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TODA BIBLE Project

Introduction

The Toda tribal community resides in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. They have inhabited this region since ancient times, and there is no record of their presence in any other state or country. It is documented that many years ago, a significant number of Toda individuals succumbed to a disease, resulting in a drastic decline in their population. Current census data indicates that approximately 3,000 Toda people remain today. Consequently, the government is actively focused on their welfare, and numerous experts are conducting research aimed at preserving their traditional culture. Efforts are ongoing to trace the origins of their settlement in this area. The lifestyle of the Todas is characterized by simplicity. Their settlements, known as Mand (villages), are situated in picturesque locations that highlight the beauty of nature. Tourists often enjoy visiting these areas inhabited by the Todas. Historically, the men were known for their strength and remarkable compassion, while the women welcomed guests with great hospitality. In the Toda community, the birth of a child is announced to all members. Marriages are typically arranged within closely related families, whether maternal or paternal. These unions are conducted simply, with the newlyweds receiving blessings from the elders before commencing their married life.

Gallery

Rev. Prof. S. Panneer Selvam along with the Toda Translators during Mark Gospel dedication
Dedication and Release of Toda Audio Device at CSI Thomas Church Ooty
Explaining about the Toda NT Audio device by Translator.
Rev. Prof. S. Panner Selvam is releasing the first copy of the Gospel of Mark in Toda language
Dedication and Release of Toda Audio Device at IBT Centre, Coimbatore
Rev. Prof. S. Panneer Selvam along with the Toda Community People
Books and Audio Device which are released in the Toda Language
Release of New Testament in Toda Language C.S.I. Trinity Church. Blessed & Published by Bishop. Timothy Ravindar.
Mrs. D. Sudandiradevi Panner Selvam Releasing the books of Psalms & Proverbs in Toda Language at Logos-2019.
Distribution of the Book of Psalms and proverbs in the Toda Language.

Irula Culture

Cultural Aspects:

Men traditionally wear garments such as the ‘veshti,’ a shirt, and a ‘duppatta’ known as ‘pooththukulli.’ Women sport distinctive hairstyles featuring rolled patterns and weave their clothing at home. Their diet consists of milk, buttermilk, ghee, rice, ‘saamai,’ ‘ragi,’ and other vegetarian items, as they do not consume non-vegetarian food. They cultivate vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and cabbages in their gardens. Their temples are constructed from stone, cane, and grass, and they do not worship idols or perform sacrifices. Rituals are minimal, with the lighting of ghee in their temples, where matches are not permitted. Women are not allowed to enter the temple, which they refer to as ‘polvorus.’ The Literacy rate is 65.67%. Christian population is 11.15%.

Translation PATH

The vision of making the Bible available in the Toda language inspired Rev. Prof. S. Panneer Selvam to encourage Mrs Poongili and her husband, Mr David Raj, to translate the Bible into the Toda language. On 21 April 2004, Mrs Poongili and her husband became involved with IBT as translators for the Toda language. They committed themselves to translation projects and participated in training sessions conducted in Coimbatore. IBT released the Gospel of Mark on 2 October 2006, which was dedicated by Pastor Stephen Paul at Wesley Church in Ooty. On 2 June 2017, in Memorial Day of IBT founder Rev. Panneer Selvam, the New Testament in Toda was Dedicated by Rev. S. Jeyakumar at the IBT Centre in Coimbatore.

On 27 August 2017, the New Testament in Toda was released again at C.S.I. Trinity Church, Ooty. The first copy was dedicated and released by Rt. Rev. Timothy Ravindar, CSI Bishop of the Coimbatore Diocese. On 18th July 2019, the books of Psalms and Proverbs were released by IBT co-founder Mrs. D. Sudandiradevi Panneer Selvam at the IBT Logos 2019 camp in Anaikatti, Coimbatore. The first copy was received by Toda translator Mrs Poongili. An audio device containing the Toda New Testament, along with Psalms and Proverbs, was released by IBT President Mr. Jabez Selwyn on 14th January 2023 and re-released on 20th January 2024 at C.S.I. Thomas Church, Ooty. The distribution of Audio devices and the New Testament is in the progress. Mrs. Poogili is the current translator of this project.