Suman Niketan is situated in the forest area of Pendra Road which is surrounded by hills in the District Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. This area comes in the bank of famous “Satpura Ranges”. That means seven hills. “Amarkantak” Town is 45 kilometers away from this place where river “Narmada” and river “Sone” is rising from these mountains. Tiger, Panther, Bear, Wolves, foxes, Bison, Monkeys, deer and many kinds of snake such as Cobra, Kraits,  Pythons, Scorpians are found in this area. Many wonderful & scarce medicinal plants are found in the valley of Amarkantak. Sumanniketan is a beautiful place situated in the midst of green Sal trees. Frankincense is a valuable product used in worship and medicine, which is found from these Sal trees.

In  the thirties when Pioneer Missionaries of Indiana Police USA visited  this place and established a residential Middle school in the pattern of “Shantiniketan” Calcutta. This was specially instituted for girls. Many semi-orphan and orphan girls of disputed families were wrapped in cotton wool in “Sumankhetan” (may be the misrepresented word of “Sumanniketan”). Yes…! In the early age it was known as “Sumankhetan”, means “Meadow of flowers”. The girl child is the symbol of flower. Pioneer missionaries came from USA Indiana Police, were very much impressed with the verse of the Bible when Jesus said to His disciples “Look at the Lilies of the field” Mathew: 6:28.

All mothers and children were living in small mud cottages covered with cement plaster. Mothers of these broken and poor families were working in the fields of paddy crop and in handy craft making useful home decorative things from unused things. In this way they learn to be self reliant. UCMS, United Christian Missionary Society and Women Board of Missionary Society of Indiana Police USA were responsible and looking after this project. Miss Vida B. Herrah was the Principal of the project at that time. After her Miss Nanhey the Indian missionary was looking after the project and the school.

In  the year 1965, when all the missionary help was stopped gradually this project was closed. After a long gap of 20 years the former Bishop of Jabalpur Diocese the Rt. Rev. F. Jonathan and his wife Mrs. K. F. Jonathan had a vision to restart a home for poor and needy boys of down trodden society of this area. The dreams came true. In the beginning there were only 5 students dwell in the home. All the five were paying students of this remote area. They were paying for their food and rest of expenses born by Jabalpur diocese. Mr. Laurence Deen a retired Air Force personnel was appointed as the first superintendent to look after these children in the year 1982. Later the Bishop thought that it is not sufficient, more poor children should get full support in this home. At that time “Christian Endeavor” Units were working in Bilaspur, Pendra Road, Takhatpur, Katni, Jabalpur and may other parts of Madhya Pradesh (now Chhattisgarh). Bishop introduced funds to this home from Christian Endeavor Union Germany through “SERVICE” association. (Socio Economic Rehabilitation Volunteers In Christian Endeavor) the registered body of Christian Endeavor Union India. The head quarter of this office was in Pune, Maharashtra.  This association was supporting the poor and needy children without any question of colour, cast creed race and religion. Mr. Nirmal Arthur who was village president, well known Christian Endeavorer and Diocesan Worker was appointed as an Assistant Superintendent cum Warden in the year 1984 to start this immense children ministry. At first “Service” started giving support to 30 children in the year 1985.

The hostel managing committee resolute to change the nature and name of this home, hence it was named Mission Boys’ Hostel Sumanniketan, Pendra Road, House no. A-10. The registration of “Service” association has been changed and was registered in the name of “Indienhilfe” means help to India. The social missionary work Germany started giving funds to 45 children of Sumanniketan. Now at present they are supporting 60 poor and needy children. Dr. P. Sethu is the director of Indienhilfe.. Now our head office is in Bangalore.

In this ‘A’ type hostel has its own manual to select a child to get support. Only one child of a poor and needy family can get support till the end of his education up to high school. Brilliant student can get extended foster ship. Only 8 years to 12 years male children can get admission in the hostel. This is interdenominational hostel male child of any denomination of any cast or of any religion can get support. This hostel has produced many good and honest citizen to the society. At present five staff members are working one superintendent, one warden, two cooking staff and one cleaner. Jabalpur Diocese is the legal body. Hon’ble Bishop  the Rt. Rev. Dr. P. C. Singh is the chairman, Rev. A. K. Nath is the project holder.

This home has introduced the “work experience programmes” which is based on learning by doing. Through this child not only learn for livelihood but develops leadership qualities like dignity of labour, skill, creativity, co-operation, friendship, self dependence, self confidence and risk taking. The other important programme is “Community Outreach”. This Programme enables the child to know the reality of life in the community and its culture, unity, awareness of social problems that promote leadership qualities. Apart from these special programmes, this home provided involvement of the child in day to day activities such as self government, games cultural activities several competitions, celebrations of religious, social, national festivals and leadership training camps. This way the home has prearranged many children to the social and religious areas of the society.

The home is proud indeed that our Hon’ble Bishop the Rt. Rev. Dr. P. C. Singh is taking keen interest towards this enormous “life making ministry” of Sumanniketan.

Nirmal Arthur
Secretary
Hostel Managing Committee
Mission Boys’ Hostel
Pendra Road