Early Years:

Childhood and Education

Santiago Rajan was born on January 19th, 1934, in a village called Sokkan Kudiyiruppu in Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu for parents Mrs. Thainesu Ammal and Mr. Periya Viyagappa Nadar and was named Santiago Rajan after the latin saint Santiago. As a child Santiago Rajan was dynamic and studious, wanted to study well in a large family of seven brothers and one sister. During those years times were tough and Law studies were for the chosen few. Santiago Rajan was determined to study Law. Santiago Rajan studied with the very limited opportunities with sheer determination with guidance from his Mother living in the village and studied even in street light and in Hurricane kerosene light when there was no electricity during many nights.Santiago Rajan attributed all his success to his Mother and worshipped his Mother till his last day..

Santiago Rajan’s many brothers also took up studies and were able to go to college. His Father was working in Ceylon then and earned money for his family and his Mother encouraged her last son Santiago Rajan to study well with all her heart. After basic schooling in Sokkankudiyiruppu in Tirunelveli district, in 1949 Santiago Rajan moved to St. Xaviers High School in Palayamkottai in Tirunelveli for high school education. Santiago Rajan was a dynamic student and attended St. Xaviers High School with enthusiasm and was studious and this is when Santiago Rajan wanted to become a lawyer. Santiago Rajan’s elder brother Mr. Rajaiah says he used to visit Santiago Rajan at St. Xaviers School once in a while and he has seen Santiago Rajan sitting in the ground under the tree surrounded by students who used to enthusiastically listen to him talk with leadership qualities about both public topics and study subjects. He was an avid speaker and was able to charm students and teachers alike with his communication skills and leadership qualities at very young age.

Santiago Rajan was admitted on merit in Madras law college and excelled in his studies to become a renowned lawyer. During his years in Madras Law College, Santiago Rajan excelled in his studies and admired by both students and lecturers alike. In Madras Law College, Santiago Rajan was elected to become General Secretary of Representative Council. He headed the Representative Council and graduated with flying colours from Madras Law College during 1955 to 1959 period..