18th Century Indian Who Fought Casteism Declared Saint By The Vatican
NDTV
Devasahayam was chosen for the sainthood after a pregnant woman testified to a "miracle" after praying to him in 2013.
Devasahayam, who converted to Christianity in the 18th century in the then kingdom of Travancore, was declared a saint by Pope Francis at the Vatican today.
Devasahayam, also known as Lazarus, is the first Indian layman to get sainthood for what the Vatican calls "enduring increasing hardships".
Born Neelakandan Pillai in Hindu upper caste family in present-day Kanyakumari, he worked at Travancore palace. In 1745, he converted to Christianity and took the names of Devasahayam and Lazarus. He went on to fight against caste discrimination and was persecuted and then killed.
In 2012, the Vatican recognised his martyrdom after a rigorous process.
