John Malachi Thilagan was born as the third child of Prof. J.M.Arthur and Mrs.Ruby Arthur, a great grand daughter of Rev.J.Joshua.  He had his early education in the Mission Schools at NAGERCOIL and completed his PUC Course from the Scott Christian College, NAGERCOIL.  Then he joined the Madras Veterinary College and took his B.V.Sc. Degree.   On completion of his studies he joined the Animal Husbandry Department of the Government of TamilNadu in 1969.  He served in various places in various capacities and is now working as Assistant Director of Animal Husbandry in Kanyakumari district.  He was given an award by the Government of Tamil Nadu for his unbiased service in the Department for over twenty five years.   He married Diana daughter of Mr.Y.John and Mrs.Mary Joice John of NAGERCOIL.  After her school education she took a Trained Teacher’s Certificate from the Teacher’s Training School, Kottar, NAGERCOIL.  She worked as a Teacher in the LMS Girl’s Higher Secondary School, Neyyoor, for some time, and is now working in Duthie Girl’s Higher Secondary School, NAGERCOIL.   Like his parents Thilagan is interested and talented in western music and is a well qualified pianist.  He served in the National Executive Committee of YMCA for one year in 1976.  He has also served as a Member of the Diocesan Council from Home Church, NAGERCOIL, from 1991 to 1993.  During 1991 he visited Scotland on being selected by the CSI Synod for a Leadership Training Programme in that Country.  He had visited other countries like Sri Lanka, United Kingdom and Israel.   Mrs.Diana Thilagan served as a Member of the Board of Directors of the YWCA NAGERCOIL, for twelve years.  She is now the Financial Trustee of the Centre for the Aged and Widowed in NAGERCOIL.   They are regular for Church Services and are involved in many Church related activities.  They now live in their family house at Krishnancoil, NAGERCOIL.