A rich day: the sleeper is delayed. We arrive at Tamil Nadu Theological Seminar ('TTS') in Madurai at around 11. It is a beautiful campus, situated not far off a busy main road
Soon after we meet with the Principal J. David Rajendran, and bursar Jaya Karan, who greet us.
If I recall, this is 17th century.
We also enjoy some sugar cane (peel off hard outer covering with teeth, chew softish centre)
From there to the TTS Rural Theological Institute ('RTA') village etc. 20km from Chennai. There students live for a year, learning how to be part of a village community as well as having lectures etc.
We speak about the influence of Newbigin and other bishops, and the literary Tamil movement, etc., - these influences coming together to bring about the formation of the college. We also touch on other issues facing India and us all, not least the influence of new-liberals and its need to control, and mention the theologian M. M. Thomas.
After meeting the Principal and others we are given a tour of the library and see the archives. We meet the archivist John who shows us various items including fascinating portions of scripture and a concordance inscribed on palm leaves. (Black soot is rubbed into the incisions to give good legibility.)
If I recall, this is 17th century.
In the afternoon we visit the excellent Unemployed Young People's Association (UYPA) run by TTS. Here young people are trained as electricians, car maintenance etc., and employment sought. Students take part. We are given a great welcome including some fabulous dance.
On the way home we visit the Cathedral - a church without walls. We are now in Madurai-Ramnad a Diocese. We speak with the Pastor (much like Dean). This Diocese has 80 evangelists and. 40 missionaries. The former are more like catechists - a different pattern to Madras Diocese.
We then visit the American school chapel which Lesslie Newbigin used as his base when consecrated in 1947 before there was a Cathedral.
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