ANBU ILLAM, “The Home of Love,” was founded by Rev. Dr. B. Russel Raj on June 5, 1995, at Sr. Cecilia Memorial School, Aruguvilai, to provide education for deaf and mute children in the vicinity of Nagercoil town, Kanyakumari District, South India. On June 5, 1996, this special school was relocated to ANBU ILLAM Street, Paramarthalingapuram, Nagercoil. It was legally registered as a Trust on September 26, 1996, with Rev. Dr. B. Russel Raj serving as the Managing Trustee, along with six other trustees.
Initially, this institution was supported by well-wishers from Nagercoil town through various initiatives, such as small savings schemes, collecting donations through cultural events and lucky draw programs, selling Bible diaries and Christmas greetings, and raising birds, among others. A children’s hostel was opened on June 5, 1997 within the school campus.
In 2002 and 2003, with the recommendations of Prof. Ruud G. W. Huysmans and Mr. Gerit Smulders, financial support was provided by Cordaid International, Den Haag, and Missiebureau, Bisdom Roermond, The Netherlands, for the construction of a hostel building for the children. Between 2003 and 2005, Dr. Hans Christiaan Ummethun from Berlin visited ANBU ILLAM and partially contributed to the purchase of adjacent land for future expansion of the building. Mr. Paul and Mrs. Angela Tomlinson from Newcastle visited ANBU ILLAM and established a Foundation to support the higher education of Anbu Illam's children after their school years. Many students have benefited from this initiative. Mr. Gaston Geliessen from Rotterdam visited ANBU ILLAM a couple of times, encouraging the children through picnics and other recreational activities. He also chaired the Silver Jubilee celebration of ANBU ILLAM on September 25, 2019.
The Family of Jack
The first meeting between the Managing Trustee and Mr. Jack from Long Island, USA, took
place at Mr.
Jack’s residence on September 10, 2005. From that very first meeting, Mr. Jack was
deeply impressed by
the
service of ANBU ILLAM and became a patron of the ministry.
Although Mr. Jack was invited to visit ANBU ILLAM on several occasions, he was unable to do so. However, his generous contributions to ANBU ILLAM were remarkable. As a result, ANBU ILLAM and all its institutions flourished, further supporting Nallayanpuram, Christurajapuram, Arockia Annai Nagar, and Thomaiyarpuram.
Christ the King School at Jack Campus, Kannumamoodu, and Angels Palace, Jackshields, Palugal, were established solely through his financial assistance. The continued existence of Anbu Illam's home for children and the special school for the deaf is entirely due to his support.
Mr. Jack passed away on August 22, 2014. Mrs. Susan, his daughter, continues the legacy he left behind, a legacy that is not only upheld but also further supported by Mr. Steve and Mr. Tom, his sons.
Jack and Dorothy Foundation for
Cancer Victims
Mr. Jack and his beloved wife, Mrs. Dorothy, both passed away due to cancer. In their
memory, a Foundation was established on September 30, 2014, the day Mr. Jack was laid to
rest. Through this Foundation, ANBU ILLAM provides partial support to deserving cancer
patients.
Christ the King School, Jack Campus,
Kannumamoodu
As ANBU ILLAM serves as an agent of social transformation, the Managing Trustee
envisioned establishing a school at Kannumamoodu, inspired by the profound words of
world-renowned personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Aristotle, John
Dewey, Kofi Annan, and Confucius, who emphasized the transformative power and value of
education. Understanding the vision of the Managing Trustee, Mr. Jack stepped forward to
support this project by facilitating the purchase of land, constructing buildings, and
establishing infrastructure. It was officially opened on June 5, 2008.
Angels Palace for the Senior Citizens
and the Destitute, Jackshields, Palugal
In 2008, with the financial support of Mr. Jack, 4 acres and 4 cents of land were
purchased at Manalivilai, Palugal Post, Kanyakumari District. On June 5, 2015,
construction work began, and the building was completed with contributions from Mr.
Jack's family, Mr. Robert Tomlinson, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Mirine. The house
was blessed on April 7, 2018, by Most Rev. V. Jeromedhas, Bishop of the Diocese of
Kuzhithurai, and officially inaugurated on August 22, 2018, a date commemorating the
death anniversary of Mr. Jack and the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Mother.
Paul and Angela New World
Foundation
With the financial support of Paul and Angela, a foundation was established to assist
children who graduate from ANBU ILLAM in pursuing their higher education. Hundreds of
students benefited from this project and pursued post-secondary education.