BDAV,Thanjavur | Leadership Team
BDAV,Thanjavur

Leadership Team

OUR FOUNDER

Most Rev Or M. Devadass Ambrose, the Chairman, is the current and third Bishop of the Catholic diocese of Thanjavur. He is also the President of the Diocese of Tanjore Society, which owns and runs the school. A Bible scholar and former professor, Bishop Ambrose did his licentiate at the Biblical Institute, Rome, and received his doctorate summa cum laude from the Catholic University, Paris - in Sacred Scripture. He was serving as the Vice Rector and Registrar of St Peter's Pontifical Seminary & Institute, Bengaluru, when he was made the bishop of Thanjavur in 1997. In the last twenty plus years of his stewardship, the diocese has grown enormously, and its missions have multiplied. Bishop Ambrose has a special passion for educating the young, which has resulted in the creation of many institutes of higher learning in the diocese in recent years. This school, founded in his honor and named after him, is a tribute not only to Bishop Ambrose's leadership but also to the nearly 70-year old diocese's legacy and commitment to educating the masses in this region.

OUR CHAIRMAN

Most Rev. Dr. Sagayaraj Thamburaj the fourth and current Bishop of the Diocese of Thanjavur, was born on 14th March 1969 in Ayyampatti, in the Diocese of Tiruchirappalli. He pursued his studies in Philosophy and Theology at Sacred Heart Seminary, Poonamallee and was ordained as a priest for the diocese of Tiruchirappalli on 17th April 1996. He holds degrees in English and Philosophy, including a Doctorate in Theology. His roles have included Associate Director of TMSSS, Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Secretary of various commissions, and President of the Tamil Nadu Systematic Theologians’ Forum.

Known for his visionary leadership and deep pastoral commitment, Bishop Sagayaraj is dedicated to serving the community through education, theology, and social upliftment. Driven by a heart for service, he envisions a world where quality education is a right for all, not a privilege. With unwavering dedication, he continues to inspire and transform lives—building a society that is compassionate, enlightened, and rooted in strong spiritual values.

OUR CORRESPONDENT

Rev Fr S Vincent, the second and current Correspondent of Bishop Devadass Ambrose Vidyalaya (CBSE), is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Thanjavur. Ordained in the year 1998, in the last twenty-five years or so of his priestly ministry, Fr Vincent has held various key positions in the diocese both in pastoral and administrative domains. He has a bachelor’s degree in Education, besides an M.Phil and two Masters, one of which he did at the renowned Jesuit-run Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, USA. A large chunk of Fr Vincent’s priestly ministry has been spent in the educational field, having already been the Correspondent of two premier schools in the diocese: St Antony’s Matriculation School, Vedaranyam (2010-2014) and Punitha Arockia Annai Higher Secondary School, Punalvasal (2014-2020). Fr Vincent brings to Bishop’s School a wealth of experience, a clear understanding of the educational system, and a fresh perspective, gained through international exposure. A seasoned administrator with a pastor’s heart, Fr Vincent toils hard to build cordial interpersonal relationships with the staff, students and parents, which he considers as the key to success. His avowed aim is to make Bishop Devadass Ambrose Vidyalaya one of the top CBSE schools in the State.

OUR ADMINISTRATOR

Rev. Fr. S. Franko Edin is a Diocesan Priest, is hailing from Thanjavur. He who has created and maintained a positive and an inclusive school culture in his previous academic tenure, is an abled administrator and organizer. He has excelled in his collegiate and ecclesiastical studies. His academic excellence has to be noted that has completed M.Sc., M.A., B. Ed., simultaneously in different Universities.

Pastoral zeal for faithful and his commitment towards the given assignments in his previous appointments to be highly applauded. He is a voracious reader and a prolific writer in religious monthlies. He who has given motivation talks for teachers and students, is an authentic speaker both in Tamil and English.

Fr. Franko Edin is a singer and has composed many religious hymns. Hoping to ensure a safe, disciplined and productive learning environment for the students in his new venture as an administrator at BDAV.

OUR PRINCIPAL

Rev. Sr. H. Premila Shantha Mary, the Principal of Bishop Devadass Ambrose Vidyalaya (CBSE) was born in Wellington, Nilgiris, and completed her schooling at St. Ann’s Girls Higher Secondary School, Aruvankadu. She holds a B.Sc. in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry from St. Theresa’s College, Eluru, AP; a B.Ed. in Mathematics from St. Mary’s College of Education, Chengalpattu; and an M.Sc. in Mathematics from Annamalai University.

In addition, she earned a B.Sc. in Religious Science, Theology, Philosophy, and Psychology from three prestigious institutions in Rome: Angelicum University, Gregorian University, and Urbanianum University. She has also completed three levels of professional counselling training at Anugraha, Dindigul.

Sr.Premila brings more than ten years of teaching experience from various St. Ann’s institutions across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rome, Italy. She is proficient in computer applications and multimedia tools such as Movavi and Viva. She is fluent in Tamil, English, Telugu, and Italian, with working knowledge of Hindi and Malayalam.

Her motto—“Communicate God, Celebrate Life, Radiate Joy, Instill Hope”—guides her work and leadership. A passionate musician and artist, she enjoys playing the Casio, singing, recording, composing hymns, painting, dancing, and writing. Her articles and poems often appear in magazines and province bulletins. She is also active in counseling and regularly conducts seminars for women, children, and youth.Known for her punctuality, dedication, and humility, Sr. Premila continues to inspire students, faculty, and parents through her tireless commitment to education and service.