Mangaluru: The historic Sushanthi Nilaya at Merkera Hill in Mangaluru has received a new lease of life with the inauguration of its renovated community hall. The restoration of the nearly 139-year-old structure was described as an effort to preserve the heritage of the institution and honour the memory of the Jonas family’s late parents.
Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration, Dr. Dexter S. Maben, head of CSI David Memorial Church, Bengaluru, said the restoration had helped revive an important part of the community’s heritage.
The renovation was undertaken by Jonas Petro Products Pvt. Ltd. through Sunil Jonas and his family in memory of his parents, the late Sebastian Elia Jonas and V. Sulochani Jonas.
Historic structure restored
Built in 1834, the structure has served the community in different capacities over the decades. It was used as a school, a place of worship and a residence for clergy at various points in its history.
The building had remained largely unused and deteriorated in recent decades. Its comprehensive renovation has now converted it into a modern community facility while retaining its historical significance.
Dr. Maben appreciated Sunil Jonas for supporting the restoration despite not holding any official position in the diocese or the local church. He described the initiative as a generous contribution undertaken without expectation of personal benefit.
The renovated facility was formally opened following a special prayer service attended by church leaders, clergy and members of the public from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
Rev. Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop of the CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese, led the prayer service. He said the restored structure should be viewed as more than a physical building, describing it as a reminder of the faith and traditions carried forward by generations.
Rev. Santhosh Kumar Singh, Pastor-in-charge of Sushanthi Nilaya, along with Sunil Jonas, Sandhya Jonas, their family members and others, attended the inauguration ceremony.