Munnar (Kerala): In a landmark moment for the region’s tea garden history, two women from Munnar have been ordained as priests in the Church of South India (CSI) Madhya Kerala Diocese. Rev Indira Ayyappan (49) and Rev Vijaya Karuppuswamy (48) received their ordination at Munnar's CSI Christ Church.

For the past two and a half years, both had been serving as deacons across various CSI churches in Munnar. Rev Vijaya was born and raised in the Vagavarai tea estate. Her parents were plantation labourers, and her family lived in estate lines. She is a member of the CSI Holy Trinity Church in Vagavarai. Rev Indira grew up in Munnar's Lakshmi Estate and is a member of the CSI St John's Church in Marayoor.

Both women overcame major challenges to complete their studies, earning their Bachelor of Divinity (BD) degrees from the Kerala United Theological Seminary in Thiruvananthapuram.

“Rise to the priesthood is true empowerment for us,” both said.