Hallowed Memories Of Eminence

By S. Sivathasan –June 29, 2015

S. Sivathasan

In a single line cryptic and exquisite, a great Tamil poet, grammarian and scholar Tholkaapiar said “The world is of the learned”. For over two thousand years several generations have attested to the truism of the statement. With critical thought and reflection for three decades after the passing away of Principal St. John’s College, Jaffna, we have realised what a void men of eminence have left by their demise. Among those few was Mr. Anandarajan.

It was amidst political changes in the aftermath of the 1977 pogrom that he lived through eight of his nine years as Principal. Politics had its inevitable impact on society, which could not avoid the process of fraying. Together with political unpredictability came social instability and both grew apace. The structure of values that knit Jaffna society together began to lose its hold. The student community had begun to drift without direction. To complete the process, the government forced the traditional political leadership of the Tamils out of the country with the Sixth Amendment. A situation of chaos was enveloping the country and the North was affected most.

Mr. C. E. Anandarajan

In a situation as challenging as this, some possessed of leadership qualities anchored themselves in defence of all that was valued by society. In the early eighties Anandarajan came forward as a man with a mission. Never neglecting his primary call towards the college, he got on to the stage marked out by destiny where too his contribution seemed called. He did so in the most trying situation. He had the courage and the commitment to be a leader in society.

In the post 1983 environment, when the student community and youth faced arrest and endless difficulties, society looked up to him for help. He had the courage to approach the military to have them released. His intercessions made him a leader chalking out his own path. His emergence was a reproach to those who were far too lusterless in comparison. More irksome was his fearlessness even in the face of arms and their senseless use. It may well be said that he knew no fear and feared not death. Even when cautioned it was not in him to retract. To impetuous youth it was a challenge if not an affront.

It was not before midgets that he strode tall. He once met the highest in the land to correct a wrong at the AL examination and thereby secured justice for the students.

At this point of time when thirty years are past, political turmoil has run its course and social upheaval has lost its steam at least momentarily, society is picking up the threads again. Movement is steady though the pace may be slow. A much desired leadership which men with a mission can provide is now rightly recognized. Our thoughts go to a Principal who stood apart.   Read More