Published Sep 06, 2026 | 7:22 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 06, 2026 | 7:22 PM
Rev. Indira Ayyappan and Rev. Vijaya Karuppuswamy
Synopsis: Rev. Indira Ayyappan and Rev. Vijaya Karuppuswamy, two women who grew up in Munnar’s tea plantation communities, have now been ordained as priests of the Church of South India. Coming from families rooted in tea estate labour, both overcame personal and educational challenges to pursue theological studies and complete their Bachelor of Divinity degrees. Their ordination marks not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for Munnar’s plantation communities.
In Munnar, it is a familiar sight- women, many of them with roots in Tamil Nadu, walking through the misty tea plantations with baskets strapped to their backs, gathering tea leaves as they have done for generations. For most, the tea gardens are their workplace, their livelihood and a way of life.
But who would have imagined that, among these rows of tea bushes, two women would one day hear a different calling- the call to the pulpit?
Rev. Indira Ayyappan (49) and Rev. Vijaya Karuppuswamy (48) were ordained to the priesthood of the Church of South India (CSI) at the CSI Christ Church in Munnar, marking a significant milestone for women from the region’s tea plantation communities.
Their ordination is significant not only within the church but also for the communities they come from. Both women were born and raised in tea estate surroundings, in families whose lives were closely connected to plantation labour.
From growing up in the estate lines to pursuing theological education and eventually entering priesthood, their journeys have been shaped by years of study, service and perseverance.
The two had spent the past two and a half years serving as deacons at different CSI churches in Munnar before taking the next step.
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At the priesthood ordination ceremony in Munnar
Vijaya’s roots are in the Vagavarai tea estate. Born and raised in the plantation community, she comes from a family of tea estate labourers who lived in the estate lines.
A member of CSI Holy Trinity Church, Vagavarai, Vijaya pursued theological studies despite the challenges that came with her background. Vijaya’s journey was not easy, but she continued her studies and remained committed to her calling.
Indira grew up at Lakshmi Estate in Munnar and is a member of CSI St John’s Church, Marayoor.
Like Vijaya, she had to overcome several personal hurdles to pursue theological education. Growing up in the plantation community, she gradually moved towards formal theological studies and ministry, eventually completing the required academic training.
Both eventually completed their Bachelor of Divinity (BD) degrees from the Kerala United Theological Seminary in Thiruvananthapuram.
Their years of theological education were followed by practical service in the church. For two and a half years, they served as deacons at different CSI churches in Munnar, gaining experience in church activities and ministry before being ordained as priests.
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For the tea estate communities of Munnar, their journey carries a significance that goes beyond the church. Coming from families rooted in plantation labour, their rise to ordained ministry reflects the possibilities that can emerge when education and faith come together.
The tea plantations have long shaped the social and economic lives of thousands of families in Munnar.
For people growing up in these communities, access to higher education and professional opportunities can often come with challenges.
Their ordination also represents a significant moment for women in the region. By entering ordained ministry, the two have taken on a larger role in the life and work of the church, while also adding to the growing presence of women in ordained ministry within the CSI.
For Indira and Vijaya, the journey from the tea estates of Munnar to the pulpit has therefore been more than a personal achievement. It represents years of perseverance, a commitment to education and faith and a new chapter in their service to the church and the communities they come from.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
