As a project to mark the Bicentenary Celebrations of the Tirunelveli Church (1980) and appropriately in 1981, the International Year for the Disabled Persons, was opened the Bishop Sargent Home and School for the Mentally Retarded, Palayamkottai. From a humble beginning with 30 children and 2 teachers it has grown into a model institution of its kind, with 94 children and a staff 21 strong all within 10 years. Making the best, use of the aid from KNH through C.S.I. - C.C.C. it has provided a splendid infrastructure both for the School and Home. A skilled and devoted staff has been able to effect a remarkable transformation in the lives of the inmates, making them competent and confident to enter the mainstream of life.