Surendra Gardia was born 10 March 1933 in a Christian home and was baptized as a third-generation Christian in his home village of Itchapur, India, in 1950. He earned an Intermediate in Arts degree; a diploma in teaching; BA and MA degrees in English Literature; a BEd degree; and a certificate in Effective Modern Educational Administration.

He has been a teacher and administrator at Janzen Memorial Higher Secondary School, Jagdeeshpur (1950-1962), the mission primary-middle-high school (headmaster, 1962-1977), Beacon English School (principal, 1977-), all located in Korba. Although he has not married, he has taken in many of his relatives' sons and provided them with a Christian home environment and education. He has served the church in many different capacities including Secretary of the Bharatiya General Conference Mennonite Church. Many of the students of the Beacon English School have obtained highest honors in the All India Higher Secondary examinations under Surendra's leadership. The school had (1987) four branch schools and a total enrollment of more than 2,000 students.

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 5, p. 324. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

©1996-2012 by the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. All rights reserved.