, first H.S.S. Correspondent. First principal for a teacher training school from Mettupatti village at present. He, who struggled a lot in past now in Indian summer. He is not only educationalist but also elocutionist. He could swayed the audiance by his eloquence. Though he is retired he looks hale and healthy by good and food habits by His grace. He was a Charming player, a strict teacher, ideal headmaster, best correspondent and he is a inspiring principal lover of nature - he deserves for all and the credit goes for his native. The sense of Fitness : Mr. Muthu Subramanian He is the man, whose personality admired by all and influenced the youth still. He knows the value of physical fitness and practiced it. Spirint and parellel bar are his favorites. Whenever he addresses he never forgets to deliver the message about fitness and exercises, because of his fitness he feels like having a million dollars. He encouraged us in the early 80s so that I am doing my daily dozens still. He is fighting fit and his dresses fit like a glove even in this age. Renaisance in carols : Mr. Soosai Raj Conventional carols, Carol rounds have been replaced by Mr.Soosairaj, Who was the then secretary for TELC youth in the 80s. The youth team consists of Messrs. Soosai, Clarance Selvaraj, who had been the
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secretary and treasurer assisted by Lionel, Anand. Tremendous rehearsal, trails of the guitar strings, pumping sound of accordian, depth of drum sound from Tabla were completely equipped for bajan. Overall the master Mr. S. Sugumar, who was wondered by Messrs Harry Pandian and Cooling Rajaiah, because of his talents of both hearing and note playing. He came all the way from Trichy to Mettupatti for the purpose of musical gospel to the rural people. H wanted to create awarness among the people of the locality about the sanctity and glory of the gospel by means of music and the need of music instruments to praise the Almighty. Osaimuthu Servai : A Real Hero in the History of Mettupatti. He was in the saddle, when he collected half of the territory taxes. For tax collection, men were appointed everywhere thoughout the British Raj in India. The headquarters of collection centre might be in the town, where the White Dorai resided with his family. Every villages, taluks had to pay Kisti (tax) to the English govt. So Mr. Osaimuthu, who had been incharge of collecting Kisti he used to travel all the way from Virahalur and Mettupatti to Trichinopoly Cantonment area. (Present Uraiyur Pandamangalam) on a Horse. He was a gallant personality and daring to ride his white horse through the forest to pay taxes. By his lion hearted daring valor he was never afraid of anything at anytime whether it was day break or night.
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One day he went to pay Kisti to the British on his horse asusual. On the way to Trichinopoly Kadambavanam in Karumbanur territory near Kollidam river (nearest present Tolgate) about five robbers appeared and blocked him, threatened and began to attack. The prowess bravery stimulated by the spirit and suddenly he pulled out the spiral sword from the holster which he kept on the right side of his saddle and jumped down and swayed it in all directions and the high way robbers took to their heels. Then he went to office paid the Kisti and reported about the incident. Immediatly the collector appreciated him and sent the (police) soldiers and arrested them. This was a great witness for manhood of Mettupatti vanniya community. After Osaimuthu Servai, Stanapathi, Suviseshamuthu took incharge of civil defence and controlling the area. He only formed the Vannias Association. He died in the year 1871. Mrs. Mercy & Mr. Albert : Their contribution to the Trichy. Thanjavur Diocese is a remarkable one. Barthelameo Church at Sengaraiyur, which is in our Mettupatti pastorate reconstruted by their personal effort. It is situated as the northern bank of coleroon river at Sengaraiyur which is very near to the historical place of Kalathil Vendrarpettai. They not only reconstructed the church but also revive the souls of the congregation and also area people and passers by to Poondy Matha Bascilica .
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More over it has been renovated in the right time. Now it will surely attract the passer-by and tourists who travel by this way to Tanjore now. Now the new bridge connects the Trichy, Tanjore districts distance very shorter by only 25 kilometers. As Poondi gets fame, so also the Barthelameo church will get as same as Poondi. Both of them took incharge and had done the work to rise christianity again on the northern bank of Coleroon during the bishopric of Rt. Rev. James Srinivasan. R.M.S. Benjamin and Queen Elizabeth : It is something undrempt that an ordinary person from Mettupatti to contact to the head of the British Empire. Yes! Mr. Benjamin, who was a retired station Master of Malaysia came back to India and settled in his native village in India when the queen Elizabeth reign began in the year 1953 in England. He showed his loyalty to the queen on hehalf of colonial government pensioners of India through this greetings. Mr. Benjamin had sent a greeting wish on 30.05.1953 and it had been accepted by the private secretary. After seven months, the society for the propogation of the gospel in foreign parts of England had sent a reply and thanked him for the letter. More over a tablet was errected on his house compound wall in honour of qeen Elizabeths coronation. He photographed the tablet and sent it to the Empress. Later the tablet was demolished in course of time. The only house which had the compound wall in which IN and OUT way indicated as a Royal House. He took the initiative to get the stoppage of train at Kattur. One more
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55

R.M.S Wish and Queens reply

R.M.S. Benjamins strong longing that showed the naming of his childrens first name of his sons bear Peter and daughters name bear Mary. Anyway a man from our village had the gratitude, loyalty even after the Indian independence towards the English Queen. Mr. Vadivelu : Law Secretary, (Retired) Govt. of Tamilnadu

He is the elder brother of Mr. M.S. Kandasamy, Mr.Vadivelu had finished his schooling in T.E.L.C. Elementary school Mettupatti and high school at Lalgudi. He belonged to a poor family and suffered a lot in his early stage. The family members had trust over him that he will become a very good scholar in future, because he had the capacity to equip whatever the circumtances might be whether it is in academic or social problems. He joined in St. Josephs College, Trichirappalliand got the B.A. Degree. During the college days he was an athlete and champion in the field of track events. More over he was unbeatable in the cross-country race and he was not only an athlete but also an eloquent. He had received many medals, certificates, awards in intercollegiates and Madras university level elocution. Then he joined in the Madras Law College and enrolled in the year 1949. After completing the law graduation he concentrates his mind on the future and made attempt into TNPSC examination and succeeded.
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Then he was appointed in the secretariate of Tamilnadu Government. He opened every doors by his skillful key efforts. Though there was a deputy secretary, he had been given the accelaratory promotion. It was a shock to him. Though there are lot of hard and fast rules, the secretariate was Mr. Vadivelus happy hunting ground by his achievement in every step. More than ten years he had served for the law department and he had been remarked as a good servant and best secretary for the government. Really it is a credit to my soil still. Now he is practicing in Chennai High Court as a senior advocate. Dr. K. Sivaraman Dean Thajavur Medical College (Retired) Can a elementary school teachers son from Mettupatti became a Dean for the reputed Medical College?. Dr. Sivaramans father was a higher grade teacher in Kattur School and his mother, who is a sister of Mr. M.S.K. was a home maker. Dr. had finished his schooling from Mettupatti. After completing schooling, he went to college studies and then joined in the Madras Medical College and completed his course. He is very quite, Calm, able and helping personality. He involved himself in his field and dedicated for everything for the welfare of the people. By his service mindedness he has done a lot to the medical field. Then he went to London for his higher studies in surgery.
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After his retirement now he is serving for the mankind with a tie up of a private medical centre at Tanjore. Dr. is spending his leisure hours by medidating Vallalar teachings and involved in delivering address on both in medicine and meditation. Mr. M.S. Kandasamy : Magistrate (Retired) A village munsif V. Subramanian was very poor. He had five sons and a daughter. The poor munsif was the only bread winner of his family. The Munsif job was inherited from Suviseshamthu stanapathi, who was the grandfather of G. Raj. Mr. M.S.K. had his primary education in TELC elementary school, Mettupatti and he was very cute and brilliant even at the age of five.. He still remembers his teacher Mrs. Alice, who taught English properly. He observed every word which was spelled out of her month and grasped in mind. That basic education only helps him to argue in the chamber when he remembers the reminscence of his early days his eyes caught cold. He had completed his high school studies in Boys high school, Lalgudi and then he joined in National College, Trichy. During his College days he acquiesced the College Volleyball captainship and under officer in UOTC (University Officers Training Corps) (Present NCC). He had faced students agitation, strike and so on. But whatever the problems across he never deviate his aim against justice. He had completed his degree in the year 1949. By Mr. Palanimanickam who is the father of
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advocate Mr. Chandrasekaran had helped to MSK to join in the Law College, Madras. In this period Chennai was called as Madras presidency. He Played for law college team and got many awards and the college got victory for the first time in the college history. And then he hadbeen selected as vice-captain for Madras University Volleyball Team. Before he enrol himself as a lawyer the prospects of his marriage was being discussed by his parents. He married and entered into a new life. Then only he had a vision in his life. In 1950-51 he wrote TNPSC - group for DSP and Deputy Collector Cadres. It was slipped from his hands because without any recomendation no one could get the higher posts. On 20.07.1953 he joined as an advocate and saw the progress in his life. He shattered all the bars and pulled them back and he overcome all the obstacles in the job search race. He went as a junior lawyer under Mr. Kayilai Anandan. Even though he was a senior he had a bit of jealousy over MSK. Because once Kayilai said to other junior advocates, Dont send Kandasamy frequently to Lalgudi Court, he will displace all of us. As an advocate he met many cases and filed it and got victory over it. Cases like, Omandur Ehambaram case, Mettangadu murder case, Sriram murder case, the famous case Parvathisha murder case of Puducherry, the former Vice-Chancellor Mr. Ponnusamys son Navarasu murder case in Chidambaram Annamalai University, the former M.L.A., M.K. Balan murder case, the Madras
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Petrol Bomb murder case, which killed an officer Mr. Neelakandan. Then Pondicherry rowdy murder case, pondicherry fisherman murder case, the famous Premananda case, who met his demise in Jail recently he appeared and argued by his thunderous voice in the court. In Premandanda case, Mr. V.R. Dalith, who was no.1 advocate in Delhi appeared for the accused and argued for him. It went for 10 days. But Mr. M.S.K. took only 4 days. Finally by his skillful arguement, efficient quoting, roaring voice, the appeal of Premananda was dismissed. He had been appointed in Tamilnadu and in Pondicherry as a special public presecutor more than 7 times. Because both states had trust in MSKs talents and skills in Laws. He had served as a judge in Madurai Court and Madras city civil court and retired. When he was a magistrate in Madurai the renowned temple Thousand Pillar Mahal was functioned as Madurai district court functioned. It is a privilege us to feel one more feather in the villages cap. His reverberating arguments, actions made us feel exalted and elated. A PHILANTHROPIST : Seshan @ Seshanathan He is the man of strong likes and dislikes, whose life is a witness to the youth. He only broke off all the records that was set in previous decades. His contribution to the society will speak his history in the future. I have
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never seen him idle, always he was busy with fertile lands and pigeons, when he was in the village. He used to broad caste messages and songs which kindle our hearts to obey the words of Lord and also made us to be feared about the power of Almighty. The assorted collections of English songs are unique. When he gets up steam at USA, he never forgets our village. Once he told, The best village in the world is Mettupatti. Whenever he speaks I lent an ear to his words, which always be concern about the village, environment and poor students. So he started United Village Development Association. His contribution was the sole means of action of the CSI St. Andrews church parsonage and also contributed to TELC, Church renovation by giving a huge amount. By the sweat of his brow, he has reached his peak in the society. He only brought the global village policy and connected our village people to the whole world. He wore laurels for his dedication. He is a lover of nature, interests in farms,
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introducer of technology, intimate to hard workers. He is a fore runner of our present government technology and schemes.
LEELA SESHANATHAN :

From way back she had done a good job. In the 70s the village had no bus service for its own. When nobody was unaware of approaching the officials, she took the initiative with the then president Mr.Abraham Chelliah and achieved it. The next remarkable achievement is medical facilities to the villagers. After 35 years the basic and essential need of the people of Mettupatti attained its goal by her outstanding efforts. She took the steps and met Dr. Benedict and got the consent to visit the village once in a week. So that the people get the hygenic and proper treatment. Moreover she recently touched the tender souls through the ministry of evangelism. Rev. DAVID DURAIRAJ : Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. When all were rushing towards teacher training school, he had chosen the Lords work and be a living witness. Right from his early ministry till now he serves for the glory of the Almighty. No way the modern technolgy and scientific development shake him. He is the one of the sons of the soil, though he retired from service to Lord, he serves for the ministry of God through his own native church. A single man who travelled by foot and met all the well wishers for the renovation work of St. Andrews church in the year 2009.
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Rev. SURESH KUMAR : The first Reverend who had been the treasurer of Trichy - Thanjavur Diocese for a long term. In the histroy of India every king had a wise man to administer their kingdom successfully. He did it that way. Amidst of financial crisis in the diocese, he gave good account of himself. He has streamlined the methods of working in every nook and cranny of all administrative setup to able to get perfection in physical geography in the diocese territory. He is very courgeous. Never bow his head before the unfair tactics. He certainly has the gift of the gab. Dr. RELTON : He, who cares for the another creation of the Lord, the birds and animals on the earth, which help us to survive, in the state of equilibrium. He educates the students of India and abroad through clubs, seminars, massmedias etc. by his awarness programmes. Though he has his heavy schedule in his office he concentrates the nature in a wide range. He is an early bird and fly all the way from south India to South Africa. He knows not only the languages of human but also the shrill and shrikes of the birds. When he handle the venemous Cobras we have the butterflies in our stomach.

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64

ANAND-THE BEST FORGOTTEN PERSONALITY

Master R. Anantharaj is the younger son of MR. G.Raj, who is the great grand son of Osaimuthu Servai. Anand studied in T.E.L.C. Elementary School, Mettupatti upto fourth standard and then he joined in E.R.Elementary School Tirchirappalli, in the Fifth Standard. At that time E.R. Elementary school was functioned at N.S.B. Road. The school situated behind present Sarathas. After the completion of elementary education he joined in St.Josephs High School, Trichirappalli. In the school life he showed his interests in extra corricular activities, mainly basket ball and N.C.C. He was the tallest boy of all and every one knows him because of his personlaity. When he was studying in tenth standard he took initiative in N.C.C. He participated in all the camps, parade regualrly. These efforts made him to lead the crdets. In the year 1973 he took part in the National shooting competition which was held in Delhi. Master Anandaraj keenly watched everything and gradually moved forward by his successful shots. Through out all states sharp shooters had participated and it went as a toughest to win. In the final round Master. Anantharaj from 2TN Batallion had recored 123 out of 125. When the results were announced by the army officer, the Trichy 2TN team was on cloud nine.

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Honour and Hospitality : Anantharaj name was declared to get the award of all India First in Shooting competition. He marched towards to receive the Medal. He had been walking on air since he won India first in shooting. He saluted the Chief Guest and received the medals and awards. At the moment the chief guest commented on Master Anantharaj, What a height, Shooting is an extraordinary event. Keep it up. The Chief Guest took the salutation and wished the No.1, shooter. The Chief Guest as the Prime Minister of India. Mrs. Indira Gandhi in the year 1973. The the team was honoured by the hen president his Excellency V.V. Giri in Delhi and in Madras they were honoured by Governor K.K. Shah, the Chief Minster M. Karunanidhi; In Tirchy, they were honoured by Group Commander, Raja of Pudukkottai, St. Joeshps AngloIndian School, Holy Cross, National High School, Srirangam Girls High School and also St. Josephs High School. In the year 1976, there was another chance to prove his ability. India was preparing for 1976 olympics. The Indian shooting team had been selected in the venue of Coimbatore Range. By the advise of Tamilnadu and Pondicherry N.C.C. assistant director. 2 TN Battalion hand participated in the selection camp. Master Anand performed well. Even though his score was higher, he was reglected. Indias No.1 shooter ruled out by regionalism. The preference given to north Indians and the
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outstanding shooter was standing out of the range. This was a bitter experience for the better expert. Between the years 1979-82, he was studying B.A. History in St. Josephs College and specilised in Basketball, Guitar, Mouth-organ, During this period in Basketball the college team won the Er. Erhart Trophy after a decade of struggle, the then principal C.K. Samy congratulated the team, who won Poondi Pushpam College at their own grounds. They presented the trophy to who it was named to honour, Rev. Fr. Erhart, when he was in the sinking stage on his bed and he took the honour by nodded his head. Then Mr. Anand joined in B.P.Ed. and M.P.Ed. in Y.M.C.A in the consecutive years. In YMCA he joined in the orchestra, cultural activities. On one occasion Anand performed well mouth-organ before the Chief Guest by Playing the song Konchi, Konchi Pesi Mathi Magakkum and a super hit Hindi song. The Chief Guest appreciated and the audience applanded. The Chief guest was the cine actor Thiyagarajan father of actor Prasanth. When he was doing his M.P.Ed, his friend Mr. Elcandi and Mr. Anand had been coaches for a junior Basket ball players. Mr. Elcandis father had been worked as an officers in American Embassy in Madras. Both of them Anand and his friends height was 6.4 and 6.6. So all the students of YMCA knew very well both. When Anand was an unemployed he took many efforts to get rid of the unemployment. When one person who looks back can not move forward.He faced many failieres, disapprintment, disgrace, dishonour, but he
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made the stumbling blocks become stepping stones, set backs become spring boards. He made an attempt to get entry in the cine field with the help of Mr. Hitler Jayaraj, who had a close contact with the cine personalities. Both of them were given chance in a film and they performed well in the 5 years contract call sheet. Due to the invasion of Kamal and Rajini and also some dispute between the producer and director. So they couldnot order stand the film industry, that was different can of worms. So again Anand met the mess in his life. Before he joined B.P.Ed, M.P.Ed, courses he got his marriage with Ms. Leysa Margret Mary, who is a P.G. Asst. in Economics in St. Josephs Girls Hr. Sec. School, Vadugarpet. Now Mr. Anand is working as physical Education Teacher in St. Antonys Higher Secondary School Thanjavur and Still he performs well in the field of coaching Basket ball now his student has been sellected for Indian Basket Ball team. Each moment is precious, what is before you, The next breath is not promised. Every moment is of infinite value. So Anand has found grace and strength to endore trials and troubles, pain and pressure, disappointment anddespair. God has provided strength to face the failures, and turned his life to torch the youth in the society. Mr. Anandaraj brought many laurals not only to his village but also to the district. Anandaraj Augustin Oliver grabbed the top spot in National rankings in the Mega event. It adds a new jewel in his crown. The marksman was disheartened by his ill luck or fate.
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ADVOCATE BECAME ADVENTIST

A. CLARANCE SELVARAJ
Judicial Magistrate Court No.6 Trichirappalli.

Indeed it is a shocking news to us when former Honble telecom minister Sukhram and Shard Bhawar Minister for Agriculture were blown by Harvinder Singh on 18 th November 2011, recently. Likewise on 16.08.1991 the former finance minister and present Home Minister Honble minister P. Chidambaram arrived Trichy by air. when he came out of the airport, the AIADMK partymen flaged against him, shouting slogans for his refusal of resignation in the Tamilnadu cauvery water sharing issue. Because the late Vazhapadi Ramamoorthy had resigned from his cabint ministrial post. Black flag, slogans, protest led the scene worst by pelting stones, shattering 20 cars, wounded 25 men. So on the same day a case was registered and 64 men were arrested including the then M.L.A., Rethinavel, Arockiasamy and Ms.Mala, present ministers N.R.Sivapathy, Paranjothi and M.L.A. T.P. Manoharan. On 22.12.1999 the prosecution against them had began. Before that the court adjourned the case several times. But now it continously went for 3 1/2 months. The AIADMK party men engaged the eminent Lawyer Virudhachalam Reddiyar and on behalf of the police department Assistant Public Prosecutor Mr. A. Clarance Selvaraj appeared for justice. The witnesses are
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Chidambaram, Adaikalaraj, Sudharson M.L.A., and Ramaraj. The argument began between junior and super senior. Though Reddiyar, an eminent solicitor, Mr.Clarance pleads for justice without hesitation or embracement when facing the senior lawyer. When Mr. Reddiyar interrogated critically Mr. Clarance intervened and opposed the irrelevant questions of Reddiyar. when the public prosecutor interrogated Mr. Chidambaram he replied I already forgave them 7 years earlier. Immediately A.P.P. intervened Mr. Chidambaram you are supposed to say answers for the questions asked alone, the honourable judge will take decision what would do. Though he was a central minister and also a advocate, Mr. Clarance condemn the act of adjudication of Mr. P. Chidambaram. Then the judgement adjourned to 17th December 2000. All in the court were waiting for the verdict on 17.12.2000. The occurance date was 16.08.1991. After 9 years 4 months, judgement came into light. Honble Justice Mr. Muthusamy convicted the accused by saying, The public prosecutor proved the crime based on the witnesses without any doubt. So it is clear that the accused had intentionally committed the rioting and assault. Then the magistrate sentenced the accused. The news papers flashed the news without omission. The son of soil Mr. Clarance stood for Justice and performed his prosecution in a perfect way. He interrogating many witnesses in his career but he became a witness for christ and the advocate became a adventist now.
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AN OUTSTANDING PERSONALITY Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, India Our country has the largest democracy and has a rich heritage, remarkable cluture, variety of rituals, colourful festivals and so on. The Indian parliament is the one which has a unique characteristic members ie.... Unity in diversity. It has 28 states, several languages, different cultures from all directions. In our incredible India Tamilnadu state is different from other states and it has proved its image in the sessions and building the nation. The parliament has two houses Rajyasabha and Loksabha. The qualification to become a member of parliament, the one who wants to be a member, he must be free from corruption, without committing any criminal offences and more and more. Who has the qualification will be elected or nominated by the people and by the leaders of the party for Loksabha and Rajyasahba. Sri Natesan and Srimathi Dhanapackiams son named Siva has completed his School education at E.R. High School, Trichy and he continued his higher studies in E.V.R. College from P.U.C. to M.A. English Literature without any break. And then he joined the Trichy Law College and Completed the Law graduation and now doing his Ph.d. research in Bharathidasan University.
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THIRUCHI SIVA

During his College days he had the opportunity to meet periyar Ramasamy Naicker, Kannadasan, Jeyakanthan, Kalaignar, K. Veeramani, When he heard the valuable words of the laurates he was attracted by the speeches of the luminaries. Then he involved himself in the Hindi agitation, though he was not attained its age. After the agitation he indulged in the social awareness programmes through college and then committed himself and converted his activities from common life to student Dravida Munnertra Kazhagam. In the year 1976 January 31st during the emergency period all the leaders were arrested and Siva was also arrested with them. After the release, he involved himself with an expectation to achieve something for the sake of the state. Mr. Siva has been a member right from the beginning of youth wing in D.M.K. Mr. M.K. Stalin has been elected as the secretary and Siva has elected as the treasurer. And one more unrevealed secret is the title Thalapathi to Mr. Stalin was conferred on him by Thiruchi Siva in the Trichy conference. Even the party men know nothing about the history of the title of the then deputy chief Minister of Tamilnadu. He has been elected as an M.P. from 1996 to still now. He is a member of more than 15 various consulative committees. Now he is the DMK propaganda secretary. He raised his voice in the parliament for the Tamilnadu state and our people. So people of Tamilnadu consider him as the Edmund Burke of India.
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His speeches in Parliament have thrilled even his arch rivals. Even the person having diametrically opposite views will feel like clapping hands on hearing his inspiring speeches. It is known pretty well that so many parliamentry stalwards felt tight lipped and speechless while hearing his burst of ideas. His finesse of going deeper to the root of any subject and make the soul of it. Sparkle in his words in highly of emulation Overall he had visited U.N.O. which situated in Newyork. It has 192 nation as its members. He has been represented on behalf of India and delivered his message in the house. After his address he was applauded by the Ambassadors for India and also representatives of other nations. It is one more feather in his cap. Between 23rd-25th July 2011, the Dravida Munertra Kazhagam assembled for its general body meeting at Coimbatore. Lot of matters were went on. One of the senior party men has raised a question, who is after Kazhaignar? The crowd replied a word and their voices echoed throughout entire western ghats area. The word, which was the title, given by our M.P. Siva, Thalapathi. The entire Tamilnadu partymen have forgotten his original name and the title became his first name and the first become surname. In the monsoon session of parliament began on 01.08.2011 with hot issues. When there was special meeting conducted by Deputy president and also speaker of Rajya Sabha, who convened the meeting for a reciprocal relationship between India and Srilanka. The srilankan
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parliament speaker Kamal Raja Bhaksay headed the srilankan M.Ps and our Indian M.Ps headed by Honble Hamid Ansari. Before the meeting was started, the DMK Rajya Sabha members Association Leader Sri Thiruchi Siva burst out and walked out. He condemned the atrocities of Raja Bhaksay through military operation who killed lakhs and lakhs innonocent Tamils in a barbaric act. He also pointed out that U.N.O. Secretary Pan-ki-Moon, who appointed a committee also confirmed the genocide and war crimes against tamils. Then he courageously spoke, I cannot show friendliness, who shed hatredness on my brothers. So I walk out from the meeting. Mr. Thiruchi Siva is a pride of our village.

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LAKES AROUND THE VILLAGE

Komagudi Lake : 2 km from our village. Here you can find almost all the waterbirds in the season. During the month of October the birds migrated from our neighbouring districts. Coot is the first to be seen when the season begins. Then gradually crane, arrives in large numbers followed by little egret night heron, snipe, plover, spotted ducks, Brahmin ducks, Lesser whistling teal, open bill stork etc. A flock of wild geese have come together to the lake every year. Alangudi Lake : 6 km Once it was a paradise for birds and ducks. It was completely sorrounded by thorny trees. Under the shadows of the trees, the heavy flock of all variety of geese, open bill stork, pelicans were nested in seventies. But the present condition of this lake is the shoe is on the other foot. Vellanur Lake : 6 km Once there were large number of birds had arrived for a particular period Now due to the passer-by vehicles, increasing the extension of houses that constructed very close to the lake affects birds to be vanished. Sangenthi Lake : 10 km This is a village which has two lakes, One is northern and the other is southern. Northern lake in the eighties and nineties had a wonderful feast to the viewers in which you could see beauty of pintails that swayed on the water. When it dried, small flock of open bill stork could be seen.

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Southern lake is a large enough for breeding. In the north east direction of the lake fully covered by water and the south west is completly bushes and thorny trees. It provides all the variety of birds to breed. So the migrated birds have stayed there for a whole season and bred. Very large and heavy flock of different kinds of geese have come every year. This lake provides a good feast to the birdwatchers. Karaivetti Lake : 30 km It is seasonal sanctuary About 50 species of resident and migratory water birds visit this seasonal lake every year. The unique feature of this sanctuary is the presence of water till in the month of may as other water bodies dry up by the month of February or March. So that it provides asylum to other lake birds till the summer. The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is November and February. This in an entrance free sanctuary for the visitors. Bird-ringing is also held every end of the season in the lake. The total area of the sanctuary is 454 ha. This sanctuary is significant in the sense that it has been attract the largest congregation of water birds after. Pt. Calimere sanctuary in Tamilnadu. In the month of november nearly 2.5 lakh birds arrive.

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PICNIC SPOTS, HISTORICAL PLACES FROM METTUPATTI

Kallanai : (Grand Anaicut) : 17 km It is one of the greatest engineering marvels of India, built by Chola King, Karikal in the 2nd century A.D. to harness the waters of the cauvery. This dam is completly made up of stones 329 meters long and 20 meters wide and still very much in use for the farmers of Trichy and Tanjore. Here you can spend a day or an evening at a easy reach from our village. The history reveals Karikal Chola, who had victory over the singala king brought singaleese soldiers as hostages and utilised them to construct the entire dam and both side of the banks from Trichy to Kallanai. Mukkombu : Upper Anaicut : 45 Km This is 685 meters long constructed in the 19th century across, the Coleroon river. At the head of the srirangam island it is situated. This dam had been forced into three sections instead of one long stretch became of the shape of the island. Here you can see the marvellous engineering of construction, and the purpose of irrigation devices. The British engineer Arthur cotton built the dam in 1836. Museum - 27 km : The District archaelogical museum is in the Palace of Rani Mangammal now it is called as Townhall. Here you can see inscription, coins, engraved items, urns etc., There are lot of statues, which are found in around the district placed here, especially Buddha statue (white) from
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Vellanur and a Lingam Statue from (Kattur) Ramanathapuram adorning the museum which were unearthed from our neighbouring villages. Esanakkorai Arch : Before we reach Trichy spots, there is a monument arch is on the main road before Valadi. This arch was built for the commemoration of the glorious victory of the allied arms in which The Indian Troops played a prominent part. This was errected by Dewan Bahadur G. Krishnamachariar and opened by Dewan Bahadur Sir T.Desikachariar, President, District Board, Trichnopoly on 10.08.1922. In that arch the words LEST WE FORGET inscribed. It is unnoticed, uncared, in the hurry-bury modern age. Pachaimalai : 110 km Eastern Ghats : The tourist village Pachaimalai is one of the green hill ranges via Thuraiyur. To enjoy the nature and to spend time for a day or two it is advisable. Puliancholai : 91 km It is also a place of scenic beauty. This forest area is cool and green with the added attraction of small water falls and a stream. It is a place for picnic or a retreat spot for family visit. The stream is the natural bathing area for the tourist throghout the year. The water fallls, called Agaya Gangai besides the water here has medicinal value. To reach the falls, Puliyancholai to Agaya Gangai falls (hill top) is five hours by hard trek. There you can have fantastic views of million years old curved rocks, Dolmens, Pithukkuli Cave, different shaped big stones, forest producees on the way and at the top plain-Honey, Guava, Orange, Mustard, Fenugreek, Garlic Paddy, Maize, Milletts. You can buy Jack Fruits more than 12 varieties.
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Rock Fort - 27 Km. The rock is one of the oldest in the world. It has 344 steps hewn out of rock lead to the 370 feet top, Where there are inscriptions, 100 pillar hall, pallava cave, Mohamed Alis hideout dating back to the 3rd century B.C. This fort played an important part of during the carnatic wars and according to an inscription, mainly contributed to lay the foundations of the British empire in India. This fort did not get any importance in early years. But in the year 1559-63, Visuvanatha Nayaka built a great wall around the hill. The height of the wall 18 feet and 5 feet width. A real safety wall was built around very closer to hill with 40 feet height and 20 feet width. There are 4 ways to enter into the fort. The walls encircled the entire fort. The main enterence was, what we have still now, the main guardgate opposite of Teppakulam post office and other 2 gates vanished by encroachments. The northern wall is still in opposite of the SR College roadside, the Madan Gym area.

The Main Gate to enter in to the Fort

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The present west bouleward road was the ditch used as defence with full impure water where crocodile swam in those days. This ditch used as an enclosure from the Main gate to southern gate (Palakkarai) and sourrounds east bouleward road and covers in northern gate and encircles the present chathiram bus stand . The water from cauvery could have reached by tunnel to Teppakulam, when it overflows the excess water would reach Rani Mangammal swimming pool (East of super Bazar), which was now in town hall.

Remains of Great Compound Wall of Rockfort in Northern Gate

Stair Case of Northern Compound Wall

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The then Criminal Court of British Raj now in Bishop Heber Hr.Sec. Puthur.

Ranjan Kudi Fort : 97 kms. (Perambalur Dist.) It is located in the north of Perambalur. This Ranjan Kudi fort was built by a Jagirdar under Nawab of carnatic in 17 century AD. The fort walls are built with neatly cut stone blocks. This fort contains a palace, residential buildings, underground chambers, mosque and flag mast. This fort was the scene of the battle of Valikondah between the English and Mohamad Ali on one side and Chanda Sahib and the French on the otherside in 1751 A.D. Narthamalai - Pudukkottai Dist. 84 kms. It is a place of historical importance and the head quarters of the chieftain of Mutharaiyar. The earliest
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structural stone temple Circular in shape, built by the Mutharaiyars and the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram cave temple built by the Vijayalaya Chola, the first king of later Cholas and Kadambarmalai temple of the place are also worth visiting. Sittanna Vasal : Pudukkottai Dist - 84 km The abode of great saints) This village are the remains of a 2nd century BC Jain cave temple, Fresco paintings reminiscent of Ajanta adorn the walls. Many of them are typical of 9th Century Pandya period and include exquisitely detailed pictures of animals, fish, ducks, people gathering lotuses from a pond and two dancing figures. There are also inscription dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. Fresco paintings from the 7th century can be seen on the ceiling of Ardhamandapam. There are many historical burial sites around sittannavasal and among the relics unearthed and burial urns, cists and Kungupatarai. It is famous for cave paintings, Which are second only in importance after Ajantha paintings in the art history of India. Thirumayam - Pudukkottai Dist. 91 km. Here is also a Fort, which played an important role in the history of Tondaiman rulers of Pudukkottai and the British. The erection of this 40 acre-wide Fort in 1687 A.D. is attributed to sethupathi Vijaya Ragunatha Devar, the Sethupathi of Ramanathapuram. On the hill there is a Rock cut temple with music inscription and the relics of a Fort.
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Thanjavur - Big Temple : 25 km (The construction of a new bridge between Sengaraiyur and Poondi has been completed and the distance is very less now and within 45 minutes, you can reach the spot from Mettupatti) The Thanjavur big temple was constructed by the order of great Chola emperor Raja Raja. The Chief architects were Kunjarmallan and Raja Raja Perunthachan. In order to respects Perunthachan king Raja Raja Chola gave his kingdom title Raja Raja to the architect. Big temple is an example for the Indian sculptural architectures greatness, Temple is sourrounded by moat on two sides and grand Anaicut river on the otherside. The height of the temple is 216 feet. The unfaded wall paintings of Chola and Nayaks can be seen. Museums (Tanjore) : Archaeological Museum-interest collection of sculpture. Tamil University Museum contains coins and musical instruments. Saraswathi Mahal Library : This library was estabilshed in 1824 by Raja Serfoji II and it contains Manuscripts, collections and a collection of over 44000 manuscripts in palm leaves and paper and more than 4500 foreign books which bear the scholar kings autographs. Poondi Bascilica : (Poondi Matha Kovil) : 13 kms from Mettupatti. It is very near to our village and very famous Christian Pilgirimage centre right from the early 40s.
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People of all castes. Visit and worship in the catholic church. The Poondi Matha festival is very famous in the summer month of may 15th. This church was built between 17141720 during Veeramamunivars ministry. Manora : (Thanjavur Dt). The eight storey victory tower here was built by the Maratha King Serfoji in the year 1814 to commemorate the victory of the British over Naepolean Bonaparte at waterloo. Dindigul Fort : 107 km. The Rock Fort is at a height of 280 feet. In the year 1605 Madurai king Muthu Krishna Naicker started the construction of Fort. In 1623 to 1659 Mannar Thirumalai Naicka Completed this. In 1775 Hyder Ali was escorting Fakhr - un-Nisha his wife and five years old Tipu in Dindugul. From 1784 to 1790 the fort was under the rule of Tipu Sultan. In 1784, the Tipus commandant Syed Ibrahim under whose care the fort was, constructed many rooms in the fort, strenghtened the walls and also got it repaired. During the year 1790 in the Mysore war Tipu was defeated and the fort came into the hands of English. Kodaikkannal - 202 km. It is one of the Indias most beautiful hill station located at an altitude of 2133 mtrs. (7000 feet) Places of interest include, Bryant park, Pillar Rocks, Lake, Solar observatory, Silver cascade, Coakers walk, etc. and also very good trek routes are available here. Silver falls is on the way before we reach the hill, and green valley, horse ride, boat ride also very interesting matters for the visitors. Greenish hills, which touched by the misty clouds are the rich feast for the eyes.
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Gangaikondacholapuram : 100 km Rajendra chola, son of Raja Raja I built this temple after his great victorious march to river Ganges on northern India. This temple consists of three stories and surrounded by a huge fort like wall. For administrative purpose he built this temple and titled as Gangaikondacholapuram, because when he returned from northern India he fetched water and poured it in the lake Chola Gangam Which never driedout even in summer. No mortar was used in the temple construction. Elakurichy : 40 km It is very famous for its ancient Adaikala Matha Church built by the famous catholic missionary Joseph Beschi popularly known as Veeramamunivar between the year 1711-1742. The Maratha king shaji destructed all catholic churches and banned church worship. So the people made a exodus from Tanjore to north bank of colroon and settled at Elakurichy. Lourdes Church : 27 km The church of our Lady of Lourdes is the replica of the Basillica of Lourdes, the world famous place of pilgrimage on southern France. It was built in 1812 and its excellent, marvelous art and architecture is very good feast of architecture lovers. It has louvred doors which open to convert it into an airy pavillion and it is located near Teppakulam and St. Josephs College Tiruchirappalli.

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Nathirsha Dargah : 28 km This is the important holy place for muslims in Trichy, built more than 1000 years which was a Murugan temple before the invasion of Muslim rulers. Ponnaniyaru Dam : 96 km It is situated south of Trichy 24 kms from Manapparai and 9 km from Vaiampatti. Dam in built across Perumalai and Chemmalai. Short treks in the nearby hillock, environment camps, nature cure centers are possible.

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YOUNGSTERS VOLLEY BALL CLUB

There were some ace volleyball players in Mettupatti team, they made a hell of a shot in all the matches through out districts. As far as I heard, the A team players were Messrs. M.S. Kandasamy. Kalian, Johnson, Yovan, Somu, Manickam, M.K.S. and some others were to be substiutes and guest players like George. The A team players had got a smash hit where ever they go and the B team and C they were signify were a dime a dozen. A was treated as heroes and they knew the tactics to win the giants of the state. If they had lost the first set the next set they looked as black as thunder. They never afraid of opponents, though they were belonging to organisations, companies, banks and rich private clubs. A misty memories flashed in my mind when I was a knee high to a grasshopper I fell for volleyball and I had seen them in Kottaimedu ground. Mr. Murugan, the then Secretary of T.N.V.A. Athikkannu, Abdul Zabbar, Ramana Rao, Mettur Shankar, Texmo Ramalingam were participated in our village for the state level tourney which was conducted in the year 1969. Thudding sound, thundering smashes, diving on the ground, applause echoed everywhere in the village are still in my memories. The team had participated in many venues such as Thiruvai Aru, Pennadam, Karaikudi, Sirkali, Nehamam, Thirukkattupalli, Kothari, St. Josephs College and National College. Not only the players, when they had gone for matches the supporters and fans would have been there before the A team reaches, only by bicycle, sometimes by
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foot. Because of their interest they went everywhere, where the A team had gone to participate. When the A team entered the ground they walk as proud as peacock in the arena. Their brilliant, courageous performance led the team to the fame; nothing succeeds like success. In triples and sixes, where our team entered, the opponents would bit a dust in the matches surely. Advent of Volleyball in Mettupatti Every village has its own favourite game on their own depending on the environmental condition. In our village in the year 1945. Mr. Paulraj, whose father had been worked as a pastor (Rev. Ayyadurai) in TELC, Church Mettupatti introduced and trained volleyball techniques. It was an advantage for our people to know the game. Every Physical training period when they used to learn the activities in the game thoroughly. Mr. Ganapathy, taught the game to every the students in a proper method of handling the ball. Every evening as they had come late to the village after they had played at school they were unable to play. Only in the weekend they could enjoy the freedom to play without any master. In the begining our elders used only waste clothes and papers to make it as a round shaped ball. Their P.E.T. gave them one old ball. In the year end, who saw the performance of our people gave them used balls through auction. That was very much useful to play through out the vacation. Gradually they gathered and formed a team and took participation under the guidance of the coach Mr. Paulraj.
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In those years only the ball called as Mouth ball the ball in which an open space on the top nearly 4 inches width which had been tied by a rope as we tie our shoes. When they play, they might have had lot of problems. Near the boundary line a bunch of thorns, grave yard and in the east west ground scorching sun light both in the morning and in the evening etc... The worst cursed problem of all is often the ball got punctured by the thorns, which kept near the ground as nearby fence. Whenever it got punctured, immediately it would have been pasted, Again the game would start after a short break. This was the routine pleasure and pain during the 50s and early 70s. When the Japnese mouthless balls were introduced in market, the mouth balls were disappeared. Before I close this para I must write one important matter that entrirely different from the present condition of evening. Those days the regular practice might begin exactly at 4.00 by unemployed and followed by employees, who could arrive fast. The players who played the first set would come out and those who were waiting out side would play the second set and then the third, 4th set 5th would have been played by the awaited players. The remarkable achievement was the team conducted a state level tournament in the village. At the time the village had no bed and board for the players. We had no bus service except only one bus. The venue of the volley ball ground our famous Kottaimedu ground and at that time day matches only possible. No technologies were placed anywhere in southern states of India. Though conducting state level tournament itself
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was very tough and toil, People of Mettupatti whole heartedly provided their shares, donations etc. Our spectators gallery was the slope side of Kottaimedu. The teams participated were state Bank of India, Madras, Texmo, Coimbatore and Madurai. Though the availability of things possible, the ground is waiting and longing for players now.

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FRIENDS KABADDI CLUB

This Kabaddi club was born in this village in the early 70s by a split of players between Volleyball and Kabaddi clubs. Once a misunderstanding had arrived their minds and the friction had appeared bitterly. Any way the spirit of playing games never quit from the soil. The challenging attitudes the Kabaddi Team, wherever they went they had got first position and recognition. Nearly 25 years the team had performed well with good players without any break. The team had conducted many tournaments in flood-lit and reputed players were participated like Mangudi Duraimanickkam, Kakka, Potheri, Jumper Koohoor John. The finals in the midnight was really a thrill, because both teams could have the skill as tough as the other. There was pin drop silence execpt the raid of verbalise Kabadi The points woud be very minimum till the half-time ie-break time. The next half that 20 minutes would have been fire on floor. Some years, the Mangudi team, and Police team have had shared the hattrick respectively. The spectators were consecutively wakeful for 4 days to enjoy the Tamil Cultural game. While both clubs had enmity we had never indulge in dish the dirt one another. After a decade the YVC and FVC had the cold war that culminated in success. Then the sportsmen spirit enhanced the youth and juniors to join in the clubs which led in to rise more clubs.

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92

144
This is a very unique heading which contains as it was happened in European country football soccer. There was a clash between two groups which led to be like a communal problem, neighbouring team or villagers indulged in clash and peace was totally disappeard. Based on the support of a particular team or persons who involved in a crooked mindedness, the fight began. Then as usual the police came and implemented 144 not to play the particular game volley ball. So our people had decided to play football rather volleyball. Any way their fingers and legs never forgot to move and touch the earth and the ball. The interesting matter was, though they knew foot ball, among them very few were only professionalist, others more ameteurish. During the banned season they played football and the next day most of them would have been at sprain relievers house at dawn and they walked with a limping movement and nobody could walk as they walk before the ban order. But when the sun has setting in the west automatically their legs led them to make as spectators for a while, then again they had got down and the next morning the same problem would come. When the banned order 144 statute had been lifted by the police department all the players and the entire population of Mettupatti, they were on cloud nine. After they resume to play with an enthusiasm like a boy who enters in to next standard. The honeymoon was over and the new begining dawn, and the players had the crisis of insufficient place to make two courts. So we had to wait in Indian file. Though the situation was like that they were happy and sat out side despite murmuring.
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94

THE ADVENT OF GUNS

The muzzle-loading guns are still the dominated weapon of all in the village. There were lot of guns brought legally by the licences, though they were illiterate they applied and got it. Among them pitchai servai alias Vaikolai Pitchai had a double barrel muzzle - load and shot large quantity of birds and ducks easily, before the ban order by the govt. In 1952, Mr. Kale Joseph was the first who bought a shot gun and Mr. Johnson, (Mr. G.Rajs brother) also bought foreign weapons. The England webley and scott gun was a credit to Mr. Kale and the famous bicycle, branded Humber also he had. Catechist Ambrose who bought a gun from the Zamin of Ariyalur, another mile stone of the accrediting qualifying handlers. Then Messrs. William, Reginald James, Henry Rajaiah @ Rajamanickam bought many shot-guns. They are not only hunters, but also lovers of nature and lovers of reading adventure books in English language. Though they are simple, they know the nook and cranny out the guns. They read in their leisure time still. Mr.Reginald James, who had foreign guns and maintained well then he sold out and converted his license into muzzle loading, while his brother converted his muzzle loading license into breach gun and bought webley and scott, England. The elder is not only interested in gun but also in photography. He bought his first camera, at the cost of 32 rupees and when the models were introduced year after
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year he changed and got the advanced ones and now he has updated by digital. The younger also interested in guns and books as well as loves music. He plays harmonium, Bulbul Dara and mouth-organ. Mr.Reginald only knew the functioning of a club exclusively for the shooters, a shooting gallery in Trichy. It is very expensive club, the members are wealthy business men and professional people, for the most part. Unless he joined the rifle club nobody knows about it in Mettupatti village. Both of them have joined the club and addressed our own village to equivalent to city by getting awards in participating best weapon competitions and trap shooting competitions in bygone years. The happy hunting ground for the family is rifle club. The air rifle also, they bought in the past years and still keeping one Benjamin USA air-rifle. They keep the Kenneth Anderson and Jim Corbet adventure books in their home. Then I have joined the club and attended the target practice on every sunday. It let us to compete with others in the gallery in the field of trap and best weapon competition. I Mr. Henry Rajaiah scored a hat trick in the best weapon competitions in first and second places in the years 1996, 1997, 1998 and we received medals, certificates, mementoes from the then collectors of Trichirappalli,Messrs. Rajaram and V. Moorthy.

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SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE
Even in 19th century, still the orthodox churches was in christiandom. So people celebrated the festivals like, Vanathu Chinnappar, Three Rajas Pongal apart from the regular celebrations. That were entirely based on the ancient customs and cultures. In later stage that in 60s when the two brothers, victor and Joel came to CSI church their messages inspired the congregation and they used to come and attended all the days. The wonder was elder had the power of the holy spirit and the younger had only played guitar when the elder delivered messages the evil spirits screamed in anger and came out of their houses from all directions. The elder of TELC, Mr. Devacharyam took in charge for some years and Bible-bashing in every wednesday. Then sister Pappa Shankar visited most of the christian villages in Lalgudi taluk. Virahalur and Mettupatti were the notable villages that showered the benefits of blessings. When she delivers the message, and sings songs, the evil possessed men and women they also sing and clap amidst in the crowd. And gradually crawled forwarded and there was a space exclusively for evil possessed people encircled by ropes in which they were permitted to perform dance, sing, scream etc. She castout evils, spells, witch craft and give deliverence from the hell. In her meetings people from all over the villages, particularly Hindu had attended and received lot of miracles in their lives. The reverberating voice still in memories. The youth especially girls had turned to lord and sung songs and lived as firing witnesses.
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Then after a long span of years, in 80s again the another evanglist Dr. Clifford kumar came and revived the spiritual ideas of the congregation. He stayed with us and conducted meetings and gave couselling for eternal life. Nearly 5 years he used to come for the village all the way from Madras and still he remembers every family members and make queries about them. In the year 1992 onwards sister Rachel Bosco had been sent by Lord to awake the people from their negligence in spiritual life. Then a very clear understanding about the eternal life and cautions were reached the congregations. In the mean time Bro. Asirvatham from Tanjore had come and delivered messages for three days in a summer. These conventions have arrived to a concrete decision that was taken by youths. The youth many have regularly attended tuesdays meeting at sister Rachel Boscos home at puthur. So through out the year, they keep in touch with god fearing people. This made every ones life has been changed and quit the bad habits, received blessings, took baptisms and attained peace in their hearts. Now the present condition of spirituality seems to be groupism in orthodox churches. The mass-medias are playing important roles in telecasting messages so that we easily sit and watch without any humblness and obedience. The messages have come almost all the channels so that people have no time to thinkover to conducting meetings.

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A BLACK DAY
On 1st of July 1994 a clash between forward class people and the scheduled class people, which ended in a murder. For the first time in the history of the village police van, sirens, thudding sound of boots, had heard in the ears of our village. An agitation was induced and both communities at swords point for months. Police had carried out the orders like search, arrest, imprisonment, then conviction and judgement took place. The eminent senior advocate Mr. Virdhachalam Reddiyar and son of the soil Mr. M.S. Kandasamy had appeared for the case. The reverberating arguements echoed the court and for the first time we had seen the reasoning scene, when the judgement day everyone prayed and begged God to settle the case in a optimistic way. By His abundance grace the first additional district and sessions Judge cum chief Judicial Magistrate Mrs.Thayarammal acquited the case by pronounced the word Dismissed and everyone was happy and realised the Gods grace. Then the awkward predicament had the boot is on the other foot as it was in the earlier days. To gain the dignity and reputation of the village now all love one another without any discrimination, caste, clan. Let us shed hatred not shed blood, as the then prime minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi, insisted.

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100

A BRIGAND
When he walked in the streets every eyes scared of seeing him directly. The children ran away towards their houses out of fear. A crying child shut his mouth when he looks him. This was the condition once in fifteen days in early days of the village and what I have written here is only daytime diary. A man who was strong, courageous, brave lived and controlled the entire taluk, particularly eastern village people were terrorized by him. He was Antony. He used to go in the nights and returns by the daylight took rest and in sundays went to participate in the taming the bull and the bull would have been bowed its head when his left hand turned its horn. When he stayed in the village he used to sit and chat with his relations and friends in the village. He was utilised by the then union leaders and local politicians in Dalmia. In Dalmia cements factory, often clashes between two groups in the union leader election or vengence are typical events in that area. So the Kangroo court was took place and Antony played an important role to settle the case. He was very brave and able to control the mob by his abnormal masculature. The union leaders always kept him as an aide to them. Once when the trade union elections took place, the rivalry group got victory over the chairmanship. After the election Antonys life had changed. Vengence chased him everyday Antony had no other way to earn money. So, he used to indulge in highway robbery,
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threatening, snatching etc. This way of life became prime in his part and he adapted it for his survival. Often he was arrested and jailed and the jailed life made him hound. When he was released and returned home he committed a major crime. Yes, he killed his wife. Again he was arrested but by a native man helped him to escape from that case. Then he went to Dalmia and settled like a wounded soldier, One fine morning he was stabbed to death in front of police personnel and the public. Nobody rescued his soul and spirit. That is fate, this is the reason why we hate.

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BIRDS IN AND AROUND METTUPATTI

The enlightened and benevolent attitudes towards wildlife of Hinduism and Buddhism have undoubtedly helped to conserve the rich natural heritage of the world that still followed by them. Why dont we? In our area there are lot of species living in a wide range. Ornithologically, our area is rich. Resident, migrant and seasonal birds are dominated in the vicinity. Every place on the earth has its own habitats wherever it is, whether it is a valley or desert, but they are there. Neither sea nor sand, either mountain or mud, you can see every where there are some lives that breath on earth. Such as our village has some birds and animals and within few kilometres we have maximum species of birds in our vicinity.. House Sparrow : This is an endangered species in Tamilnadu, because of urbanisation, concrete houses, industrial invasion in rural areas. The thatched houses and straw covered sheds become less in numbers at present. So the sparrows are disappeared now from our rural setup. Only very few are still in the village. In the old days the farmers used to keep a punch of paddy (grains) tied with a stick which strucked inside the roof of most houses. The sparrow without fear came and ate. They were in our ancestors house, not in the cages as we have now. King Fisher : Except summer it can be seen everywhere in our village bus stand pond to cultivated
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area. It is seen all the waterside areas, canals, pond, in the winter and changed its habitat to watering place to river side or pumpsets and stagnant water areas. It is wonderful when you look the combination of colour of wings and body. It strokes its feather 55 times per minute to catch a fish. It shifted its area from canal to river Koozhai Aaru in summer. Wood pecker : It can be seen every backyard of houses or gardens, which strucks the stem of the trees make a hole for its nests. It protects the tree from pest erosion. Buffalo Weaver : Black Colour Bird often moving its tail of up and down, with shrill sound. Also seen blue tif, chaffinch, crow, magpie, seven sisters, Bee-eaters, cuckoos in our village. Linnet : All kinds of linnets are there right from the house boundary fence to forest bamboos. One of the varities in the linnet is a very good weaver. It builds its nests in the palm trees. Male weaves the nests according to the wish of the female bird. It uses the silkworm for its nest to be electrified by bring a piece of alluvial soil so as give flash from back to make the nest bright inthe night, More then 40 nests can be seen in a single tree because of displeasure of the rejected nests by the female. In the night the twinkling lights are seen near the forest trees. It is a enjoyable vision night. Why it needs twinkling light on its back is the million dollar question. The palm tree at Angium still it has nearly 40 nests. The tree stood for the test of time.
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Water Birds : Plover, Sand Piper, Crane, Little Egret, night heron, can be seen in our area. Game Bird : Quil, Patridge, Mourning dove, Crane. hen. Farm Yard Bird : Guinea Fowl, Turkey, Cock, Farm Yard Animals : Rabbit Animals : Deer, Fox, Hare, Squirrel, Jungle Cat Indian civet, Bat, Lizards. Crocodiles. Birds of Prey : Buzzard, Kite, Fish, Eagle, Owl, can be sighted throughout the year. They live and spend their time mostly for hunting their prey. In the night owls are sit on the electical lines and watch frog, rat etc., and catch.

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106

RIVER AND REMINISCENCE

Our village has a beautiful river called Koozhai Aaru. It looks like a huge anaconda winding round the southern boundary of our village. The flowers are hung in clusters all the boughs and the boughs mostly touched the water in the season. The water lilies are springing near the tree like a heap of snow in december, where on all day are gathered bird and bee. The creepers embraces the big trees as an adult embraces his love. The cuckoo, sparrow, Linnet, make shrill call from dawn to dusk. When we float at the time of bath the birds languages are the melodies for us in the watery cradle. When we return back from the river the evening breeze blew on our body giving an exiting experience. Before we return home, the sweet mangoes, tender coconuts, sugarcane, bananas etc. are our tastiest snacks and time passing items. Some times we snaffled all, if any one warned us. In those days men and women, boys and girls even children and, our guests used to go for bathing and enjoyed the experience. But at present the science and technology tied up each and everyone and having an adequate facilities at home. So no one prefers now to go and visit Koozhai Aaru. The river never show its anger over our soil till now.

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Our village at dawn

Our village at dusk

People at Work

Enjoying the environment

Trying to catch Fish

Field visit Parade

Balancing on the Groove

Whistling mood

Water splash in the canel

The angium Palm Tree Stood for the test of time with penduline birds nest

The Palm Tree

Pumpset for cultivation

Sirumayangudi Banyan Tree

Sugarcane

Paddy Field

Mesmerizing views