Our History
A journey of faith, dedication, and transformation through the years
History Highlights
Key milestones in our mission to bring God's Word to every language
Foundation
In the year 1978, Indian Bible Translators was founded by Prof. S. Panneer Selvam.
First Steps
IBT Office was established at Coimbatore on rental basis. Gospel of Mark was dedicated and released in the Sourashtra Language.
Expansion & Outreach
In 1981, Gospel of Mark was dedicated and released in the Badaga Language. Promotional meetings & Ezra Camps started to spread their wings across all States & Districts. For the first time, 3 days Gospel meetings were started in Northern parts of India.
First LOGOS Camp
Planning meeting was conducted at IBT Office and it was decided to rename the annual camp as LOGOS. The First Logos camp was held in Coimbatore from 12th to 15th.
IBT Magazine & Translation
IBT Magazine was started to publish in Tamil & English language once in every month. Gospel of Mathew was dedicated and released in Badaga Language at Kothagiri. Logos Camp was held from May 10th to May 12th.
Growth & Expansion
In 1985, Gospel of John was dedicated and released in Badaga Language. IBT Director visited North America to explain about IBT ministries. Construction work of IBT building was inaugurated in Coimbatore on 13th February.
Full-Time Ministry
In the year 1991, IBT Founder Prof. S. Panneer Selvam dedicated himself to Full time ministry & Inauguration of Bible Translation Training Center. Various meetings and missionary activities were held in multiple locations.
Publications & Training
In 1994, IBT released its Calendar. In 1996 land was purchased in the Bindra mission field for building a church. Audio-visual training workshop took place in IBT Office Coimbatore.
New Testament Releases
In 1991, a new Church was constructed and inaugurated in Pindra. New Testament was released in Badaga Language in Ooty. In 2002, Gospel of Mark was dedicated and released in Irula language.
Magazine Renamed
In 2003, IBT Magazine got its new name as "Saththiya Vaarthai". In 2006, New Testament was dedicated and released in Chattisgarhi language.
Multiple Translations
In 2007, New Testament was dedicated and released in Bhojpuri language. Gospel of Mark was dedicated and released in Marwari Language in Jodhpur. In 2007, New Testament was dedicated and released in Deshia language.
Churches & Translations
In 2012, IBT church at Sirumapandi in Odisha was dedicated. IBT Director was promoted to Heavenly Glory on June 2nd 2013. IBT Church was dedicated in Pothargan, Odisha. The New Testament in Paniya language, the Gospel of Matthew in the Vagri language, and the Gospel of Matthew and John in the languages of Kuduk, Halbi, and Bagheli were released.
Publications & Biography
In 2017, the Toda New Testament and Introduction to the Books of the Bible were released. In 2018, The Gospel of Matthew was released in Koya and Sora. The book "Viviliya Payanathin Vidivelli" written by Co-founder Mrs. D. Sudandiradevi which contains the Biography of Rev. Prof. Panneer Selvam was also published on the same day.
Multiple Releases
New Testament in Irula Velliyangadu, Irula Kunjapani, Yerava; Psalms and Proverbs in Bhojpuri, Mirgan, Kalahandia and Toda; Gospel of Luke in Kuvi and Gospel of Matthew in Bhovi were released in the Logos Camp. The book "Deva Satham" was also dedicated and released.
New Leadership
The book "Sorvum Theervum," written by Prof. Panneerselvam and translated into English in the name of "Defeat the Despair". IBT's new administrative members were selected: Mr. P. Jabez Selwyn as the New President of the Indian Bible Translators ministry, Mr. Varamaniraj as the New Secretary, and Mr. John Sekar as the Treasurer in November.
Sourashtra Bible
In 2022, Sourashtra Bible was dedicated and released in Madurai.
Audio Recordings
Audio recording devices for the New Testament in Irula-Velliyankadu language were dedicated and released. Mr. P. Jabez Selwyn was re-elected as the President of the Indian Bible Translation Ministries, with Mr. Varmaniraj as the Secretary and Mr. John William as the Treasurer.
Sambalpuri & Audio Releases
The Sambalpuri New Testament was dedicated and released in Bargarh, Odisha, on 1st January 2024. Audio devices for the New Testament in the Irula–Velliyankadu language, and the New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs in the Toda language, were dedicated and released at CSI Thomas Church, Ooty, on 20th January. The IBT one-day meetings were held at TELC Church, Town Hall, Coimbatore, on 26.01.2024, and in Erode on 02.10.2024.
Recent Activities
Lenten Day meetings were held in various churches. The IBT Family Meeting was conducted on 1st May 2025 in Chennai. The IBT Youth Meeting was held in Chennai on 31st March 2025. The IBT Annual Prayer Meeting was conducted on 9th and 10th May 2025 at the IBT Centre, Coimbatore. Audio devices containing the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs in the Badaga language were released on 14th June 2025 at CSI St. Luke's Church, Kotagiri.
Continuing the Mission
Continuing to fulfill the vision of bringing God's Word to every Indian language. Our dedicated team remains committed to excellence in translation, community engagement, and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.