Biography P. Chenchiah

chenchiah born hindu brahmin home in nellore, andhra pradesh (india), in 1886. oldest of 12 children grew together. @ age of 15, chenchiah converted christianity, along family , baptized william miller, scottish missionary. chenchiah went on marry matilda raghaviah, , had 1 son , 4 daughters.

chenchiah got education madras christian college grew enormously under william miller — scottish missionary, principal. received degree in philosophy in 1906, received gold medal proficiency in philosophy. did bachelor of laws degree (bl) in 1908, , master of laws degree (ml) in 1913, madras law college. started practice advocate of high court of madras, served government servant in various offices. 1 source states chenchiah became judge of district of pudukottah, in madras presidency (now tamil nadu), in 1928. source provides later date, saying chenchiah became judge in 1935. according v. devasahayam, chenchiah retired position after refusing yield government pressure pass verdict in favor. chenchiah rejoined madras high court, , became chief examiner of law exams madras , andhra universities.

chenchiah voracious reader, , through interest in philosophy , ethics chenchiah grew in prominence in christian circles. pursued active friendships people of others faiths , involved in several formal , informal inter-faith discussions.

chenchiah wrote 2 prominent christian journals, guardian , pilgrim. chenchiah served editor of pilgrim 1949 1952. on editorial committee of christian patriot, indian christian nationalistic organ, between 1916 , 1924. member of board of directors of young men s christian association(ymca), madras(present chennai). served member of executive committee of national missionary society. 1 of founders of madras christo samaj in madras presidency, , has been actively associated bangalore continuation conference discussion association problems of indian christian life. apart this, chenchiah represented south indian union church @ international missionary conference @ jerusalem (1928) , listed judge @ international missionary conference @ tambaram (1938).

his significant association madras rethinking group. have pointed out william miller, played major role in encouraging chenchiah , brother-in-law vengal chakkarai chetti rethink christianity within indian context, possibly in effort integrate hinduism , christianity. results of group printed book called rethinking christianity in india.

chenchiah died due short illness on april 19, 1959, in madras.