The vice-province of India South came into existence on 1^st January 1995 when the Indian Province which stretched from Haflong in Assam to Preshitha Matha in Kerala was divided into three vice- provinces, South, Central and North East India. These were established as provinces on 1^st January 2000. Today RNDMs in India South are working in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Though there are some similarities among the people of these states, yet there are significant differences in the culture, tradition, and the life-style of these three states.  Though two of the first Indian young women to make their first profession as RNDMS were from the state of Kerala and many others have since followed them, our superiors did not seriously consider a foundation in the South until 1962 when war broke out on India’s north-east border with China. Because there was anxiety about the safety of Sisters and young people in formation, it was decided that a house should be open in the South in the not too distant future.

In 1962, when war broke out with China, RNDM superiors decided to send the aspirants and junior Sisters who were in Shillong to safer quarters. Accordingly, twenty- eight of them arrived in Kolkata in late 1962, and from there proceeded to Hazaribagh, Bihar, ironically remained there till they returned to Shillong in 1964. But on-going uncertainty about security in the north – east persisted, which led to consider opening a house in India South. The need for a convent in peaceful surroundings was the primary aim of superiors at that time. Bengaluru was identified as a suitable place to open a formation house in South. A further advantage was that young Sisters could attend good theological and spiritual programmes, while safety and security were not concern here.

From the beginning, the Sisters were busy in the parish activities. Special importance was given to catechism and value education classes. The community followed the traditional RNDM custom of visiting the sick and the needy. Eventually a nursery and primary school were opened so that the community could be self-financing. Today it is a full-fledged high school. Most of the RNDMs from India South have spent their initial days as candidates in Mariam Nivas.