CHRIST KING MIDDLE SCHOOL, TAMBARAM (1935)

The 1st of July 1935 was a day of great rejoicing for the people of Tambaram. The Apostolic Carmel started the Christ King Convent and School, fulfilling a greatly felt need of the time.

A casual visit was paid in 1935 by Sr. Frances and two Sisters of Carmel hostel, Bainton, Mylapore, marking the genesis of Christ King Convent and Schools in Tambaram. During this visit, some railway officials approached the sisters and requested them to open a school for the Catholic children in the area. This request deeply impressed the sisters, who immediately appealed to Mother Annunciata A.C., the Superior General, to open a school.

The seed sown by our late Superior General, Mother M. Annunciata A.C., of happy memory in Tambaram, grew into a tree at Carmel House, initially set up in a rented house owned by Mr. David. This development in 1935 eventually branched towards the Railway Colony, where, after extensive correspondence with the railway authorities, a piece of land was allotted on an annual license fee of Rs. 1/-. This became the nucleus of the present Christ King Middle School.

Christ King School, being a middle school with admissions up to Std. VIII, was preferred by the local people. As the years passed, God’s guidance continually pointed to better paths and deeds. Most of the children from the 300 railway families registered in this school, as it admitted children of all religions and castes. Kind and supportive, the people of Tambaram welcomed students from outside the colony as well. Thanks to the pioneers and God’s continued blessings, the school grew into a significant institution, educating over 1000 children and becoming the best Tamil medium school in the district. The railway authorities permitted the school to use the railway playground during school hours.

Sr. Dymphna A.C., who served as the Headmistress for more than two decades, worked tirelessly to improve both teaching standards and extracurricular activities, including Catechism, Moral Science, Sodality of Our Lady, Soldiers of Christ, Guides, Bul-Buls, Cubs, and Red Cross. Her dedication was remarkable, and she launched the noon meal scheme for the less fortunate. The Education Department recognized her work, awarding her the National Award for Teachers, which she received from the President of India, the Honourable V.V. Giri, in 1964. Sr. M. Silvina A.C., her successor as Headmistress, continued this work with equal commitment and love. She received the Best Teacher Award in 1985, the year of the Golden Jubilee for our institution. Staff and students celebrated the occasion with a grand outdoor display on the Railway Grounds, and the first concrete school building, with eight classrooms, was completed as a Golden Jubilee Memorial that year. After Sr. Silvina’s retirement, Sr. Sujaya A.C. took over responsibility for the school until May 1995.

Succeeding her, Sr. Jayamary A.C. took charge in June 1995, overseeing the construction of two additional buildings within a decade. With contributions from management, staff, and well-wishers, 28 rooms were completed, demonstrating great trust in Divine Providence. The school expanded, offering ample space for its students. While most children now attend English medium schools, this institution still serves the poor and lower-middle-class families, earning appreciation from parents and the public. Besides the regular curriculum, computer education has been integrated into daily learning with a well-equipped lab and computers donated by Infosys. Various activities like Carmel Blossoms, Leadership Social Awareness Camp (LASSAC), Young Student Movement (YSM), Bull-Buls, Guides, and Cubs are part of students’ regular Thursday meetings and assembly programs.

Under Sr. Maria Arpana’s leadership, the school received the Best School Award in 2005, honoring the dedicated work of the Headmistress, staff, and students. The teachers view their profession as a joyful experience, taking pride in shaping young minds and contributing to the growth of responsible citizens for Mother India.

Our Problem with the Southern Railway
Since December 2008, the Railway office has been requesting us to vacate the school land to develop a new railway terminal, necessitated by increased train traffic and goods movement through Tambaram. This demand struck like a thunderbolt for a school that had operated for 75 years, investing in permanent structures over the past decade. Despite multiple appeals from management and the public, on January 17, 2011, the railway office issued a notice for building demolition scheduled for January 22. The Electricity Board was notified to cut power, and the Police Department was asked to provide security.

Sister Jayamary, then Headmistress, appealed to Railway Minister Mrs. Mamata Banerjee and the Railway Board in Delhi. With assistance from Sister Nirmala, Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity, and Sister Nirmalee, Headmistress of our school in Delhi, an order was issued by the Railway Board on January 21 at 5 p.m. instructing the Railway Office in Chennai to suspend action until further notice. In Tambaram, Sisters Sujaya and Maria Deera, along with Mr. Tamilselvan, a benefactor, obtained a stay order from the High Court on the same day, preserving our school for the time being. God’s greatness was evident in every moment, and our prayers were answered.

Since then, inquiries continue, officials come and go, meetings are held, and over 84,000 signatures have been submitted to the Railway Board supporting our case. Newspapers report various opinions, some supporting the school, others backing the railway terminal development in Tambaram. We continue to pay the annual license fee.

On May 31, 2014, Sr. Jayamary A.C. retired from the school, and Sr. Caroline Daisy A.C. served as Headmistress until May 31, 2016. From June 1, 2016, Sr. Maria Jeevamalar A.C. (Sr. M. Selva Roseline Grace A.C.) has taken charge as Headmistress. Currently, 31 teachers are on the government payroll, with about 800 students enrolled. Additionally, four management staff members and two helpers contribute to the school’s functioning.

God’s grace and protection have sustained us. Christ King has become a mighty tree, deeply rooted in faith, hope, and love, reaching far and wide. Prayers rise through the intercession of St. Jude, St. Joseph, Infant Jesus, and Mother Veronica, our Foundress. Even when challenges arise, we trust that God’s hand will guide us, preserving and enriching this institution. As the Psalmist says:

“Planted in the House of the Lord
They will flourish in the courts of our God.
Still bearing fruit when they are old,
Still full of sap, still green,
To proclaim that the Lord is just.” — Ps. 91