A wise man has said, "The purpose of education is the preservation and enhancement of knowledge and the development of character within our given form of society which will prepare the individual for the conditions of extreme novelty the near future is bringing."

Azhagappapuram is renowned for education. A peep into the history of educational development of Azhagai reveals the major role played by parish priests.  Without their unstinted efforts, Azhagai could not have become what it is today in the field of education. The teachers of Azhagai and elsewhere, with their erudition, teaching skills and forbearance  have contributed to the educational progress of Azhagai.  In addition to tutoring wards, teachers have imparted discipline, ethics, morals and etiquette without which education is futile.   Parents and guardians too have played a crucial part in instilling the importance of education and moral  as well as ethical principles in the minds of their siblings.

In recent times, economic prosperity has enabled a large number of youths to pursue various professional studies.  Scores of scholars, doctors, engineers, executives and many other professionals have emerged from this village.  Year after year their number has been on the increase.  Quite a number of educated youth has found gainful employment in both private and public sectors.  Many have migrated to greener pastures abroad to enhance their prospects.   At this amazing turnaround, it is pertinent to go back in time chronologically and find out the architects who have been instrumental in the educational development of Azhagappapuram. We are indebted to them.

During the period 1700-1740, Malayananchan, the early settler,  built a thatch-roofed church, dedicating it to  St. Antony.  As he believed that he was cured of a serious ailment with divine grace, he donated his land surrounding the Azhagai church.  Our primary school was constructed thereafter on this plot.  The existing church land was acquired about 159 years ago.

Prior to 1910, the village did not have a proper school.  Those interested in educating their children sent them to schools located then in areas closer home.  For pursuing high school studies, pupils had to go to Nagercoil more often on foot.  

In May 1910, the then parish priest of Azhagai, Rev. Fr. Pappai, upgraded the Primary school to Middle School.

During the tenure of Rev. Fr. Mariadhas (1931-1934), owing to the dismal economic and living conditions as well as lack of awareness of the importance of education, our school had to be shut down.  However,  Fr. Mariadhas brought about improvements in the conditions with concerted efforts and the school re-opened after a while.  It started functioning normally thereafter.

Rev. Fr. Thirukudumbadhason Thalmaitha (1938–1939) built the school office building and another block for the school on the northern side of the church.
During 1943-1946, Rev. Fr. Michael was the parish priest. He became the correspondent of the school and discharged his duties effectively.

In 1944, acknowledging the wishes of the people of Azhagai, the then Bishop of Tuticorin diocese, The Most Rev. Roche, D.D.D.C.L,  founded the convent for nuns and named it  St. Seseeliammal Illam.  The convent rendered distinguished support service in the running of the primary school.

Rev. Fr. Periyanayagam (April 1946-April 1947), as custodian of the parish and the school, exercised strict control over the day-to-day affairs and ensured a great degree of  efficiency and growth in the parish's education.

In 1947, Rev.Fr. A.M. Novamani assumed charge of the Azhagappauram parish.  Once in command of the parish, he promised to establish a high school.   Drawing strength and confidence from God, he founded the high school in the year 1948 duly keeping his word.  This event proved to be  a watershed in the educational history of Azhagai. more...>>>