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| Sunday, 15 February 2004 |
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Prof. T. Nadaraja - A truly learned man Prof. T. Nadaraja Emeritus Professor of Law, of the University of Colombo passed away recently whilst in retirement. His singular eminence as a thorough scholar of law gave him an enduring reputation both as an outstanding teacher and dedicated research worker. This distinctive reputation which is so unique makes Prof. Nadaraja an unusually admired scholar and much loved mentor. His career in the University hails back to the days when the University College metamorphosed into an independent University in the early 1940s. He was one of the pioneer builders of academic legal studies at a tertiary level in the island to whom much is owed. When the students were few and Latin was considered to be an indispensable requirement in legal education, Prof. Nadaraja contributed much in the turn out of distinguished students in law who later went on to attain higher repute and unimpeachable decorum in the area of law, both in practice and as teachers themselves. Prof. Nadaraja was extremely punctilious in what he wrote and said whilst being Professor and the first Dean of the faculty of law in the University. His publications have stood the test of time and sharp scrutiny. Many turn to his books and writings for information and edification in the field of law to this day. He was careful in thought and writing and would check and cross check every view before rushing into print. Despite his enviable laudable attainments in Cambridge University and in the Inns of Court in the UK, he was humble enough to consult with and discuss material and opinion with even 'lesser mortals' before he presented his study to the public. He also was an extremely erudite scholar in Hinduism and the book he wrote on this glorious and ancient religion and repository of verities will easily stand the testimony of time and provide convincing lucid answers to those who have questions about Hinduism. His other standout achievement was the intense contribution he made both towards building out an admirable department of studies distinguished by mostly high quality of teachers. No one can forget the nurturing care and immense interest with which he grossly enriched the library of books on law seeking out learned and scholarly academic studies for his students and colleagues. During the testing times of the change in the medium of instruction, Prof. Nadaraja proved himself a capable captain and steered the faculty and department on an even keel. He successfully surmounted severe difficulties. It was a delight and inspiration to engage in a conversation with Prof. Nadaraja. He was always precise, spoke soft and if he was not sure he would direct one to a source that is better informed or to a book or article of value. He gave good counsel in a deep sense of solicitude to those who went to him to listen and learn. A meeting with him always remains a cherished experience and adventure in profound knowledge. Scholars of his comparable quality are today rare to find displaying unfailing courtesy, invariable attention and politeness to the great or the small. To me Prof. Nadaraja was a dependable, wise, well informed and kind hearted colleague. Well! Prof. Nadaraja's departure is as quiet in a way as his exit without fanfare from his University, a lesson in the humility and modesty of a true scholar, serene and thoughtful of others.Another leaf has fallen, and I wonder when I would drop as inexorably life draws nearer to winter. Prof. Bertram Bastiampillai |
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