Tribute

Dr. A. M. A. Azeez

Reference to the glowing tribute paid by a prominent old Zahirian of the calibre of Thalif Deen in the Sunday Observer of November 22, I would also like to share some titbits with Thalif Deen and fellow readers that my late father Alhaj M. L. M. Farook who served on the staff of Zahira College as a dedicated Librarian from the time of Alhaj Dr. T. B. Jayah to R. I. T. Alles used to reminiscence about Dr. A. M. A. Azeez’s salient features.

As a Senator, Dr. A. M. A. Azeez prior to attending a Senate meeting had requested my father to bring all the available Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries to know the exact meaning of the word ‘BUT’, such was the preparation made by this prominent educationist before attending any Senate Session. I have seen and read some of the prepared speeches delivered on important occasions by Dr. A. M. A. Azeez in our college library and I hope they are preserved for future reference for the younger generation to know about Dr. Azeez’s priceless contribution towards education, religious, cultural and literary activities. Another exemplary quality

Dr. A. M. A. Azeez had was that he reprimanded his staff for standing before him and had told them “Do not stand like a Palmyrah tree, pull a chair and sit down.” This incident was narrated to me by my late father which still reverberates in my mind. This shows the true qualities of this great educationist.

It is under the guidance of Dr. A. M.A.Azeez that Zahira College became the radiating centre of Islamic thought and culture. this was has intention and this illustrious son of Sri Lanka had uttered these words.

Fowzul Aleem Farook

Francis Vethanayagam

Seventy nine plus from the time of his birth,
Francis has left planet earth,
To his creators homely mansion,
After a successful earthly mission.
In the suburb of Dehiwela he was born and bred,
Its socio-cultural ambience, that fed the dreams
Of his boyhood days, stood him in great stead,
to carry out his manifold acts of mercy and charity,
that elevated him to high rank of an (All-Island) J.P.
The Dehiwela Catholic Association,
The focus of his youthful radical attention,
resulted in its transformation,
from a conservative to liberal dispensation.
About ownership of Church pews,
He had radical but progressive views,
Hence, he successfully spearheaded a campaign for its abolition,
As it was an abomination.
Of his selfless loving care,
The Cheshire Home is aware,
The poorest of the poor burns victims received his attention,
Through the German/British funded plastic surgery Foundation.
His good deeds when by Saint Peter is measured,
A Mansion closer to the throne will be assured,
To enjoy eternal heavenly bliss,
While on earth his visage and sense of humour,
His family and friends will miss.

- A. Pulle