Chetti Devasahayam facts for kids

Chetti Devasahayam (born October 6, 1913 – died February 28, 1993) was an important leader in India. He served as the Registrar of the Senate of Serampore College (University). This was India's first university. He held this position from 1960 to 1975.

During his time as Registrar, different Christian groups started working more closely together. This led to many seminaries (schools for religious training) joining forces. He also gave the first speech when the Andhra Christian Theological College was started in 1964.

His Education

Chetti Devasahayam went to CBM-McLaurin High School in Kakinada. After high school, he studied science at Pithapuram Rajah College. He earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from Andhra University.

From 1936 to 1939, he trained to become a minister. He studied at Serampore College in Serampore. He was supported by the Canadian Baptist Mission and the Convention of Baptist Churches of Northern Circars.

Later, in 1955, his church sent him to the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in the United States. He studied there for a year. He earned a Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree in 1956.

His Christian Work

After finishing his studies at Serampore College, Chetti Devasahayam became a pastor. He worked in rural areas where there were not many Christians. He helped to build up new church groups. From 1939 to 1942, he supervised the Visakha Field for the Canadian Baptist Mission.

During World War II, he served as a Military Chaplain for the Royal Indian Navy. He was a chaplain from 1942 to 1947. After the war, he returned to his church work.

In 1947, he became the Krishna Field Minister. He was stationed in Avanigadda. In 1951, he visited Canada. He spoke at a missionary meeting there. Many people from different towns came to hear him speak.

University and Church Leadership

In 1960, Chetti Devasahayam was chosen to be the Registrar of India's first university. This was the Senate of Serampore College (University). As Registrar, he was also a member of the university's main council.

While working at the university, he also served as a volunteer pastor. He led services at the Lower Circular Road Baptist Chapel in Kolkata. This church was founded by William Carey. Devasahayam started pastoring there in 1968. In 1975, he became the full-time pastor of the chapel. He left his university role in 1978.

He also taught as a visiting professor. He taught at his old school, the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, from 1974 to 1975.