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Hippolyta Saverimuttu :
A remarkable 100-year journey
During a recent sojourn in the United Kingdom, I had the privilege of
meeting this distinguished lady - a lady of the century - Hippolyta
Saverimuttu - born in Jaffna and the second child to D. Saverimuttu and
his wife Helen. Her father, D. Saverimuttu was a Justice of the Peace
and the Headmaster of St. Patrick's College in Jaffna.
Hippolyta's early education was at the Holy Family Convent in Jaffna,
under the tutelage of the Irish Nuns from the Holy Family Order.
Hippolyta was a highly acclaimed student who excelled in her studies and
passed the Senior Cambridge Exams with Honours. Accordingly she was
exempted from sitting for the London Matriculation exams due to her
academic capabilities. Hippolyta entered university after being trained
and educated at Trichy while she underwent her academic training.
 In 1939, Hippolyta started her career as a teacher at the Holy Family
Convent in Jaffna at the age of 23. She continued her illustrious career
at Holy Family Convent in Jaffna until the end of 1945.
Upon leaving the Holy Family Convent, Hippolyta joined the Teacher's
Training College at Maharagama.
She excelled as an educator during her time at the Teacher's Training
College and on completion of her tenure, joined St. Bridget's Convent in
Colombo as a senior educator and teacher where she remained until 1972.
Who else can claim the distinction of tutoring two Prime Ministers
and one Executive President? Hippo Akka (referred to by her close
friends) had the privilege of teaching Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Chandrika
Bandaranaike and her elder sibling Sunethra Bandaranaike at St.
Bridget's.
Hippolyta was an outstanding tennis player and to this day maintains
a keen interest in the sport.
Throughout her career she was highly respected as a very
conscientious and committed individual who helped raise the level of
education and personal competencies and capabilities of her students,
guiding and encouraging them to always do well in all their endeavours
and achievements.
One of the key qualities about Hippolyta is her innate ability to
connect with people from all walks of life. Her willingness to mentor
and counsel people are special qualities that have always endeared her
to her students and peers. She is still today, well regarded and highly
respected by all those fortunate enough to have had her as a mentor,
teacher and friend.
Hippolyta is an avid reader with a highly retentive memory and an
ability to speak on a wide range of subjects including the arts,
religion, culture and importantly, politics and world affairs.
I came to know her when I worked with her sister Rita Sandrasagra and
brother-in-law Regie Santhiapillay at the old Air Ceylon office, the two
persons, by the way, organized for me to fly Hajj pilgrims in a DC 08
flight, for the first time direct - Colombo/Jeddah/Colombo. A fastidious
person and a perfectionist at heart, Hippolyta till today displays an
immaculate sense of dress constantly remaining an icon to friends and
family.
While taking leave of her I wished her in lighter vein that she grows
yet another black hair on her silverline, while stepping into her
journey towards the second century...!
She is 100 years today - (22/08/2016) - and we wish her good health,
happiness and long life!
- AHM Azwer |
