|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 6 October 2002 |
 |
|
 |
Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Appreciation : Kanapathipillai Ponniah Nearly a month ago, I heard of the demise of Kanapathipillai Ponniah known to us as Ponniah. I was just recovering from major surgery so I could not attend his funeral. My wife did. I consider it a privilege to pen these words of appreciation of a very humble man who served the community for over three decades. Way back in 1979, I met Ponniah when I assumed duties as Principal of Berrewaerts College. He was at that time the Prefect of Games of the College and for many years he had played a very vital role in producing athletes of outstanding ability who excelled both at the national and international levels. It took me no time to recognise his abilities and to elevate him as Vice Principal of the College. In both capacities, he discharged his duties very efficiently. He not only gave his best in all spheres, but also guided the students to face challenges in life. He was a very versatile man. He was a dedicated teacher, much loved by the students, an excellent English typist and a methodical worker. He could fit into any role as and when the situation demanded. He could be an accountant, clerk, manager, office attendant or even a watcher. It was entirely with his co-operation, that massive shramadhana campaigns were carried out in the school long before this concept was thought of by the Department of Education. He organised shramadhana campaigns to repair broken furniture and to keep the environment clean. Buildings were annually repaired and colour washed. For the success of these projects, assistance of the students, teachers and parents was always forthcoming. Ponniah used to work long hours with me on holidays and week-ends, in planning strategies for the improvement of the school. His forte was the promotion of sports. It was during his period, that I was able to revive hockey and start hardball cricket in school. It was largely due to his efforts that for the first time we introduced baseball in the Central Province. His simplicity, humility, honesty, understanding, and dedication were sterling qualities which any good teacher could emulate for his or her success in the teaching profession. So devoted to the school, one would normally imagine that he may have neglected his family. To the best of my knowledge he not only loved and cared for his family but always was concerned of their welfare. The little I could do to him was to permit him to occupy my quarters. It was of mutual benefit because he was always available on call for any sort of school work. As for his children all of them responded to his efforts in providing the best eduction possible. His eldest daughter, Dr. (Mrs.) Shanthini Rosairo is a specialist in radiology attached to the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital. His second son Gnanaseelan is a science graduate with a diploma, attached to the Ranabima Royal College, daughter Kumuthini is in Canada while another Vadivambiha is in France. The youngest son Muralitharan whom I knew best is a bio-technology student doing MSC attached to the University of Bangalore. His sons-in-law, daughters-in-law Kingsley Rosairo, Dr. Sarveswari Gnanaseelan, Rajmohan and Thevarajah are all doing well in life. he was also very fond of and devoted to all his grand daughters who would badly miss him. Having said all this the person behind Ponniah's success was his loving wife, Chandravathana who in her silent manner nursed and brought up the children to be useful citizens. Ponniah is no more but his memory will linger. I remember him with great adoration and gratitude. In my own belief, I wish he attains Nibbana. Tissa Wirasinghe |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
