Qûlleûe lïLkcailanxf
DECEMBER, 1 & A T 7 + ^•Ccj^na College 7)lkcellatt\j
JUBILEE NUMBER
#
DECEMBER, 1947. CONTENTS.
Page In the Dawn I
On the 125th Anniversary of Jaffna College 2
Editorial Notes 3
Reminiscences of My Student Days a
My Reminiscences 9
Jubilee Song II
Three Luminaries of Batticotta Seminary 12
J. V. Chelliah (a tribute) 16
Our College Home ia
Jubilarians 40
Jubilee Celebrations 47
Christian Contribution to Education 62
Principal's Notes 66
Old Boys’ page 68
Manager .Mr. C. S. Ponnuthurai
Editors.. .Mr. L. S. Kulathungam
M r. C. R. Wadsworth. S T A F F 1 9 4 7
First Row: t Z ^ ^ E S ^
— R*J-Thrai,* h IN THE DAWN
W e are standing in the gray dawn of a day they did not know, On a height they only dreamed of, toiling darkly far below ;
But our gaze is toward a summit loftier, fairer, mist-encurled, Soaring skyward through the twilight from the bases of the world.
Other feet than ours may stand there on the mountain’s lonely crown ; W e may faint upon the high trails, fall and lay our burden down ;
Yet, enough to fill one lifetime is this joy Death cannot touch... Peace, and light, and hope of morning! These are ours, and these are much.
Wondrous day to be alive in when, with furious might and main, God is fashioning the future on the anvil-horns of pain I
Every life, however humble, takes a touch of the sublime From the light that bathes our sun-washed pinnacle of dawning time.
Forward, then! And onward, upward, toward the greater days to be, All the nations singing with us one great song, fraternally.
Up and up, achieving, failing, weak in flesh but strong of soul... W e may never live to reach it. Ah, but we have seen the goal !
Odell Shepard ÔN THË ONE HUNDRED AND tWENTY-FÎFTH ANNIVERSARY OF JAFFNA COLLEGE (By Chas. R. Wadsworth) Benignant Mother, to thee we raise our songs Of praise and thanks, that o’er a century And more bestowed thy love and care o’er us Thy sons and daughters true. How grandly thou Thy stately head didst raise to see around The darkness thick of ignorance deep ; with torch Of learning lifted high didst throw its beams So wide, that w ith eagerness, from far and near, Determined throngs to thee were drawn, and deep And long did drink of all thy fountain’s lore ! Thy freedom did they learn, democracy’s Own broadened view did permeate their souls ! Thy heavenward pointing finger led to light Their fearful hearts to grow, to know, and love The Lord. And thus, set free of slavish ways, Grew bold in independent acts and thoughts. N o wonder then that many sons of thine Do shine like stars in firmaments galore ! A nd so, w ith thankful hearts we raise a paean Of praise to Him, from whom all good gifts come, For thee, a truly' great and noble gift. Thou standest yet in lonely splendour great Haloed with all thy pristine ideals grand ! W e love thee true, and shall through years unborn, Be proud of thee, Oh mother great, benign ! Ah, they were giants then: W ith Howland, Poor, And Hastings, yet another Hastings, Brown, W ith Hitchcock, Hudson, later Bicknell, Cooke, A n d Abraham of comet’s fame, and John Chelliah, true master versed in Shakespeare’s art; These and many more—yea, stalwarts all In learned lore !. The silver locks that deck thy matron’s brow Again to raven’s hue do turn, as, in A new birth rising forth, new lustre thou Dost shed, and glory add to glory won ! And now will Lanka’s children all from east And west, from distant south and north, to thy W ide portals flock anew and grace thy halls, And, drawing from thy store of learning, fill Thejr minds, and shed abroad thy glory too. How will thy children all rejoice to see Thy worth full recognized by these in power And with a University’s true state Thy dignified and beauteous brow adorned ! Grow, then, frpm strength to strength, O Mother kind, And growing old, remain for ever young ! COLLEGE VIEWS
Two views of Octley Hall
Library
Ottley Hall & Administration Block Y.M.C. A, Building EDITORIAL NOTES OURSELVES
wo r d introducing this Number of the We besrin this Number with three items A Miscellany is, we feel, necessary. Last reminiscent of the past of the College. June our Pre-Jubilee issue anticip Messrs. C. H. Cooke and Tampu Bjuell are ated the publishing of a special Jubilee contributing their reminiscences of theif Number containing full and detailed ac school days at College. Mr Cooke’s counts of the Jubilee celebrations of last article appeared in the Miscellany seven July, and also the publishing of the his years ago. Our grateful thanks to these tory of the College during the last twenty- two old and very loyal sons of the Col five years, as a sequel to Mr. J. V. lege, who are among the oldest Old Boys Chelliah’s “ A Century of English Educa living today. We are also publishing the tion,” bringing thus the College history Tamil song sung at the celebrations of up-to-date. But it is regretted that our the centenary of the Seminary and the finances just now prevent the putting golden Jubilee of the College in 1922. through of the history project, which, This song was composed by Mr. C. H. however, has not been given up altoge Kadirvetpillai, who was for a short time ther And so, this issue contains a short on the staff of the College in charge of story of the last twenty-five years, 1922 the Tamil of the higher classes. As far — 1947. Because of the exigencies of as we know, there is only one copy . of space it has to be necessarily brief, and, this excellent composition left and that therefore, omissions of references to more is in our Library. Hence, we thought persons and events of importance in the it best to reprint it. life of the College than have found mention in it have been inevitable. We One of the joint Editors of the Mis would, under the circumstances, request cellany, and ‘the poet Laureate* of the our readers to read it with that under College, Mr. C. R. Wadsworth, contri standing. We have also decided to rest butes a poem on the 125th anniversary rict all articles in this issue to matters celebrations. Two more contributions, connected with the College, omitting one from Mr. K- E. Mathiaparanam on altogether articles of general interest. “Three Luminaries of the Seminary" As full as possible accounts of the last and the other an appreciation of Mr. J.V. Jubilee celebrations are appearing in Chelliah by Mr S. Handy Perinbahaya- these pages, and we do hope that this Jubilee Number will serve as an adequate gam appear in these pages To both of memento of the historic celebrations. them our thanks are due.
THE LAST JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
The celebrations of the 125th anni guests at the various functions were of versary of the Seminary and of the a very high standard and contained much 75th anniversary of Jaffna College, con thought for reflection. They helped not ducted last July with much festivity, merely to remind us of the noble and and grandeur, were worthy of the precious heritage that is ours, but also historic occasions and in keeping to urge on us forcibly the great task’ with the great traditions of the College. ahead of us, if we are to make our The speeches delivered by our various College the source of power, strength. 4
and inspiration it can be to our commu pioneers ; backed as we are by the splen nity, and to our entire country. Those didly storied past of rich and noble of us teachers and students, who have traditions ; now supported by crowds of today the proud privilege of running the witnesses all loyal and ever ready to institution, were strengthened and cheer serve their College, do we need to have ed not a little by the great number of any concern, any anxiety, any doubt Old Boys and Old Girls who gathered for the future ? Above all, our hope is around their Alma Mater, by the crowds built on Him that has watched over of a grateful public who showed their us down the century and a quarter. genuine appreciation of the contribution of the College towards the welfare of the And what is our vision about the land, and by the heartening messages of future ? As chronicled in the last Mis our many friends and Alumni who were cellany, in our dreaming we caught the unable to be present at the celebrations. vision of the grandeur that was ours, Some of these messages are included in when the College was of a university this Miscellany. It is a matter of the deepest regret that space does not allow status preparing students for the degree our publishing all these thoughtful and examinations of the Indian universities. affectionate messages. To the senders of Caught up in that vision and confident them all we take this opportunity of that our future service to the country conveying the grateful thanks of the lay in that direction, we have under whole College. The College has also had taken, at great expense, the provision more tangible proof of the loyalty and of degree classes, both in Arts and Sci love of her old students in their spont ence, preparing students for the examina aneously rich donations, some of them tions of the London University- All our entailing real hardship and sacrifice to plans for this scheme have not yet the givers and therefore doubly precious materialised. One of our American pro to the College Extension Fund. This fessors, Mr. E. C. Lockwood, has been Fund has by no means been closed. In forced by the illness of his wife to post fact, only half the number of our Alumni pone his coming to Jaffna till the begin have been approached and their response ning of the next. year. The other profes so far has been both great-hearted and sor. Dr. Holmes, is on his way and should prompt. The Fund has already reached be here before the end of this month. Rs- 75,ooo|- and when everybody that (These Notes are being written early ought to contribute has had a chance October). The classes have started to do so, our target of one and a half already. We do hope that these are only lakhs will have been comfortably reached. a nucleus of a Christian University— or Founded on the foundations laid by of a Christian University College, at any our stalwart, far-seeing, consecrated rate—in Ceylon.
MR. j. V. CHELLIAH
The Moses who was greatly responsible degree the otherwise resplendent and for leading the Board of Directors of jubillant festivitites was the death of the College out of the wilderness of many this Moses, Mr. J. V. Chelliah, which vicissitudes, several inevitable question took place only one month previous. ings, doubts, and even grumblings to His untimely death filled with poignant the Promised Land of Degree Classes was sadness all those who knew how eagerly not destined to enter it himself. The he was looking forward to participating oiily cloud that overshadowed to some in the Jubilee celebrations and the in 5 auguration of the degree classes. In fact, was called. The teaching profession he his mind was full of plans for the future loved passionately and he added great of the College and on several occasions lustre to it. The thousands of students, during his somewhat protracted illness he who came under the sway of his power discussed with the writer of these Notes ful personality and magnetic spell he a sketchy outline for a sequel to his “A cast over them as an unrivalled teacher, Century of English Education”. can scarcely ever forget him. It could Mr. Chelliah played many parts during never be said of his classes that they his seventy-two years crammed full of were dull or monotonous. Always full of events and honours. And he died full of rich anecdotes, apt and homely illustra years and honours. Among the many tions, sparkling wit and pleasant humour, parts he played, none was so important and well polished and perfectly chisselled or so honoured as his long and proud phrases, he kept his students drinking in connection with Jaffna College. Almost his teaching oblivious of the passage from the days he entered the College of time. He was a born teacher, non as a shy, nervous, village lad to the very pareil. His expositions, of Shakespeare end of his life, he bestrode the College and Browning especially, were a treat world like a Colossus, and wielded to listen to- When he was made Vice- an influence, that was magnetic and Principal, there was great rejoicing not strong, over all men and matters con merely in the College circles, but all over nected with the institution. It is not for the country that his desserts had been us to speak of him as Editor of the recognised. He it was that paved the Morning Star; as the outstanding layman way to nationals, becoming heads of the of our Christian community in the last College. He was again the first national half century; as an ardent advocate to be appointed Acting Principal, and of social and political reform, and it was always his boast that he regard greater responsibilitites to nationals in ed this as the highest honour that ever all spheres of the life of the land ; of his came to him. leadership and activities in the Jaffna Of particular interest to us in these Council of the South India United Notes is what he contributed to the Church and the American Ceylon Mission, development of the Miscellany as its and the various Boards connected with Editor for a great number of years. From them ; of the contribution he made in the time he took up the Editorship, he the General Assembly of the S. I- U. C. gave a new life to it and always made and the Joint Committee on Church Uni it one of the outstanding magazines of the on, in the Board of Education and the time- His pen turned out with equal Board of Examiners of the Island ; of the facility and felicity articles on all variet great impression he always made as a ies of topics. A glance into the past platform speaker, and a pulpit preacher. volumes would show what wealth and Others have spoken of these things in variety of subjects he exulted in, ranging other journals and from various plat from light articles on “The Joy of a forms. We beg to pay our humble tribute Judka” through stories and poems in to his valuable contribution to Jaffna serious and humourous vein, expositions College. First as teacher, then as Vice- of the philosophy of immortal authors, Principal, and then as Acting Principal, discussions on educational, social, and again as a member of the Board of Dir religious problems, to the triumphant ectors, its Secretary for a number of declaration of the uniqueness of the years and its Chairman for a year, he Risen and Eternal Christ. His favourite gave his life to the institution he loved author was Browning, whose virile opti and to the service for which he felt he mism and cheery heart always appealed 6 to our reverred teacher, and he would on his sick bed, at the thorough pre constantly quote, in his own ringing paredness and yearning with which he voice, full of assurance and triumph, the was waiting to be released into the Light first two lines of his favourite poem of and Life Beyond. This calm resignation Browning, Rabbi Ben Ezra: was undoubtedly due to his firm con viction that all his work on earth was “ Grow old along with me, over and to his confidence that the best The best is yet to be was yet to be. His deep and unfalter We know that at all times these lines ing faith in his Redeemer and Lord gave Mr. Chelliah true comfort. Especial would not allow him any other convic ly was it noticeable during his illness. tion. We bow our heads in thanksgiving One was struck, when one visited him to the Lord for J. V. C.
UNIQUE EVENTS
wo events of world importance which her leader, Mr. D S. Senanayake, who T took place recently, both in India and was in no small measure responsible for within a month and a half of each winning her such a quick, important other, demand our attention. We refer to constitutional advance. We rejoice that the attainment of Independence by India Ceylon’s claims to Dominion Status have and the inauguration of the new united been recognised, and hope that our new Church of South India. On the 15th Parliament will make the necessary August, India and Pakistan were declared arrangements for Ceylon to enjoy her as two independent Dominions of the new status soon. British Empire. While we are disappoint The second event of historic import ed at the division of India into two ance took place in Madras on the 27th dominions, we are happy that India’s September, when the new Church of long and painful trek towards full South India was inaugurated. We have independence is now at an end. It is re already referred in our last Miscellany markable that those who struggled for to this new venture, without any paral her freedom did not have to wade through lel or precedent in the history of world slaughter and blood. The Indian National Christianity. Hence, we do not want to Congress and particularly that eloquent say anything more here, except once apostle of Ahimsa and Non-violence again to express our greatest joy, and have been responsible for the remark that of our entire community, at the able achievement, unique in the history privilege of belonging to the Jaffna of the world. Today the Congress and Diocese of the new Church. The J afína Mahatma Gandhi rightly rejoice at this Diocese has already been inaugurated happy consummation. But their rejoic and Bishop Kulandran installed at a ing is tinged with sadness at the meaning memorable service at the Cathedral less slaughter at communal clashes. Church, Vaddukoddai, on Friday, the Happily once again the irresistible in 10th October. And today there is only fluence of the Mahatma has been able to one Diocesan Council in the place of the quieten certain districts like Calcutta. Jaffna Council of the South India United We do hope that soon all this civil Church and the American Ceylon'Mis strife will end and that India will enjoy sion. We welcome the Diocesan Council an era of prosperity and progress. with confidence and conviction born out Ceylon has also been promised Do of experience that this integration will minion Status from early next year. mean more effective running of all the SJie has every reason to be proud of work in our mission field and more 1 economic utilising of all the talent avail oar people. Today it remains for us able. The election of Rev- Kulandran as once again to assure the Rt. Rev. Kul our first Bishop has been hailed with andran of our best wishes, congratula universal rejoicing and satisfaction by tions and prayers.
CONGRATULATIONS
The recent elections to Ceylon’s new the stature of political giants like Sir P. Parliament have resulted in four of our Old Arunachalam, Sir P. Ramanathan and Sir Boys being returned to the House of Repre James Peiris. W e take this opportunity of sentatives. Of these, Mr. V. Nalliah, who extending him our heartiest congratulations has been returned by an Eastern Province both on his taking silk and entering the Constituency, has the honour of being among Parliament. the small number of the last State Coun Mr. K. Kanagaratnam’s connections with cillors to be successful at the polls. Mr, the College have been much longer and V. Cumarasamy, the Member for Chava- stronger. He is among the most loyal and kachcheri, has the distinction of being one helpful Old Boys of the institution, and, of youngest members of the Parliament. The therefore, if the institution rejoices most other two have been for a long time con over his success today, it would be under nected with the College. Mr. S. J. V- Chel- standable and justifiable. Mr. Kanagarat- vanayakam was on the Staff of the College nam has the acumen, knowledge and experi for some years and ever since he has been ence, the patience and disposition, steadi not merely on the list of our Old Boys, but ness and integrity necessary to make him rise very keenly and lively interested in our high in his parliamentary career. H>s life affairs. Knowing the soundness and sober which has so far been at all times dedicated ness of all views, safe judgment and deep to, and spent in, serving those who needed wisdom, sincerity of purpose and purity of his help and advice will, without question, motives, his unconcern for personal promo continue to be spent that way in the future tion or honour, and his upright Christian too. Neither victory nor defeat, neither character, we are sure he will be not only government service nor public work, can an ornament to the Tamil community in ever change his temperament, spirit or char the Parliament, but will soon develop into acter.
ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES
The starting of degree classes and the post of Principal. Mr. D. S. Sanders becomes consequent expansion of the College have the Vice-Principal. W e regard it unneces necessitated the Board of Directors to make sary to sing the praises of these gentlemen some important administrative changes. The or examine their claims and qualifications Rev. S. K. Bunker, hitherto Principal, has for their respective positions. Suffice it for been appointed to the newly created post of us to say that their appointment has re Pr-esident of the College. He is to be in ceived the approval of the entire College general charge of the entire institution and community. With the hope that these new particular charge of the Collegiate depart changes will spell another era of progress to ment. Our Vice-Principal, Mr. K. A. Sel- the institution, on behalf of the staff and liah, has the distinction of being the first the students we offer to the new officials national to be elevated to the permanent our felicitations and pledge our support. 6
REMINISCENCES OF MY STUDENT DAYS (By Chelliah H . Cooke, Esq.,J. P.)
HE Editors of the Miscellany have asked education was of an all round nature. In T me to send an article giving a picture teaching, the catechetical method, and not of the College as it seemed to me during the lecture method, was followed. Class my student days. was called “recitation” . The direct contact of the teacher and the taught stimulated My years in Jaffna College, as a student, thinking. This method ensured preparation were from July 1875 until I graduated in of lessons by the student and cultivated in June 1879. This period may in a way be him the free and ready expression of his called the closing of the tentative and the ideas. The study hour system was helpful. beginning of a “fairly established’ institu According to which definite periods of study tion. were assigned to particular lessons, and the study hours alternated with the class periods. When I recall these days, it seems to me that the College was of heavenly birth. The daily programme w as:— Those responsible for the institution were Rising, 5; Gymnastics, 6-6.30 ; Prayers, men of foresight and vision. Christian educa 6.45-7 ; Class, 7-8; Breakfast, 8-9; Class, tion was the largest concept in their vocabul 9-10; Study, 10-11; Class, 11-12; Leisure ary. Any education that was not thoroughly and Dinner 12-1.30; Writing, 1.30-2; Study, Christian was considered by them to be in 2-2.45; Class, 2.45-3.30; Study 3.30-4.15; complete. And so they planned devotedly Class, 4.14-4; Prayers, 5-5.15; Leisure and not only to train the intellect, but also to Supper, 5.15-7; Study 7-9. develop Christian character and to nurture the whole of the student’s personality. At the end of my first year 1876, certifi cate examinations were organized. The papers In order to fulfil the true purpose of the were mostly set and valued by outsiders. The founders, the Principal and the Staff laid examinations were called the Preliminary, great stress on: — the Junior and the Senior. In addition to
I. Moral and Religious Training. these, Public examinations were held at the Prayers were held morning and evening each end of each term, and the public had the day, and special meetings on Saturdays and opportunity to watch the progress made by Sundays. Bible instruction was carried on the students. On these occasions, besides daily, and Bible Classes and religious read the teachers outsiders took part in examin ing circles were organized for Sundays. ing the students. One interesting fact was The students were required not only to that there were neither question papers nor attend Sunday services, but also to write were answers written; all things were done out synopses of the sermons preached. by word of mouth. I may say that not only Special care was taken to maintain a Chris pupils but teachers were also examined tian atmosphere. Attendance at religious by the public. exercises was insisted on, because it was III. Physical Culture. The students thought helpful to all students in their devoted every morning from half to three moral training. fourths of an hour in Gymnastic exercises, and as much time in playing national games II. Course of Studies. The Course in the evening. was broad in its range and varied in its subjects. The idea underlying the scheme IV. Discipline: No corporal punish was that the pupils should know something ment was allowed. Delinquencies were pf everything in order to become useful. The punished by marks, fines, suspension or dis- AN OLD BROTHERHOOD GROUP— 1911
Rev. J. K. Sh.nathamby, Rev. William Joseph, A. A. Ward, David Arulanantham, Rev, J. Bicknell, J, Vf Chelliah, Chelliah H. Cooke, Rev. E. Hitchcock, T. P. Hudson, Allen Abrahamt 9 missal. Monitors were appointed for the It is worthy of notice that the unique various classes and they were expected to feature of the residential system of the mark boys who were late, absent or irregular; institution made it possible, to a great extent, the students of each class went up to the to fulfil the true purpose of the founders. Principal at a fixed time once a week for The College was wholly residential, even what was called “ marks excuse” to explain those who lived near the College premises their conduct to him. Unexcused marks were compelled to be boarders. The teachers were counted against ‘deportment’ of the had their residences either in the College student and these were counted towards compound or very near it. The studies of his standing in the class. The cases of those the boys, their meals, their play and the accused of graver offences were brought up moral and religious life of the students were before the weekly meeting of the Faculty constantly supervised by some teacher or and the culprit was punished. Each class other. The Principal and staff set the students was under a Superintendent to whom mat examples in fellowship and common endeav ters of discipline, leave etc. were referred. our for great things in life.
MY REMINISCENCES By Tampu Buell, Esq., J. P.
HE Editor of the Jaffna College Miscel American University, and a University in T lany has invited me to write some deed Jaffna College proved to be, perhaps as reminiscences of old incidents and ex good and fine as Yale or Princeton ! periences of my early school days at Jaffna The course of studies covered five years College. It is certainly a difficult task for and the number of students was res one in the second childhood to recall, with tricted to 100. Residence in the College any appreciable degree of coherence, days Hostel was compulsory. The Staff com and events of the first childhood. However, prised of the Principal, two American Pro as editors are an arbitrary band, I must fessors and five nationals. obey; and readers will bear with me if my notes are scrappy” . Dr. E. P. Hastings of Seminary fame, an educationist of vision and scholar I must at the very outset testify publicly ship, was responsible for the planning of the that what I am is due to the mighty influence whole curriculum, which included Mathe of my Alma Mater. Such a proud acknow matics and Science for students intending to ledgement has been made by many others be Doctors; Logic, Rhetoric, Moral and Mental who have toiled approvingly in the Lord’s Philosophy for intending Lawyers; Bible, Vineyard. Is it not a fact that the Tamil Bible History, Paley’s Evidence of Christi celebrities, holding positions of trust and anity, Butler’s Analogy of Religion for in responsibilty in this Island of ours, are pro tending Ministers of the Gospel. The course ducts of this great institution of light and included Tamil and Latin an hour a day for culture? Glory be to God and the American four years and English History, Indian Board of Foreign Missions ! History, History of Rome and History of Now to my theme : I was first at the Greece. So the course fitted the students Vaddukoddai High School under the Princi- for any profession they preferred. Dr. Has palship of Isaac Low, an unordained Ameri tings was a stern disciplinarian and a great can priest of goodness and a great scholar, administrator and knew every student in the whose chief aim was to draw his pupils to College personally and even their parents. the Christ Life. Punctuality, system and thoroughness in work were his characteristics and these were In June 1881, I passed the Entrance inherited by all graduates of the College with two dozen others out of a total of 125 in a masterly manner. He gave his all students and entered the portals of Jaffna to Jaffna College and built up the College. Imagine my joy and pride when I character of many in the College by his fancied to myself then that I had entered an intimate contact and influence over the boys, 10
I remember the afternoon we went out sur full bottle of gingely oil. And he did it i veying the village and tanks of Vaddukoddai What a consternation we were all in about with a theodolite and chains. W e had to i t ! But he was unmoved. He pocketed the make our plans and crack our heads over money and went on a hunger strike. He mensuration. It is not without a sense of pride was perfectly O. K. after that. I say I obtained the highest mark in Sur W e had a tragic experience too. The veying. Dr. Frank Sanders, who became death of K. Cumarasamy, brother of our the Dean on the Yale Theological Seminary, illustrious K.Balasingham, under pathetic cir was mainly responsible for the Social and cumstances steeped the College in profound Religious education of the students as well grief. W hile watering the College Plantain as the Y. M. C. A. and the Sunday Schools. Garden for Y. M. C. A. work, he ran an The nationals were not inferior in their zeal “ Eeku” on his feet which brought tetanus and missionary spirit and gave maximum and despite the best medical treatment this service for minimum pay. Mrs. E. P. Has good soul passed away. W e went all the tings was a mother to the students and way to Kayts, where his father was Magis acted as doctor and nurse whenever we fell trate to see him. Mr. Cathiravelpillai would ill. W ho can forget the delicious curd which not let us return without a good lunch. It Mrs. Hastings sent daily for our breakfast was as if the last supper in which some for years? For our board we paid Rs. 4/- fifty of us participated. a month and such good meals cannot be had Many outstanding events occurred at now for even Rs. 50/-. Never a complaint Jaffna College during my time. One was was made about our food, as Mrs. Hastings the election of Mr. Glover Cleaveland, bro saw that good food, and enough of it, was ther of Mrs. E. P. Hastings, as the Presi given to us all. dent of the United States. The occasion was celebrated in the College with great jubila Dr. Hastings was somehow a cynic with tion. A dozen mahogany trees were planted regard to laughter. The bad marks for irregular in the premises to commemorate the event. laughing were never excused by him. One While Mrs. Hastings was supremely happy day, it so happened that Vyravan, a menial over her brother’s success, the Republican who supplied food to his sheep from the husband, Dr. Hastings, brooded over it with College kitchen,was taking two buckets full of disappointment. A few weeks later, the ‘ cunjee ’ for the sheep grazing near the tank Governor of Ceylon during his visit to which is filled up now, but these stupid Jaffna called on Mrs. Hastings at her bun creatures in their greed or thirst knocked the galow and extended his congratulations to man down and the ‘cunjee’ went on Vyravan’s her personally. bare body. And to add insult to injury, a The other event was the marriage of couple of these were upon the prostrate man Rev. R. C. Hastings to Miss M. E. Truax licking the gruel triumphantly. It was a in August 1883. Leaders of all communities Wednesday and we had our weekly Rhetori- in Jaffna with their silk sareed wives came cals presided ever by Dr. Hastings in the in their hundreds to greet the bridal pair. Ottley Hall, where we have now the Library. Flowers and bouquets arrived jn profusion This interesting scene attracted our atten from all parts of Island. Plantain trees with tion. W e laughed and Dr. Hastings laughed large bunches of fruits iined up the whole and since that incident irregular marks for avenue. Music and refreshments were galore. laughing were relaxed, much to our relief. It was a gala day for us ! The pranks we had at College are too I am afraid I have overstepped the numerous to mention; the fights, the duck Editor’s space and I must abruptly close. I ings in the tanks, the bringing down of young said Jaffna College in those good old days cocoanuts at night from the College palms was akin to a University. It was here that we added gaiety to residential life. I can recall learnt the fine art of a Christian life. It was to mind the bet we had with our friend here that we forged our character. The liberal Eliatamby of South Araly, a very close re education our Alma Mater imparted to us lation of the present Udayar. Over a bet enabled us to play the game and play it well. of five ‘chips’ Eliatamb.y heroically proposed W e are proud of her in as much as she is to swallow five and twenty raw eggs and a proud of us. II
JUBILEE SONG (composed by the late Mr. C. H, Kadirvetpillai and sung by his daughter, Mrs. N, Coomaraswamy, at the 1922 Jubilee Celebrations).
<§>inraii iifrijirgj: ^rv6irii 9. ptrmpiSeir/SQuj wjmcffeStu/TLBeo (S^iresruuaSso mcLLt^.^)if ptrium Hitchcock $,®fiu-iif eu/T0i/> tsniD ¿¿.up. ujiripuLjfr60Bra&6i>£)iinfiswu eruiBeceopu>Ouiuas>ir isirLLL$.$>v)if(eiin} euiripp^u QuirpflQGeuiru} 10. QuifleBru sun tpasieu iSljrpiremQmasr jp> ^ 2p U 6\)
HE original plan of the present writer was able that he was sent to the Seminary in T to write for this number of the Miscel 1826 where he had a brilliant career. When lany short biographical sketches of six the usual six years’ course in the Semin luminaries of the Seminary. But, owing to ary was over, he was taken into the exigencies of space and to the fact that Seminary itself as a teacher by Rev. Daniel sketches of three of them have already ap Poor, the then Principal of the Seminary. peared in Tamil in earlier numbers of the In addition to being a very successful Miscellany under the title of “ &&& teacher of Mathematics aud Natural Phi this article contains biographical sketches losophy (Physics), he was a Jack of all trades, of only three out of the six referred to. a great sportsman, one who was well-versed in carpentry, smithery, masonry, tailoring, HENRY MARTYN dyeing, book-binding, map drawing, free hand There are two roads in Jaffna named and perspective drawing, painting, and other after two well-known graduates of Batti- similar arts. His abilities in this direction cotta Seminary. They are Martyn Road, were so very great that once some one named after Henry Martyn, whose fame remarked that he could have been the had reached as far as England during his Faraday of Ceylon, provided he had had the day and Wyman Road, named after Wyman same or similar opportunities as Fa.aday Kathiravetpillai, the father of Mr. Balasin- of England. gam, who was a member of the old Legis Though he hailed from a Catholic lative Council for a long time. family, after he had joined the Boarding Henry Martyn, the older of the two, School at Tellipallai, he took to the Protest was born of Catholic parents at Chundi- ant Faith and became a staunch Protest kuli in 1811. He was baptized by a Goanese ant. Therefore, six months after he had Missionary. In his seventh year he was become a teacher in the Seminary, he was sent to the Parish School, where he had licensed as a preacher together with Seth his Tamil education for four years. During Payson, popularly known as Payson »-«»*- the period between the arrival of the Am iL'irit. With Payson, his classmate, he was erican Missionaries in Jaffna and the found coupled in another capacity also. Henry ing of the Seminary, the only centres of Martyn and Seth Payson were the fiist learning, where a student could have re joint Editors of the Morning Star, started ceived English education, were the Board in 1841. ing Schools at the five important Mission In 1835 when Martyn was only 24 stations, of which Tellipallai was one. years old, he made two terrestrial globes, Henry Martyn had heard of the English one of which was sent to the Royal Society Boarding School at Tellipallai and went of Great Britain and Ireland, whose high there for admission, but he was a little commendation it received. In 1837 the too late for it. Since accommodation was Principal of the Seminary, recognising his limited, Henry Martyn was refused admis merits as a teacher, made him a Tutor sion, but he did not lose heart. He approach of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, ed Rev. Daniel Poor, the Missionary, who a post newly created on a higher salary was Principal of the school, and asked him for those who had great scholarship and whether, on a pasture land where there teaching ability. The next year he gave was enough pasture for a hundred sheep, greater evidence of his mechanical turn of one single lamb could not be allowed to mind by constructing a peiambulator for graze. The Principal was so struck with determining mile posts and presented it to his intelligence and ready wit that he the Government Agent, who highly com immediately took him in and had him there mended him for it. Very soon he made a for four years. His progress and proficiency pulley for raising and lowering a lamp during this period there were so rejnark- hung in Ottley Hall. In 1839 he started 13
watch-repairing and became an adept in that from the learned discussions that were art, so that very soon he was able to con carried on at his home between scholars struct clocks of his own. One day the Prin who used to congregate there daily. “©«> cipal of the Seminary gave him a watch and seosoirmp uirsiAuQil." Heredity has asked him to take it to a Burgher gentle played an important part in the scholarship man in Jaffna to be repaired. Martyn on of this great man. His father’s mother his way to town went into a mutt had two brothers, one of whom was <3 ^™ to protect himself from rain. During the &trLSuLieoemf^ wh0 wrote a play, called Hsi&s time he was there, with the help of the pen His paternal grandfather knife that he had in his hand, he opened Q&au QppfBajirir^ was such a great scholar the watch, made certain adjustments and and poet that a a certain form of saw, to his great surprise and delight, that dramatic literature, was dedicated to him the watch was working and in good condi by an Indian poet. Young Kathiravetpillai tion. This was his first attempt at watch- was barely fifteen when, for the first time, repairing. His fame as watch-repairer had he gave evidence of what he was going to reached the ears of Government officers who be with regard to Tamil scholarship by used to send their watches either to Col giving a satisfactory explanation to a very ombo or to Madras to be repaired. They difficult verse in the Ramaynna, which a now saved the trouble of sending their coterie of scholars, assembled at the home watches outside Jaffna and had them of his father, were unable to explain. repaired by Henry Martyn. In 1841, as referred to before, he was Kathiravetpillai had his early English appointed the first Editor of the Morning education at a village school at Valvetty. Star together with Payson, and as such he He then joined the Seminary in 1841. This had the honour of being the first journa he did at the insistence of Dr. Hoisington, list among the Ceylonese. In 1853 he gained who found in him a very intelligent and a similar distinction by being the first promising lad and who was anxious to show photographer in Ceylon. The American Mis his gratitude to Cumarasamy Mudaliyar, the sionaries had brought a camera to Ceylon father of Kathiravetpillai, for the very gene in 1853, but they were unable to manipulate rous gift made by him to the Mission of his it. When it was handed over to Henry land at Urikadu where there is a Mission Martyn, within an hour’s time he was able Bungalow, now used by the Missionaries to take the first photograph in Ceylon with during the sultry months of the year, very out any difficulty. soon after they arrived in Jaffna in 1816. Since his parents were unwilling to send He was not satisfied with being merely him to a boarding establishment, where a skilful mechanic. His literary and poetic students of the Seminary belonging to all talents were also developed to a very good castes and creeds were housed together, extent. His having been appointed the first Dr. Hoisington, the then Principal of the Editor of the Morning Star bears ample Seminary, made the special concession of testimony to his literary ability. His talent allowing him a separate room for his use for poetical composition is seen from his and, as he was a vegetarian, the privilege of srmpir eSa/r#=io Cr Lamentations of the Blessed having his own servant to prepare his Virgin Mother, which he composed in 1848. meals. Towards the end of the year, 1846, C. w. KATHIRAVETPILLAI he completed his usual six years' course C. W. Kathiiavetpillai was born at Udu- and was in 1847 admitted to the ‘Select piddy, in the year 1829, three years before Class’ which was a sort of Post Graduate C. W . Thamotharampillai and nine years Course, in which he did some advanced work after Nevins, Carroll and Arnold. His father in the subjects which he had already studied and forefathers were long lived and noted for and in addition learnt some Philosophy and their scholarship and poetic gifts. Though he Theology. It was during this year that be had his Tamil education at a school in his became a Christian and assumed the name village, he must have learnt much of his of his Professor, Wyman. It was also during Tamil from his father, a very eminent Tamil this year that he made the most of his spare gcholar and a poet of no mean order, and time in perfecting his knowledge of Tamil *4
and Sanskrit and in acquiring, with the Freeman” had to be amalgamated with and generous assistance of Dr. Hoisington, a absorbed by it. fair knowledge of Latin, Greek and Hebrew. In return for this assistance that his “guide, As mentioned before, Kathiravetpillai philosopher and friend” gave him, he helped had given enough evidence of his literary him enough in his translations of three ability while very young. Though he was Saiva Siddhanta works, Geuu a very busy man, he always spent some of tSjtsr&ii and /sp^ieidsLLi—Ssr. the time at his disposal in enjoying the beauties of Tamil Literature. In 1862, when In July 1845 Kathiravetpillai was ap he was little over thirty he published a pointed a teacher in the Seminary. Three revised Tamil translation of a Sanskrit years later, at the request of Rev. John treatise on Logic. Ten years later, he pub Walton, he was taken as a teacher into the lished a second edition of this work and Wesleyan Central School in Jaffna, where sometime before his death, he contemplated he served for four years. His efficiency publishing a third edition, fully revised. This and thoroughness as an instructor there were was accordingly published by his son, so well recognised that he was selected to Mr. Balasingam, after his death. In 1886 he replace the Principal during his absence. carefully prepared and sent to the Colonial In 1853, during the time that he was and Indian Exhibition, held in London, a serving as a teacher at Central College he collection, in ola manuscripts, of all the started a paper (partly English, partly Tamil classics with a brief account in Eng Tamil), called the Literary Mirror. He lish of the contents of each work. He also found worthy contributors to his paper in prepared for the same Exhibition a map of Mr. Crowther, one of his fellow teachers, the Universe and of this earth according to in Sir C. P. Layard, a Civil Servant, and in the Hindu conception. In recognition of his father for the Tamil columns. In 1855 the value of his exhibits, he was sent a he severed his connections with Central commemorative medal. His Magnum Opus College to practise law. First he was a was his comprehensive Tamil Dictionary, licensed pleader receiving his licence from the careful and laborious preparation of Mr. Leisching, Police Magistrate, Point which occupied many years of his life. He Pedro, one of the contributors to the Literary has consulted over 300 literary works to Mirror. In 1856, he proceeded to Colombo complete this Dictionary. As a contempo to qualify himself as an Advocate of the rary of his says, every page of the Dictio Supreme Court. He placed himself as an nary bears indubitable proof of the profound apprentice under Mr. Thomas Rust, an scholarship, critical acumen and patient English Barrister, who fixed his tuition fee at research, for which this great Tamil scholar £ 100. The progress he made in the study had long been noted. of law was so rapid and satisfactory that his tutor declined to accept one half of his J. R. ARNOLD fee. He took his oaths of office in 1858 and A little over fifty years ago, in the hall practised as an Advocate till 1872. He was that is now occupied by the Library one such a hard working and honest lawyer that, evening there was a meeting of the teach in 1872, Sir William Gregory, the Governor ers and students of Jaffna College to bid of Ceylon, was pleased to appoint him Police farewell to a great Tamil scholar who had Magistrate of Kayts, in which capacity he served the College as Professor of Tamil continued till his retirement in 1898. T. M. for ten years. This scholar was the author Tampoe.the father of Mr. S.D.Tampoe, Advo of the well-known “ uireuecif $uau> ” cate, and Sir Samuel Grenier were two of the or ‘The Galaxy of Tamil Poets,’ produced lawyers that he trained. In 1863 Kathiravet in 1886, the first History of Tamil Liter pillai started another paper, called the ‘Ceylon ature that was ever written in Tamil. Patriot’ to counteract the unwholesome «sy®(COT)^6uu) &iwr6e>iiiiSieir$sr, otherwise influence exerted by The Jaffna Freeman, known as J. R. Arnold, was born at Na- a paper run by Advocate, N. G. Gould. Very valy in 1820, the same year as his friends soon the popularity of the ‘Ceylon Patriot’ and classmates, Carroll Visuvanathapillai became so very great that the “Jaffna and Nevins Sithamparapillai, H e. had his *5
Tamil education first at a Hindu school and station or was too busy, it was the Tamil then at the Mission school of the village. Editor that was in charge of the English In 1831 he joined the Manipay Mission columns as well. Therefore, Arnold Satha English School for his English education. sivampillai, who became the Tamil Editor The next year he entered the Seminary, of the Morning Star in 1857, had to do where he studied both his English and it as a full time job and hence resigned Tamil equally well; within the period of his Headmastership of the Uduvil Girls’ eight years that he was in the Seminary Boarding School. Beginning from 1857 until he had the good fortune to study Tamil for 1895, when he died, a period of nearly a year or two under the father of the late forty years, he served as an efficient Editor. Rev. W . P. S. Nathaniel, popularly known For the first seven years he used to walk as &essrQps
KNOWLEDGE of the subject he teaches but a teacher may pay scrupulous heed to and a sense of humour is all that a the bell and clock, prepare and follow A person needs to become a successful schemes of work with painstaking precision, teacher” , declared the Headmaster of an have a thorough mastery of the various sub English public school. This dictum, however jects he teachers, win golden opinions from true as far as it goes, suffers from grievous inspectors and supsrvisors, yet he will be a flaw in as much as it is founded on the err failure as a teacher, if he is not aware, not so oneous assumption that a teacher is essen much by conscious ratiocination, as by tially a teacher of subjects and that the intuitive apprehension, that a teacher is es corpus of human knowledge possesses a pre sentially a teacher of human beings and that, existent potentiality to fall into line with in spite of inspection, supervision, and time time tables and syllabi and schemes of work tables, knowledge, however necessary and devised by Education Departments and convenient it may be to divide into subjects Headmasters of Schools. This assumption and to assign various hours of the day for is another instance of the all too common instruction in the various subjects, is one tendency of us humans to invest with divine and indivisible, and that these various ‘sub origins and eternal validity institutions and jects’ overlap and run into one another at arrangements that serve some desired human various points. ends and have been fashioned to serve such In the light of these formulations it will ends.. Time tables, bells, clocks, schemes of be evident that to be a successful teacher, work, inspection, supervision, are all good in a person must know Man and be interested their way, nay even necessary for the orderly in Man and be conversant to a remarkable working of schools and other institutions; degree1 with the entire corpus of human IN GRATEFUL MEMORY
ALLEN ABRAHAM, B. A., F. R. A. S. Professor.
J. V. CHELLIAH, M. A., J. P. Vice-Principal.
Rev. J. K. Sinnatamby. Rev.R. C. P. Welch 17 knowledge. This of course if taken literally Latin style, his pupils know nothing of to is both superhuman and impossible. But day. every one who would be a teacher must as Bat to few of them has J. V- Chelliah far as possible cultivate an interest in a wide become a mere memory, nor is it likely that variety of “subjects,” in addition to the parti he ever will. Dynamic, vivid, vivacious, cular subject he proposes to teach. He and witty, he left the indelible impress of cannot, and need not, bs omniscient. But his personality on all who sat at his feet. not only must he equip himself with know When all that he taught has been forgotten ledge on many matters, but in addition be and the details lost sight of, there yet rem a man of affairs playing a useful part in the ains a solid and substantial residue of atti life of the nation. Academic aloofness like tudes and orientations that his pupils will that of Browning’s Grammarian, who wanted ascribe to J. V. Chelliah’s influence. to learn here and do in the hereafter, may be all right for the student, who merely Youthful «enthusiasms are likely to err wants to be learned and make a show of his on the side of hero-worship. Maturer years learning. But no teacher can shut himself will bring the critical faculty into play. The up in a cloister either physically or spiritu present writer in his youth idolised J. V. ally. Chelliah. Reflexion and experience have The question will now arise “ What is sobered his judgement and brought his the justification for such an elaborate dis enthusiasm within the bounds of reason. quisition on the qualifications of a teacher He feels beholden to J. V. Chelliah not so in an article which purports to be a tribute much for individual lessons he has learnt, as to J. V. Chelliah?” Is not the answer for stimulating in him certain enthusiasms obvious? In the estimate of one student at and for giving a direction to his personality. least, J. V. Chelliah filled the role of such a Generations of J. V. Chelliah’s pupils teacher. A man of wide learning, and varied knew and admired his scholarship in English interests, possessed of a personality that Literature and his genuine enthusiasm for compelled attention, churchman, journalist, its master minds, particularly Shakespeare, politician, with an abiding passion for learn But towards the end of his life he turned his ing that pursued him to the end of his days, attention to his own people’s classics and J. V. Chelliah was above everything else a brought to his appreciation of their splendours stimulating teacher. T o impart information a mind already nurtured in the best traditions is the least among a teacher’s functions. To of Western criticism, and a ripe scholarship suggest fields for further exploration, to that could sift gold from dross. Nat con stimulate enthusiasm for altruistic ends, to tent with himself enjoying thei: worth, he open up to the young mind new vistas of desired to make their greatness known to the beauty and truth, to create a discontent English speaking world at large and parti with the existing order of things, and point cularly to those of his country men to whom to a better social order where there shall be the Tamil Classics are a closed booV, because justice and fairdealing between man and man of their ignorance of Tamil. The first will be an end in., itself, are among the fruit of his labours in this field was a trans noblest duties a teacher can perform. J. V. lation of the Patupattu into English. Owing Chelliah was a great teacher of English to preoccupations with other activities, it has Literature and Latin, but a greater teacher not been possible for me to make anything of youth. like a critical study of this work. But that Some one has said “ Education is what Swami Vipulananda, a scholar of discernment, remains after you have forgotten everything commended it to the Annamalai University you learnt in the class room or lecture room” . and the Karantai Tamil Sangham for publi When J. V. Chelliah’s pupils grew to man’s cation under their aegis and that in his fore estate, they forgot much of the English and word bestows high praise on the work is a Latin they had learnt with him. The fair indication of its merits. The author peculiar excellences, that he pointed to with had other projects too, which however be obvious relish and gusto in Shakespeare’s did not live to accomplish. But let us be . plays* have passed into oblivion. The pol- .thankful that ha lived to sea at least this . jsfy and.finish, he .drewattention.to in.-Cicero’s work completed* OUR COLLEGE HOME; 1922-1947 By Lyman S. Kulathungam Esq., B. A.
The French author and politician, Cha sive expansion and development. Though teaubriand, once said : “ Grecian history there is some truth in the words of is a poem; Latin history, a picture; mo another Old Boy that Mr. Bicknell found dern history, a chronicle.” This article, an Elementary School with a Secondary in keeping with his definition of modern Department at the time of his taking history, is only a chronicle of the main over, as one studies carefully the history, events and persons during the last twenty one cannot escape the fact that the live years in the life of Jaffna College. foundations laid by the Rev. Giles The writer would be satisfied if it can G. Brown made the task of building on create an enthusiasm among its readers it a magnificent edifice easier for his suc for the very recent, eventful past, and cessor. The period dealt with in this by it an inspiration for a brighter future- story falls into two regimes—both “B” It was Goethe who said: ‘‘The best thing regimes : the first is a continuation of the we derive from history is the enthusiasm Bicknell regime from 1922 to 1936 and it raises in us.” the other the Bunker regime from 1937 The storied past of Jaffna College dur to 1947. ing the one hundred and twenty-five I years of its existence from its earliest Seminary days is rich in glorious achieve THE BICKNELL REGIME ments, and unparalleled in many of its 1922—1936 records. The history of the College pro per commences with 1872, and the 1922 marks an important milestone in various periods, into which it has been our history. The end of the year saw the divided, vie with each other pressing their celebrations of the Centenary of the Semi claims for priority in our attention. Each nary and of the Golden Jubilee of the of the various periods has something for College. These celebrations conducted which it deserves special recognition- The with great grandeur and much festivity first thirty six years of the silent “Hs” served as a strong impetus to the teach are not less significant nor less important ers and the students for a fresh spell of in our life than the thirty nine years of successful work. One cannot forget the the busy “Bs.” All these have made inspiring messages one listened to from their special contribution : the Hastings distinguished visitors like Dr. J. J. Ban- regime of consolidation and grandeur, ninga, the brilliant dips into past history the Howland regime of diffusion and ex by Messrs. K. Balasingham, T. H. Cros- pansion, the Hastings-Hitchcock regime sette and the Rev. J. K. Sinnatamby, of concentration and co-ordination, and and the stirring prophecies of the Rev. the Brown era of changes. The Colombo J. Bicknell and Mr. J. V. Chelliah about Old Boys, in the address of felicitation the future. One saw clearly a powerful they presented to the Rev. John Bicknell •gleam of light reaching from the past and at his Silver Jubilee celebrations in Co piercing into the future, and one could lombo nineteen days before his death, not but rededicate oneself to be loyal to called the Bicknell era of twenty five that vision and ever to follow that gleam. years "the golden era.” We certainly If.the present writer may be pardoned a do not think ihey were indulging in an personal note, he counts it a special pri idle flight of fancy or meaningless flat vilege to have joined the staff in the tery; -still we shall be satisfied with call Jubilee year and taken part in the Jubi ing this era a period of dynamic, inten lee prize-giving programme. And ever THE LATE REV* JOHN BICKNELL Principal & Professor, Jaffna College 1911 — 1936. AND MRS. BICKNELL 19 since he, like most others who partici function was a memorable one, the build pated in those celebrations, could not ing being opened by Mr. J. D. Brown, but be obedient to the vision he beheld the then Government Agent of the then. Northern Province, and the chief Building Expansion address being given by that great scholar of antiquities, Dr. Paul E. Peiris. With 1922 commenced an important epoch during which not merely was the Electric Insta Hat ion programme of extension already entered The expanding institution demanded upon by Mr. BickneJl in 1916 carried out, the replacement of the kerosine lamps but also many innovations were intro and even gas lights by modern electric duced. Thus, the Bicknell period, in addi lights. When the proposal was made tion to being one of expansion, is also one originally, no body took it seriously, but of several important innovations. Almost Mr. Bicknell, as soon as the idea flashed with his taking over the charge of the into his mind, acted on it and the elec College, Mr- Bicknell threw himself enthu tric installation was declared open at a siastically and seriously into a big pro formal ceremony in 1933 by the Assistant gramme of building extension. What Government Agent, Mr. A- J. Wilkinson. ever he touched with his magic wand, The function was combined with the shot up into an attractive and useful annual prize-giving, which was one of the building. Teachers’ houses, rows of new grandest prize-givings within living me class rooms, new dormitories, new sani mory because of the presence of that tary block, Ottley Hall remodelled— all very popular speaker and brilliant scholar these were completed in quick succession. and thinker, Mr. K. P. S. Menon. One Two of his proudest and happiest func cannot forget even to this day the glori tions were the opening of the remodelled ous light and exulting joy one found in Ottley Hall on August 2, 1930 and the Mr- Bicknell’s face that day. formal opening of the electric installa. tion on the 14th October, 1933. The Increasing Numbers remodelling of the Ottley Hall was com The steady— and quick—growth in the menced in 1928. Previous to its remo number of students would show the grow delling too this was a two-storeyed build ing popularity of the Bicknell regime. In ing, the upper storey being used as a 1916, the year of his assuming the Prin- dormitory for the boarders and the cipalship, the number on roll was 268; in ground floor as the assembly hall— 1922. it had risen to 487 and in another named after Sir Richard Ottley, Puisne two years it had reached the 600 mark. Justice of Ceylon from 1819 to 1827, * 'in Throughout the rest of the fifteen years grateful remembrance of his generous of this period, it remained at about the donation” towards this building. For same height, though there was an unac about 15 years the growing numbers in countable drop to 481 in 1932. Mr. B ick the school demanded a larger hall and all nell, unlike Mr. Bunker his successor, rejoiced therefore at the completion of this believed in numbers. He stated his creed, building, which has given us both a mag in his report at the Jubilee prize-giving, nificent hall and an adequate building to in these words : house the growing library. It would be “ To educate as many as we can, of some interest to our readers to learn To educate as well as we can, that the cost of remodelling of Rs. 50,000/- To educate as broadly as we can, was met principally by a donation of To educate as high as we can ” Rs. 10,000/- from the Ceylon Govern ment, Rs. 6,000'- from Old Boys and This creed had the endorsement of the another gift from America. The opening Faculty and the staff of his day: as of 20
the Board of Directors, because those London Intermediate times demanded such a creed. It was Classes felt that Jaffna College should Open its The starting of an London Intermediate portals to a wider public daily, irrespec in Arts Class in 1922 has already been tive of creed or caste. And no one can chronicled by Mr. J. V. Chelliah in his say today that the College failed to put book, “ A Century of English Education.” into execution this creed, and it must However, the writer of the story cannot also be said to the credit of Mr. Bicknell resist the temptation of making a passing that he knew personally all the boys in reference to it. He was one of the two the school in spite of the increase in who made up the first successful venture numbers. in 1922, and therefore has a right and an excuse for doing so. Mr. Allen Abraham Examination Results deserves high tribute for the tower of strength he w7as to Mr. Bicknell in The standard of education given then launching out this venture and working was not inferior to that given in this it successfully through. In fact the inspi institution during any other period, nor ration for it came really from Mr. Abra was it second to that available in any ham himself. The vital interest he took other educational instil ution in the Island- in forming and working it was evinced The high percentage of passes in the even up to the point of his death- We Junior and the Senior Certificate exami have it on good authority that, as he was nations of the Cambridge University at being taken from the Jaffna Hospital on the beginning of this period, and of the his last journey to his home at Karai- Matriculation examination of the London nagar as he neared the College campus, University later would testify to this fact. he was reminded of his Mathematics Still there was general dissatisfaction student taking up his Inter examin among the staff and the Principal ation at Colombo and asked some one at these examinations “made in Cam near him how his student had fared in bridge and London.” The Principal led the examination. We students of the the demand for examinations “made in Bicknell period respected and esteemed Ceylon.” Now, today, when the Ceylon various teachers for various qualities, examinations are in vouge, we wonder if but we did not come across another who the change over from foreign examina combined in himself the brilliancy of a tions, standardised as they were, was in student, the ability of a teacher, the the best interests of our students. Of one love and care of a fond parent, the thing we are sure : Jaffna College could thoroughness and punctuality of a well have, as urged by Mr. Bicknell, conduct disciplined life, the nobility and great ed more rational examinations than the heartedness of a generous nature, the up - those of the Education Department. The right character and saintly conduct of former Cambridge Locals gave way to a perfect Christian gentleman like Mr Cambridge Certificates in 1916, and the Abraham. The Inter classes so success London Matriculation was introduced fully started soon became popular and into the College, after much thought, in students came from all parts of Jaffna. 1034 and they finally displaced in the following year the Senior Cambridge. Beginnings of Co-education Mr- Bicknell called this change over “logi The beginnings of co-education were cal and fashionable.” Though the Cam laid in 1925 when Lily Chelliah (now Mrs. bridge Senior was a better school final D- R. Gunasegaram), a daughter of Mr. examination, Mr. Bicknell was right in J. V- Chelliah, joined the Inter-Arts his estimate of the reasons for the Class. Thus the experiment of the Inter change. classes soon made the authorities say WE OWE MUCH
The Rt. Rev. S. Kulandran, B. A., B. 0.
■ m rf / 'i dL ...
Rev. M. H. Harrison, Ph, D. Mrs. M. H. Harrison, M.A.
Rev. E. G. Nichols, B. A., B. D. 21 that they had come to stay. And the Mr. STAFF TENNIS CLUB Farewell to Dr. C. Ponnambalam D. M. O. Vaddukoddai 1932. classes in Jaffna College itself. He held his subsequent rise to the highest posi before them the ideal of service at Jaffna tion open to a member on the staff, the College as a special privilege and honour. Principalship of the College, are matters The members of the staff who helped of record and comment reserved for him materially in building up the insti their proper place in this story. tution were many. Space forbids our mentioning all of them, even many of Of the American teachers we had them. In addition to those already men during this time mention has already tioned, special mention ought to be been made of the Harrisons and Mr. made of Mr. J. C- Amarasingham, whose Phelps. A passing reference also has contribution in the direction of instilling been made of Messrs. E. G. Nichols and into the minds of students the lofty A. L. Sitlinger. Both these young men ideals of simple living and nationalism made a distinct contribution to the was very great indeed. Mr. Amara teaching of English and the general life singham, though not an Old Boy of of the College. Both of them helped at Jaffna College, found it easy to throw different times with the editing of the himself wholly into the life here, because Miscellany. The latter was for a part of the atmosphere was altogether congenial his time Warden of the Inter Hostel, to his way of thinking and living. To and was very much liked for his genuine Mr* C- W. Phelps goes the credit for sympathy and identifying himself with organising the Science and the Physical the aspirations of the nationals for res Departments on a sound basis. ponsible positions in the life of the insti tution and the wider life of the country. Two more innovations introduced by In addition to these were Mr. Porter Mr. Bicknell remain to be recorded. One French, who was very popular for his was the supplying of the heads of the cheerful 'mixing up with the young and Affiliated Schools with tried and experi for his musical talents, and Mr. S. P. enced men from our staff. As the previ Hieb. Mr. Hieb also helped with the ous experiment of sending Mr. J. S- editing of the Miscellany for a time and Navaratnam as the Head-Master of the made a strong impression on the student Manipay Memorial English School had community with his sturdy indepen proved a success, Mr. Bicknell tried an dence. The close of this period saw the other experiment. Later events have coming of Mr. Theodore Oppenheim in proved beyond doubt that the sending 1935 and the Lockwoods in 1936. of Mr. K . S. Saravanamuttu to be the head of Drieberg College, Chavakach- Another personality, though not on cheri, was not one day too late for the the teaching staff, who was immensely developing of that institution. Today popular, deserves special mention. To its position as a premier Secondary Mr. S. R. Beadle fell the duties of a School in its area is entirely due to secular agent and a supervisor of build Mr. Saravanamuttu’s efforts. Mr- Edwin ings. But he was not satisfied with per Hensman was another who was sent forming only the duties assigned to from the staff to be the head of the him. He extended his co-operation and school at Karainagar. service to all activities and persons in The second notable and welcome fea need of them. The excellent condition ture introduced was the sending of a of the College buildings and the cleanli member of the staff overseas for higher ness of the whole campus were due to studies and training. The first one of his great industry and care. A man such men was Mr. K. A. Selliah, who silent and steady, dutiful and punctual, went to England in 1935 for a period he was a good example to the younger of two years. His return to College and generation. 24 IS xtra -Curricular Activities: the Intermediate classes were both (1^ Sports founded at this time, the former in 1934 This period saw almost phenomenal and the latter in 1921. The Bro development in the various departments therhood had to its credit the staging of the College life. It is always our proud of the Indian Round Table Conference, but legitimate boast that our institution and the Ceylon State Council, it also is rich in its many and varied extra celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1934- curricular activities. Particularly very The Dramatic Club won unstinted praise notable progress was registered in the from critics and crowds alike for the Sports Department. The whole depart staging of the well known Tamil play ment was thoroughly overhauled and Manohara in 1926, and the Shakespeare’s systematised, and for most part of this Midsummer Night’s Dream in 1931, the period organised, appropriate and com Twelfth Night in 1932, and the Tem pulsory games were provided for all the pest in 1934- In 1934 the girls of the students Also regular physical examin College brought honour to the school ation of each student was a special fea and themselves by becoming first in ture of the department. The develop Group Singing and carrying away three ment of this department was first in the first prizes in an Oriental Music com hands of that efficient organiser, Mr. petition for girls in the Jaffna schools, C. W. Phelps, who, as the first Physical held under the auspices of the North Director, soon galvanised the support Ceylon Oriental Music Society, to which and help of the entire staff for this work- much credit is due for the resuscitation Mr. I. P. Thurairatnam who followed of Oriental Music in our Schools. him was no second to him in the success (3) The Y. M. C. A. which attained his equally efficient Two Jubilees in connection with the organising power and capable leadership. Y. M. C A. were celebrated during this During this period the following were period. One was the Silver Jubilee in the championship honours that came our 1932 of the founding of the school and w ay: Athletic and Sports Championship the Mission at Eluvaitivu. The other in 1932 and 1933; Cricket in 1934 and was the Golden Jubilee of the Y.M.C.A. 1936 (the latter one joint with St. Pat itself in 1934 The latter was a most rick’s College); Football in 1934 and 193 >. memorable occasion, the programme of The two visits of an Athletic Team and which consisted of two main items : the a Basketball Team from the Central tree-planting ceremony in the Y.M.C.A. Y. M C. A-, Colombo, in 1927 and 1929, Garden by persons connected with the and our return visit to Colombo in 1928 Association intimately and officially as were a source of great inspiration and ex presidents etc. in memory of outstand encouragement to our budding athletes- ing personalities of the past; and the Oa the departure of Mr. Thurairatnam stone-layin? ceremony of the long await in charge of the Tellippalai unit of the ed and rouch-toiled-for new Y.M.C A. American Mission, Mr. R. TThurairajah, building. The latter ceremony was per our present Physical Director, succeeded formed by one of its oldest members, him. Mr C. H. Cooke. (2) Literary and Dramatic Activities (4) The Library The various Literary Societies reached The Library was greatly improved a high standard of efficiency. The and developed. At the beginning of this Forum for the Pre-Seniors and the Inter period there were about 2000 volumes ; Union (which has now changed its name quite a number of these being theological to 'the Academy’) for the students of were not of much interest to a student THE TWELFTH NIGHT 1932 THE TEMPEST 1933 *5 in a Secondary School. Still the Library the staff. The paper soon became enjoyed a reputation for possessing out popular carrying as it did contributions standing reference books, like the En from students mostly on matters of cyclopaedia Brittanica, the American topical interest. It was lucky to have International Encyclopaedia and the at its commencement as its teacher Historian’s History of the World. adviser, Mr. C. A. Gnanasegaram- The Mr. Bicknell took great pains to expand paper remains today as well edited and the Library both in the number and the popular as then. variety of books, and to increase its use fulness. For the first time in its history, Tlie Round Table a full time librarian was appointed in Reorganized 1924. The choice of Mr. K. Sellaiah was I 935 saw the Round Table, a teachers’ a very lucky one- With his love and organization, take a different shape from concern for method and order, his insis what it had been for a long period of time. tence on principles, acting without fear The Round Table had its first beginnings or favour, he put his whole heart and in 1910, when on the initiative of Dr. H. soul into the task of overhauling the C. York a Teacher’s Institute was formed Library. In 1930 he was fortunate in for the discussion of teaching methods having the opportunity of undergoing and educational ideals, in which the expert training in Library Science for a teachers of the American Mission schools, year at the Madras University Library, besides those of the College, took part. and three years later at the Imperial Later in 1915 the Institute gave way to Library, Calcutta The Library,which had the Round Table, started by Dr. C. W. been moving from room to room, was Miller for the jaffna College staff only finally housed in its present building, with for discussing educational and other sub the remodelling of the Ottley Hall, in jects of interest Its popularity during 1930- The building up of the various sec the period under review was great, es tions went apace, and the close of this pecially as a social gathering. Mrs. Bick period saw the number of books pass the nell was a charming hostess and the 5500 mark. A valuable nucleus cf Tamil teachers enjoyed her thoughtful, generous books was carefully built under the hospitality. However, it was felt that guidance of Mr. C. H. Kathiravetpillai. the time had come for it to work on a Mr. Harrison was responsible during his more democratic constitution, freed Acting Principalship to encourage the from overawing official influence. Very collection of rare books, books connected important changes were effected, chief with the history of the College, and among them being the substitution of an books written by pur Old Boys. In 1924 elected President in the place of the ex a valuable donation was made by Mrs. officio Principal-President. Mr. S. Handy Harrison of 100 voulmes. The donation Perinbanayagam and Mr. A. M. Brodie was made in memory of her father and had the distinction of being the first the collection of books has been called President and Secretary under the new the Hastings Memorial Library. Another dispensation. An important addition was donation of 30 volumes was made in made to the objects of the Round Table- 1926 by the Literary Club. that of looking after, in addition to the (5) The Young Idea academic welfare, the professional inter Another important new venture was ests of the teachers. Subsequent events the starting of a student journal entitled: have proved the wisdom of this move "The Young Idea”. This journal issued and have established the Round Table fortnightly was run by an Editorial as a real power of considerable influence Board with the advice of a member of in the counsels of the College. J* c. 4 26 The Miscellany ing this department, independent in The Miscellany has been fortunate in thought and action, ever insistent on having had as its editors talented and thoroughness from his co-workers and able persons: first from Mr. J.V. Chelliah, students, he was able to set the depart then Mrs. M. H. Harrison, Mr. E. G. ment in good order. A Kindergarten Nichols, Mr. S. P. Hieb, Mr. A. L. Sit- Department was added during his days linger, down to Mr. Handy Perinbanaya- and his wife was of great help to him in gam. The present writer has counted it working it. From 1927 it fell to the lot among his pleasant privileges to be con of Mr. Kanapathipillai, who came en nected with the Miscellany as one of its dowed with progressive educational Editors for the last 16 years from 1931. ideas imbibed from the Government That the Miscellany has filled a large Training College and with profitable place in the life of the institution, that it experience gained in Uduppiddy and has enjoyed a proud place among leading Uduvil where he had taught for some College periodicals in this country, years, to build up the department. Under and performed superbly the function his direction not much time elapsed be of being an important link between the fore it grew from strength to strength. Alumni and the College would be A strict disciplinarian, an expert teacher generally agreed. Its success at that of children with a welcome partiality for time was due partly to its sometime new methods of teaching and for correct Manager, Mr- K. Sellaiah. It has always pronounciation of English, and always been the ideal of the Miscellany to pro keeping himself abreast of the latest edu vide its readers not merely the news of cational theory and psychology, he was the College, but also readable matter of able to make the department a very general cultural interest. To Mr. J. V- efficient one. For a “feeder” depart Chelliah goes the credit of forming this ment to the Upper School the emphasis conception of the function of the Mis he placed was absolutely necessary. Mr. cellany and putting it through to suc Bicknell was always behind these two cessful fruition. He always provoked men giving them inspiration, help and thought by his inspiring and instructive support. Those where the days when contributions- We would today recall the cry of the country was for “more especially those articles entitled “ Why?” and better English”. Therefore, the and written over the name of ‘'Ignora tireless efforts of Mr. Kanapathipillai to mus” in which he stirred public con improve the standard of English and to sciousness about most pressing problems make his Lower School a model English of the day. Primary School can be understood and ought to be appreciated. The School The Lower School soon won high reputation. The Lower School, formerly called the The Board of Directors High School and joined with the College by the Rev. G. G. Brown, registered The College was fortunate to have had marked development, during this time, on its Board of Directors during this in numbers, the quality of education it period, as from the very beginnings of imparted, and the efficiency with which its life, eminently qualified and inte it was done. It was lucky in the two rested men holding honourable and res Supervisors it had. Both Mr. J. N. ponsible positions in public life- Parti Appadurai and Mr- C C Kanapathipillai cular mention should be made of the were men of ideas and energy. For about long service of Mr- K. Balasigham on the seven years Mr. Appadurai was respon Board. From 1919 throughout this period sible for the pioneering work of organis and then till 1942, he was on the Board, B E Y O N D TH VEIL- , a m . J. N. APPADURAI, Supervisor Lower School. K. KANDASAM Y C. C. KANAPATHIPILLAI, of the Govt. Clerical Service. S «pervisor Lower School. 2 7 most of the time as its Chairman. To Clark, the Executive Secretary of the him goes the honour certainly of hav Board and the Secretary of the Board of ing been its Chairman for the longest Trustees of the College, Mrs. Clark, and period of years. It is not easy to of Dr. Vernon White, the Literary give adequate expression to the huge Secretary of the Board, and Mrs. White. debt of gratitude the institution owes Three gubernatorial visits are to be to the magnificent contribution of recorded : H. E. Sir Cecil Clementi in Mr. Balasingham. Himself an Old Boy 1925, H. E. Sir Hugh Clifford in 1926, of the College and in the high counsels and H. E. Mr Bernard Bourdillon in 1931. of the Island, a man of very sound views Of these, the visit of Sir Hugh Clifford is and advanced ideas, vitally interested in the most memorable. He was so im the smallest detail of the College work, pressed with the work done here that he of a keen and piercing intellect, wdth a recommended to the Finance Committee prophetic insight, he threw himself heart of the Legislative Council an extra-ordin and soul into our affairs and worked ary vote of Rs. 50,000/- as a building indefatigably for the larger expansion and grant to the College. But the vote was growth of the College- Mr. Bicknell turned down; however, some years later found in him a tower of strength. Two the Government thought it fit to vote other men were of great influence on the Rs-10,000/- which was, as pointed out al Board, both of whom functioned as ready, utilised for remodelling the Secretaries for long periods of time: the Ottley Hall. Among other distinguished Rev. J. K . Sinnatamby and Mr- A- S. visitors may be mentioned the following: Arulampalam. The Rev. J- K. Sinn a- Dr, and Mrs- Calkins of Lucknow ; Mr. thamby kept up the Kingsbury connec T. Z- Koo of China ; Dr. Adams, Dean of tions with the institution by his kindly Me Gill University, Montreal, Canada ; interest in its work and b5' his active Rev- Maltby of the S. C. M., England ; labour for its progress. His untimely Prof. and Mrs. Potter of the Yale Univer death in 1934 was first a stunning blow sity ; Dr. Jefferson of New York ; Mr. to the Church in our field, and then Nitken of the Bulgarian S. C- M.; Pussy to the College. Mr- Arulampalam in his foot Johnson; Prof- and Mrs- Irving own quiet, but effective, way devoted a Wood ; Dr. Stanley Jones ; the Negro good deal of his time and energy to the Delegation consisting of Prof. and Mrs. furtherance of our affairs. Messrs- A. R. H. Thurman, and Rev. and Mrs. E- G. Subramaniam and Nevins Selvadurai and Carroll ; Sir C- P. Ramasamy Iyer ; Prof. the Rev. R. C P. Welch were among S. Somasundara Bharati of the Anna- other notable Directors ; the first of malai University ; Miss Florence Fitch, these was the Vice-Chairman for a num Professor of Oberlin College; and the ber of years and' Mr. Selvadurai its Rev. E- C. Dewick. Chairman for a year. Religious Education & > Training 'Visitors A word about the religious instruction It was the good fortune of the College and training imparted during the period to have had during this time many dis is necessary. We know that dissatisfac tinguished visitors from many parts of tion has been expressed by certain well- the globe. There were three Deputa meaning friends of the College and of tions from the American Board : one in Mr. Bicknell concerning the type of re 1926 composed of Dr. W. E. Strong and ligious emphasis laid by him. These Dr. R. Harmcn Potter ; second in 1935 friends need to be reminded of the of Dr- Fred Field Goodsell, the Execut change of emphasis that has come about ive Vice-President of the Board ; and with regard to the whole conception of the last in 1936 made up of Dr- Aldon religious education in schools like ours 28 and of the function of the Church. Mr. The College sent out into the world Bicknell’s faith was as robust and un during this period men with the distin shakable, and his religion as practical guishing Bicknell touch, about them. as any body else’s. Those who came Mr. C- Suntharalingam, then Professor into contact with him were able to catch at the University College, Colombo, the true joy of religion from his words aptly described these Old Boys as suffer and actions. Of course, he believed in ing irom three “defects” viz. they were the influence of Christianity as a social great idealists, they had unbounded gospel on other faiths- He also never optimism and they were little Americans worried about swelling the lists of the who had honest convictions. The Profes adherents of the Church- He believed sor traced these defects to the tradition in the effectiveness of Christianity to of the College. In the following striking leaven the entire society, whatever might words he described our tradition : “ the be the faiths of the different individuals sons and daughters of Jaffna College who formed it. He also believed in the have been and are the centres of a divine strength of the Light of Life, which discontent. They are no victims of could radiate its beams over all, believ smug self-satisfaction. They are the ers and unbelievers, and whose power inheritors of a great and continuous tra ful rays could pierce through the nar dition. If a stranger may presume to rowest and hardest crevices. sum up that tradirion in a single sen A Summing Up tence, it is the Spirit of Freedom and Selfless Service”. No apter words could Truly this was a period of intensive have been chosen to sum up our glorious expansion, directed by the dynamic de tradition and heritage. No other man signer and executor. When one consid was so responsible for the building up ers the difficulties and hardships Mr. of this tradition in recent years as Mr Bicknell had to face and the ultimate Bicknell. The writer can never forget triumph of his superb efforts, one is that stirring sermon Mr. Bicknell prea reminded strongly of the resemblances ched just before he went home on in the experience of Columbus. The furlough for the very last time. His text diary of Columbus is an inspiration to was : "Go ye out into the world”, and any one. In it he describes the day-to- he presented to the College a picture day happenings on board the ship illustrating this text, which picture throughout the weary, uneventful jour hangs today over the platfoim in the ney for long months. In it he records Ottley Hall His message was: “Go how he had to contend with the grumbl you out into the world. And in it do ings and even mutiny among his dis net be dead weights, or dumb specta gruntled crew. Certain failure and even tors or carping critics, but active parti death by violence were staring him in cipators, witnessing for the Christ. Live the face, and, with all this, Columbus a iree life— free from the shackles of used to end his daily record with these unreasonable tradition, of meaningless words : “Sail on”. Such courage, opti customs, and of unscientific belief?, and mism and faith, such unquenchable free to lead a life abounding in service determination to move forward through to your Church, community and coun treacherous shoals and changing eddies, try.” That was the message of the Col against formidable rocks and violent lege to all its Old Boys and Old Girls storms, were characteristics of Mr- Bick nell too. It was these that helped him of this period, who are today occupying to lead Jaffna College from triumph to prominent and high positions in the triumph in spite of strong opposition various walks of the country’s life. That sometimes. is the message of the College even today. PRESIDENT & MRS. BUNKER ■ 29 [I THE BUNKER REGIME 1937-1947 When sudden death snatched away were necessitated by changing conditions, Mr. Bicknell from the College— Mr. Bick- and demands of the times, like the grow nell, who flushed with joy at the appre ing numbers in the College, the changes ciation of his splendid contribution ex in the educational system of the Island, pressed at his Silver Jubilee by a grateful the request from the Old Boys and the public and Alumni was already preparing Staff for a greater share in the adminis for another spell of service, his mind full tration of the school, and a shifting of of big schemes for the future expansion emphasis in the conception of the relation of the College—there was naturally un between the Church and the institution. utterable gloom and despair. What we Administr3tive Changes felt at that time could best be expressed by these lines: On the death of Mr. Bicknell, the Board of Directors follow7ed “custom" “ One who held his place, and appointed the “ Senior American tea Held the long purpose like a growing cher on the staff/’ Mr- E.C. Lockwood, as tree; the Acting Principal- Mr. Lockwood's Held on through blame and faltered task of stepping into the breach was by not at praise; no means easy or enviable. However, And when he fell in whirlwind, he Mr. Lockwood displaying neither an ex went down, cessive desire to initiate far-reaching y4s when a kindly cedar green with changes nor a mere willingness to mark boughs, time, but preferring to tread the well Goes down with a great shout upon worn path of his predecessor, made a suc the hills, cess of the brief period of one year of his And leaves a lonesome space in the administration. His fairness, his desire sky.” to do the right to the best of his lights, and his stubborn resolve to look unflin It was indeed a lonesome space in our chingly at issues however disagreeable, sky that his death left, and we began to helped him in his task. ask, with a sense of hopelessness, “ Who On November I, 1937, the Rev. S. K. can ever take the place of this mighty Bunker arrived to assume the responsi man?” And we had forgotten for the bilities of the principalship. His high moment that God takes away His academical qualifications and training at workers but carries on His work, and Yale, at Oxford, and at the Union Semi that He fulfills Himself in many ways. nary, New York ; his youth; his teaching In the last decade, a number of chan experience gathered at a Southern Col ges introduced during the previous period lege in America—these promised a bright have been strengthened and consum future for the institution. His broad mated. Many new ones have been effec minded and liberal outlook on all things, ted, some of them restoring the ancient, his genuine interest to identify himself proud status ot the College and of far- with the national aspirations of our peo reaching importance for the future- ple, his sincerity of purpose, his Strangely enough some of these were in genial and friendly nature, and his the mind of Mr, Bicknell himself. Hence, charming personality soon won for him this decade may properly be called a the co-operation of the staff. Mr. Bunker, period of consummation and rehabilita in an interview with the press on tion. Many of these new changes board his ship, before he landed in 30 Colombo, told them that his motto in from the College recorded always not dealing with the administering of the merely smooth working but success- College was best expressed in the words The longest period of Mr. Bunker’s of the Governor of Ceylon: “ Hem in! absence was when he was away in Ame Hemin!” To the Old Boys who met him rica on furlough from June 1944 to at Tea the same afternoon, he declared January 1946. Mr- Selliah had the res that his idea of running the institution ponsibility of steering the institution was not through establishing a dictator through this time as Acting Principal. ship, but through a co-operative venture. He was assisted by the Acting Vice- That these two policies have guided him Principal, Mr- D. S- Sanders. By virtue in his enormous task of steering the Col of his long and intimate connections with lege through this difficult decade would the College first as a student for many be generally agreed. This period has also years and then as a teacher from 1913 been an era of progress and expansion, (continuously till now except for five with some very important changes, but years 1914 to 1919, when he was away in these changes were not effected over India prosecuting his higher studies), and night with any dramatic suddenness- by his deep affection and remarkable Most of them were brought about after loyalty to it, Mr- Sanders deserved to be due study and consideration, and gene elevated to this post. A graduate of the rally with the co-operation of the staff Calcutta University, he was one of the and the Board of Directors. very first batch to benefit by a training It took Mr. Bunker two years to at the University College, Colombo. decide that he needed the help of a Vice- Added to all this, his unrufHed and philo Principal, and his choice, as that of the sophic temperament and immense popu Board of Directors, fell on Mr K. A. larity with his students are qualifications Selliah, who had returned in September, helpful to contribute materially to the 1938 from England, where he had gained success of his Vice-Principalship. his Diploma in Education of the London From July of this year important University and secured the Fellowship changes have been effected in the ad of Physical Society. Mr. Selliah’s ex ministration because of the addition of perience of Jaffna College as a teacher the degree classes and the consequent and student helped him in this post. developing of the collegiate department. Soon, with his remarkable capacity for No other choices could have been made work, genial kindliness and friendliness than that of Mr. Bunker as the first of nature, a genius for going into details, President of the College, that of Mr. Sei- an absolute sense of fairness, his expe liah as the first national Principal, and rience of schools in England and his pro that of Mr. Sanders as the permanent fessional training there,his ability in study Vice-Principal. and teaching, and his essential humanity, Building Expansion he was able to win the co-operation and confidence of the staff, and make his The building programme commenced influence felt in the affairs of the College. during the previous period had to be re In many respects he has proved to be an adjusted owing to changing conditions. excellent counterpart to Principal Bun One of the pressing demands was for a ker Because Mr. Bunker could reply on bungalow for the Principal The present the valuable services of this chief assis bungalow, the foundations for which had tant of his and on the co-operation of been laid during Mr. B icknell’s time, was the staff, whose loyalty to the institution completed in 1938. Another urgent need has ever been unique, the various periods was met when a water system was during which Mr- Bunker had to be away launched. The official opening of the 3* System was performed by Mr. R. A. M. number for which the school should Thuraiappah, Executive Engineer, N. P., cater, and decided on the gradual re and a distinguished Old Boy of Jaffna duction to that level. College, on the Alumni Day, the 17th In October, 1945, the Free Education September, 1938. This System, which Scheme, the unthinking attitude of the was described by Mr. Thuraiappah as the last State Council towards matters edu first of its kind to be introduced into any cational, and the unrelenting, mischie school in Jaffna, is really an enviable vous propaganda of the last Minister of asset to the College population. One of Education against Christian Schools significant feature of the System was that made the staff and the Board to rethink the whole structure and service were in the question of the future of the College. stalled by an Old Boy, Mr. R. T. Chelliah. The recommendation was made strongly Close upon this welcome addition came by the staff that the College should once the acquisition in the same year of the again free itself from governmental East Field for the purpose of satisfying shackles and work as a Private Christian the urgent demand for a larger space for institution. The Board itself was con games- The East Field was declared sidering this suggestion favourably, when open and christened “ The Bicknell Field” the question of restoring the institution by Miss L G. Book waiter on the 28th to its former collegiate status brought January, 1939- The same year also saw about perforce a change in the situation- the opening of the new Administration Today the College cannot afford to run, Block. It was declared open at a spe at the same time, the collegiate depart cially memorable ceremony on the 26th ment and a Private Secondary School on September by Mr. J. V. Chelliah, whose its own resources. Hence, in all probabi speech on that day urging the authorities lity the Secondary School will go into the to grant the staff greater and more res Free Scheme from October 1948, with the ponsible share in the administration of hope that the present Parliament will find the institution was as satisfying to the a way of making some necessary adjust staff as essential to the authorities. ments in the Scheme, especially in the Educational Changes matter of providing a bigger equipment Numbers began to increase fast. In grant to the Assisted Schools. 1938 they were 521, and in another two The decade has witnessed a number of yeas they shot up to over 650 and went important changes made on the academic on steadily to 675 in 1943. Two years side, consequent on the Government’s later they reached 750 and the autho new requirements. The London Matri rities began to feel real concern about culation examination was given up in this increase. Though we were pleased 1943 and the Senior Certificate exami at this confidence of the public in our nation conducted by the Education De work, and though we are among the few partment of Ceylon was substituted in schools in the Island that ought to its place- With the establishment of the tackle, because of our resources in equip Ceylon University in 1942, the popularity ment and staff, such an increase with of the London Intermediate examinations confidence and comfort, the authorities began to be on the wane. Consequently —and particularly Mr. Bunker— felt that the emphasis was shifted from the Lon efficiency of the education imparted was don Intermediate examinations to the becoming impaired thereby. They also Higher School Certificate and the Ceylon realised that large numbers stood on the University examinations. Our results in way of personal attention of the staff to these have been in keeping with past the students- The Board of Directors, traditions. Because the courses are therefore, fixed 500 as the maximum determined and controlled by our Univer 3* sity and Education Department, they are The greatest loss in recent times has more satisfying to the needs and culture undoubtedly been the departure of Mr. of our people. Provision has had to be S Handy Perinbanayagam from the staff. made for new subjects like Botany, Mr. Perinbanayagam joined the staff in and Zoology in response to growing 1921 and till July 1944 laboured in his demands. From 1940 Sinhalese has been Alma Mater, except for two brief periods included in the curriculum of the middle of time when he was away, first at the forms. Tamil has gained great promi University College and later at the Law nence and has taken great strides of pro College. Jaffna College is all the richer gress under the direction of Mr. K. E. for the twenty years of selfless service of Mathiaparanam, whose two years at the this great personality. He towered above Annamalai University fitted him tho his colleagues in his wide knowledge roughly and eminently for this task. gained by extensive reading, in his power ful leadership, his integrity of character, The Staff and his burning patriotism. The students found in him an ideal teacher, who not Most of the members of the staff who only filled them with a wealth of know were here in 1936 are with us and, there ledge on all kinds of subjects, but created fore, a proper assessment of their value in them an active, intelligent interest in and service to the College should be left public questions, quickened their con to the future historian, who would view science against prevalent evils and roused them from a distant, dispassionate and them to action. The English and the fuller perspective. However, special men Latin departments, the Miscellany, the tion ought to be made of some, especially Literary Societies, the Round Table and those who have died or left us- Mr- Kana- the staff— nay the whole institution -owe pathipillai, the Supervisor of the Lower a debt of gratitude which cannot be School, who was transferred as the Head adequately acknowledged. The wrench of the Affiliated School at Tellippallai in which hurt him and the College has 1937, returned to the College in two years somewhat, been healed by his election to and was on the staff of the Upper School the Board of Directors, from which he till early 1943 when untimely death took can continue his services to the insti him away- The same year saw the de tution. parture of Mr. C. A. Gnanasegaram after serving as a teacher for 14 years. Himself A tribute of grateful appreciation is one of the brilliant products of Jaffna due to Mr- A. C. Sundrampillai for his College, saturated with its spirit and loyal, sacrificial service at the College for traditions, and with a deep love for it, a continuous period of well nigh thirty he was expected to be a permanent fix years. His passion for the College is un ture on the staff- An able teacher of paralleled, his zest for teaching is still English with an abiding passion for its unquenched, his remarkable memory for Literature, the adviser and director of- details undimtned, and his concern for 'The Young Idea’, a trainer of athletes, each and every student unabated. His a provoker of thought, and one of the appointment in 1942 as the first Disci College's typical sons with a divine dis pline Master was an honour richly de content, the contribution he made was serving. No other man could carry on very appreciable indeed. The Education the arduous tasks of this office with his Department enticed him away, as it did willingness and equanimity, his poise and another young, brilliant, enthusiastic dignity. Science teacher in Mr. M. Rajasundram, The practice of sending members of the who had been on the staff for about five staff to help in the building up of the years. Affiliated Schools has been kept up. Last LOWER SCHOOL 33 year Mr. S- S. Selvadurai, after a useful order, and his own efficient and tactful period of eleven years was sent as Vice- way of handling most matters were of Principal of Uduppiddy, and Mr. D. S. value in getting this done In 194° the Devasagayam left for reasons of health to Tamil School, which had been working teach at Drieberg College, Chavakaccberi. as a separate school with a separate One very welcome innovation has been Head-teacher, was amalgamated witn the introduced of sending from time to time Lower School. The increase in numbers members of the staff for short courses of and the addition of various activities study at the Bangalore Theological Col demanded building expansion. Two class lege beginning with Mr. E. J. Jeeva- rooms were added in 1941 and further ratnam Niles. He will be finishing a two extension was effected in 1945 and this year course next May and on his return year. Oriental Music and Dancing will assist Mr. Bunker in the duties of a have been worked into the curriculum chaplain. Another member of the staff, as regular subjects under an expert tea Mr. K C. Thurairatnam, has gone to Ame cher. From 1944 English Singing also rica on study leave. Miss Leelavathy has become a regular subject under a Ponnambalam, an Old Girl of the Col well qualified instructor. A very useful lege and a Graduate of the Ceylon Uni and interesting industrial section has versity, has the distinction of being the been added, comprising of Coir Work, first lady teacher in the Upper School. and Clay Work, both under the direction The American teachers the school has of full time demonstrators. The Lower had during this period, besides Mr. Lock School is thus a veritable hive of activity wood, were : Messrs- T. S. Oppenheim and throughout the day. The year end Stuart Wright. Both were of great help concert staged by the Lower School has in the teaching of English, and in become one of the excellent annual strengthening the extra-curricular acti functions of the College- All this pro gress and expansion have been due to vities. Particularly the Scout Troop was lucky to have their direction. the thoughtful planning and vision of Mr. Ariaratnam. It is not easy to ex Mr- Charles S- Paul, who was compelled aggerate the time and energy he has ex by the Japanese invasion of Malaya to pended on this. spend a few years in Jaffna, gave his services to the College as a chaplain, a Two teachers who did a lot of pioneer teacher, and a Scout Master. ing work in imparting attractive educa tion to the tiny tots demand special An important change was introduced m ention: Mrs. L. C. Williams and Mrs. in 1946 in the appointment of Senior E. G. David. The former after many teachers as Heads of various subject years of splendid work retired in 1943, departments. and Mrs- David having completed a Tine Lower School quarter century of equally splendid work is still with us. The Lower School has undoubtedly registered remarkable progress and under The radical, almost revolutionary, gone far-reaching changes. Mr. P. W. change of making Tamil as the medium Ariaratnam, who joined the staff in 1925, of instruction in the Primary Depart took up the duties of the Supervisor from ment has not caught those who run the 1937, and has toiled hard to make it a Lower School napping. They are equal very efficient department indeed. His to the task of switching over to the new thoroughness, his knowledge of the system without much upsetting and methods of teaching and the work readjustments. The transition period is ings of a child’s mind, his insistence on being entered into with ease- b c- 5 $4 EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (1) Sports decided withdraw from the Inter-Colle The Sports Department, under Mr. giate Football Competitions. This deci R. J. Thurairajah, has been as efficient sion was necessitated by the fact that the and as productive of good results as whole spirit of the competitions was en ever Four championship titles came to dangered and they were getting out of our teams during this time : First Team control and becoming commercialised. Football in 1939 (Joint with St. Patrick's Two years of experimentation once again College) and in 1944 (Joint with Central with the old system of playing friendly College); First Team Cricket in 1941; games have not made us regret our deci and Second Team Football in 1943. In sion. On the other hand, there is the Sports and Athletics our teams, though distinct gain of fostering the right spirit not of championship standard, pro among the students. duced individual champions, who won high reputation in the Island’s sports. (2J Societies : One family holds the unique record of Iiiterapy and Otherwise having given to the College four brothers The extra-curricular activities of the who were star athletes. Three of them— V. G. George, G. Joseph, and G. Kurien — College have been greatly enlarged. New brought honour by their brilliant per organisations like the Photographic Club, the Agricultural and the Industrial formances in the Inter-Collegiate Meets Societies, the Geographical Associations, of the North and in the Public Schools the Natural Historical Association, and Meets in Colombo; the fourth, V. G- the Culture Club have been formed. Jacob, got a place in the Meet at While the forming of these various orga Colombo. George and Joseph won in nizations reflect the varied and fuller Jaffna the Parson’s Challenge Cup, awarded to the best performance in interests of the students, it must be ad the Meet— the former once and the latter mitted that the multiplicity of them has twice.Three records were set up by George somewhat weakened the main literary societies. The Academy, the Brother at the Jaffna Meets and two at Colombo; hood, the Forum and the Lyceum have while Joseph established two records in not the same inspiring record to show Jaffna- The youngest of the brothers, as in the past. The Brotherhood made Kurien, established three records for history in 1941, when it staged “Poo- Juniors and Intermediates in Jaffna, and thathamby”, a play by Mr. J. V. Chel- secured places in Colombo. The Parson’s liah. It was the very first play ever Cup was again brought to the College by to be taken by a group of our students W. T. Sanders twice, in 1944 and 1945. At the Colombo Meets he equalled to Colombo. All the three perfor two existing records. He also had the mances,— at Vaddukoddai, Jaffna, and Colombo — gained high plaudits from special honour of being selected into the Olympic Team that represented Ceylon appreciative audiences. The Academy in the Indian Meet. too successfully staged at Vaddukoddai and Jaffna a comedy entitled ‘‘Down Two events of some importance ought South” by Advocate S. D. Tampoe. to be recorded : one, the visit of a team The Lyceum has to its credit the suc of athletes from the Colombo Y. M- C- A. cessful staging of a Tamil play, “Asoka in 1938, and the other, the opening of the Mala” written by the Secretary of the Bicknell Field also in the same year. Colombo Old Boys Association, Mr. M. Last year along with most of the big Ramalingam. The Dramatic Society was ger colleges in the North Jaffna College able to present several One Act plays, School Pianist A. Devarajah, S. Selvaratnam, — Miss Chandra Sanders President Academy,Editor Young Secretary Academy, Tamil Editor Idea, Scout Troop Leader, Senior Young Idea. Senior Oration (Tamil) Oration(Eng-) Prise-W inner 1947 Prue-Winner 19 47. DISTINGUISHED SPORTS CHAMPIONS W. T Sanders GEORGE BROTHERS 35 the most successful of which, “The but from 1938 a regular item has been Bishop's Candlesticks”, gained fame in included in the College budget yearly K an d y too. towards the Library, and that has helped The girls of the College once again materially in a systematic purchase of brought great honour by the glorious books. The librarian is helped also by a success they achieved at the Times of committee of teachers in the selection Ceylon Music Festival held at Colombo of books, an arrangement which sees to in 1937. The Festival was an All Ceylon it that no one department starves for one and the performance of our giils all adequate books in it. Two welcome the more creditable. This success was donations were received during this time: due to two factors : one, the introduction one, through the efforts of Mr. K. Kana- of some regular Oriental Music studies in garatnam, a gift from the Sri Chandra- the Upper School and the availability of sekara Trrust Fund with the express excellent musical talents in girls like condition that from it books on Ceylon Pushpam Kanapathipillai, Monie Elias were to be bought. Another valuable and Ranji Sundrampillai. The interest gift from the bequest of a past Professor they aroused in the development of of the College, Mr. Frank Sanders, brings Oriental Music was somehow or other the Library thirty dollars every year. not kept up for a long time, and with The special feature introduced during the the lapse of time a regular study of it last period of collecting rare books con was given up, though for occasions an tinues to occupy the attention of the item or two was successfully got up. librarian. From the middle of this year It was left to Mr. B. K. Somasundram, a new annexe has been added to the whose ability in and enthusiasm for Library, which is used as a separate Oriental Music are well known, to revive section for the students of the collegiate it. And today, thanks to his initiative, department. The College Library enjoys leadership and drive, provision has been rightly a very proud place in the foremost made for regular, systematic instruction ranks of libraries in Ceylon. In the Col by expert tutors in vocal and instrumen lege itself, it is undoubtedly the bright tal music and dancing. On the instru est spot. With its neatness and order, mental side, miruthangam and violin are beauty and charm, silence and imposing immensely popular. This Department nature and its wealth of wisdom, it offers bids fair to become productive of much an irresistible invitation to all: ‘‘Aban don hopelessness, all ye enter here ’ to good. brcwse over the “ruins of an antique During this period excursions on a large world and the glories of a modern one*'. scale, well planned, organised, and con ducted, have been carried out to places (4) Religious Activities of importance in Ceylon. Several groups The Y. M. C- A. building, the corner from time to time have benefitted by the stone of which was laid at the Golden direction of Messrs. C. S. Ponnuthurai, Jubilee of the Y. M.C. A. in 1934» A. T. Vethaparanam and T. J. Koshy in was declared open at an impressive their geographical, historical and botani ceremony by Mr. Thampu Buell on the cal excursions. 1st of February, 1939- E ver since, the (3) The Library building has been put to good use, con The Library has continued to expand. taining as it does a small chapel, a game The number of books has increased from room, and a Committee room. Some 5500 in 1936 to nearly 10,000 in 1 9 17- of its activities of the past have had In previous years monies were voted as to be curtailed, because they have Remands for new volumes were made, been taken over by other organisations. 36 For'quite a length of time during its sonal attention and more watchful care early years, it was the Y that ran prac over the boarders, who enjoy immensely tically all activities like games (indoor the homely atmosphere in which they and outdoor), gardening, social service, are placed now. looking after the sick etc. Two years back the Y. M- C. A. decided to give up The Miscellany its school at Eluvaitivu. Though, from The Miscellany has continued to be a sentimental point of view, it was an edited with the same excellence and to action hard to reconcile and a wrench serve its community as effective as in difficult to heal, yet the Association had the past. To Mr S. H. Perinbanayagam to face the fact that Eluvaitivu was no is due the gratitude of the institution for longer of any other importance than as a his splendid contribution to the Miscel place for picnics- Hence, the decision to lany. His thought provoking Editorials wind up the work of over half a century embracing a variety of subjects - educa was both right and desirable. tional, political, social, and literary,— the For the girls, a Y. W. C- A. is func the learned articles he was able to com tioning very satisfactorily. It is greatly mandeer from expert writers added a helped by the Senior Friends from the refreshing richness to the Miscellany, village. which developed fast into a really bright journal. The present editors find the That the religious tone of the insti task of keeping up the Handy tradition a tution has undergone a marked change formidable one indeed. From 1544 with in recent years is very noticeable- The the departure of Mr. Perinbanayagam authorities decided that a chaplain should from the staff, Mr. C. R. Wadsworth has be appointed in charge of the entire reli functioned as one of the editors with the gious work, and the direction of all con present writer, who relies upon, and bene nected activities The (then) Rev. S. fits immeasurably from, his willing help Kulandran officiated for some time as an and co-operation, sound common sense, Honorary Chaplain and was of great steady, unobtrusive work, and depend strength in creating the right atmosphere. able advice. The popularity of the maga The Staff Retreats conducted at the zine is also due a great deal to the beginning of each term have also been thoughtful planning, wise counsel and found to very helpful. As already men the many and long hours of intensive tioned, Mr. Charles S. Paul also played labour the Manager, Mr. C- S. Ponnu- an important part in this direction dur thurai, puts into it. His is no enviable, ing the short time he acted as chaplain at any rate no pleasant, task to act as a Now Mr. Bunker is in charge of this buffer between a hurrying press and de work, in addition to his duties as an laying editors. over-all President of the College, and will be helped soon by Mr. E. J. J. Niles The Round Table on his return from Bangalore. A cor The Round Table was responsible for rect realisation about the rightful place making the authorities grant some repre of the Church in all branches of Christian sentation to the staff on the Board of work is now felt in the life and counsels Directors. The Round Table for some cf the institution. T e responsibility years had been pressing upon them the and the credit for this changed situation desirability of allowing a teacher repre undoubtedly go to Mr. Bunker. The sentative on the Board. But the autho introduction of the Hostel system with rities, while granting the right of repre senior teachers in charge as wardens has sentation to the staff, would not concede jnade it possible to bestow greater per to them the right to el^ct one of thenv Top: C. R. Wadsworth, Editor, Miscellany. C. S. Ponnuthurai, Manager, Miscellany, President, Round Table. Miss Leela Ponnambalam, First Lady Teacher, Upper School. Middle: P. W . Ariaratnam, Supervisor, Lower School. K. Sellaiah, Librarian. R. J. Thurairajah, Physical Director. Bottom: S. R. Beadle. V. C. Kathiravelu. 37 selves. And so in 1943 the staff elected Board amended its constitution to in Mr. J, F. Ponnampalam as their first clude in its membership one person with representative. The fact that he was out any reference to his religious affili re-elected in 1946 for a second period of ation. This amendment brought the three years would show the confidence first Hindu member in the person of Mr. and value the staff place in his services S- Kanagasabai, Crown Advocate of on the Board. Another demand of the Jaffna, himself an Old Boy of Jaffna Round Table of allowing the staff to College. The Old Boys have had three elect the present staff member of the Exe representatives thus far on the Board. cutive of the Board has not yet been It was very fitting that the first to be granted. Two other matters of impor- thus chosen by the Old Boys should portance the Round Table took up dur have been Mr. A. W. Nadarajah, the ing the time were: the granting of "A dynamic Secretary of the Alumni Associ Scale” to the teachers of the College and ation, to whom more than to any body the turning of the institution into a else the success of the agitation for Private School free from any govern Alumni representation was due That ment aid. The first could not receive Mr. Nadarajah was compelled to resign recognition from the Educational De because of the fact that his judicial duties partment, but gained a ready response prevented him from giving his time and from the Board to pay on their own a counsel to the Board was of the deepest higher scale to its teachers. The recom regret to all. He brought his judicial mendation about a Private School could mind, progressive ideals, broad outlook, not be worked out in practice, as has and wide culture to bear on all questions already been pointed out in this article, before the Board. The institution as a because of the introduction of higher whole benefitted very much indeed from education. his presence on the Board and hopes to A desirable change in the constitution benefit by it some day in the future too. of the Round Table was made in 1946, Mr- Nadarajah’s place on the Board was when its membership was extended to taken by another deserving representa members of the staff other than those on tive, Mr K- Kanagaratnam, whose abid the teaching staff. And today, therefore, ing love for the College and passion to the Round Table is a thoroughly repre serve it can hardly be equalled. Dur sentative organization of the entire staff. ing the short time he was there, his un selfish contribution and his ability to rise The Board of Directors above narrow sectarian prejudices were The Board of Directors has undergone truly appreciated. Mr- S. H. Perinba- what would have -struck the authorities nayagam is today the Old Boys’ repre of olden days as revolutionary changes. sentative. The Alumni sre fortunate to The changes already effected, while they be represented by a person of his intel would not satisfy the modern mind as lectual acumen, his experience of edu democratic enough, are welcome, in that cational affairs of Ceylon in general and they have made at least some members of Jaffna College in particular, and his on the Board to owe their election to independence of thought and action. As some electorate and not to an entirely has already been mentioned, Mr. J. F. self-propagating system At present, the Ponnambalam has been the staff repre Board is partially composed of elected sentative ever since 1943, and has also representatives from the Church Council, functioned as the Board’s Secretary for the Old Boys, and the Staff. Another most part of this time. healthy deviation from customary prac Of the change that gives a slightly tice was established when in 1939 the larger representation to the newly cr$$- 38 ted Jaffna Diocesan Council of the A. B. Coe, and Miss E. Coghill. Other Church of South India, amalgamating distinguished visitors from abroard in the former. Jaffna Council of the South cluded : The Rev. E. A. Annett; Dr. P. D. India United Church and the American Devanandam; Dr. R. Harlow; Dr. T. W- Ceylon Mission, it need only be said that Graham, the Dean of Graduate College it is a step in the right direction. It is of Theology, Oberlin; the Rev. J. H. hoped that the interlocking of the Col Dunderdale; Dr. M. Adiseshiah; Dr. J. C. lege and the Church Council will be of Kumarappah; the Indian N. M. S. Gos great strength to the total Christian pel Team consisting of the Revds. P. J. enterprise in this country. Thomas, C. Arangadan, Mrs- Muliel; the Rt. Rev- Mar Timetheous of the Syrian Space does not permit cur mentioning Church, Travancore; the Rev. Fr. (then) all those who have contributed mightily W. Q. Lash. to the Board, but the following deserve to be singled out: The Rev. R.C. P.Welch, Today and Tomorrow the Rt. Rev. S. Kulandran, Miss L. G. It is in the fitness of things that Mr. Book waiter, Messrs. Thampu Buell, T. C. G. Crossette Tambyah, who appealed to Rajaratnam and Crossette Tambyah. the College authorities at the Alumni The Board must consider itself lucky to Dinner in 1923 to start degree classes, have the Rt. Rev. Lakdasa de Mel, the should have been the Chairman of the Assistant Bishop of the Church of Eng Board that decided in 1946 to take the land, Colombo, as its Chairman. final plunge in this direction. In his speech twenty four years ago, Mr. The Board also heaves today a sigh of Tambyah hoped “ that, since Jaffna Col relief as it is freed from the burden of lege was the foremost exponent of learn managing its Affiliated Schools. Not ing in the North, it wouid not stop short that the burden was unwelcome com of the full college course” . Both Mr. pletely, but it was irksome. Adequate Bicknell and Mr- J. V. Chelliah ratified attention and financial help could not be that suggestion, but they did not think given to these schools, most of which the time was ripe to take on the added were developing fast and required subs burden of degree classes. Their attention tantial care and aid. For the last few was focussed on strengthening the Inter years a separate Committee of the mediate classes and on providing them Board looked after their affairs and tried better facilities. Even their enthusiasm to make them stand on their own feet. could not provide separate buildings for From the close of this year, they become the accommodation of the students of the concern of the Diocesan Council. these classes, and exclusive staff for their There need be no doubt that they instruction and training. The process would function as effective educational through which this scheme has gone be arms of the Church and continue to fore its final fruition in July of this year "feed” Jaffna College. has been traced in recent numbers of the V isitors Miscellany, along with an examination of the demands for them. Hence nothing During the last decade, the College was more on this scheme need be said here. visited once by the Governor of the Colony, when Sir Henry More came to However, one feature of this scheme the institution in 1946. One deputation ought to be commended. The whirligig from America also paid a visit in the of a full twenty-five years cycle has early part of last year- The deputation brought in a modified Union venture. was composed of the Rev. R. A. Dudley, In the present scheme, the Methodist the Secretary of the Board, Dr. and Mrs- Church in Ceylon has a share. Jt has 39 undertaken to provide one professor, cult future of experimentation involving or, in the alternative, to meet his salary. unprecedented expenditure of money, It is hoped that in time to come it will talent and thought. The Church in the fall to the lot of Mr. Bunker to usher in country looks to Jaffna College to be its a full fledged union institution of a uni power house, supplying it with leaders. versity status at Jaffna College, the The country expects the College to turn failure of which scheme well nigh broke out, as of old, men and women with the the heart of the Rev. G. G. Brown. Such Jaffna College impress of independence, a possibility is not without hope, with broad-mindedness, and moral calibre. All pressure for Church Union in Ceylon these are difficult, almost impossible. gathering momentum- But Jaffna College has always specialised in the impossible. As we stand at the And what of the future? The College dawn of the new era, we feel: stands loaded with responsibilities, each one of them pregnant with great possibi “ All we are the Old World made us. lities. The Lower School calls for larger Where it lost we learned to gain. space, more accommodation and more We have triumphed through its failures, amenities for its children. The Manual built our joy upon its pain. Training Department that is being run Praise to all the past that made us from the early twenties has the possibi in the heat of its desire ; lities of developing into a Vocational Glory to our elder brothers, School, if the needed funds can be those swift runners with the fire put into it. The Secondary School has a trying period through which From the dimmed edge of distance, it must emerge solving all difficulties in who have perished far away, troduced into the educational system of Far beneath the light we stand in, the country by whimsical politicians. many years before our day. Much greater facilities ought to be pro vided for our girls and their special needs Up and up, achieving, failing, weak looked into to make our co-educational in flesh, but strong of soul... project approximate nearer the ideal. We may never live to reach it- The Collegiate Department faces a diffi Ah, but we have seen the goal.” JUBILARIANS cn«.) e . g . c u i D, S. Senders A, C. SuncJrampilldi S. T. eleevapatnam Lyman S. KuUungam I V. G eofge T. P. N. Amlampalam C . O . El ias S. S. Sanders 3. Sinnappak ALL HONOUR TO THEM As many as ten members of the staff have completed twenty-five years or more in the service of our institution. It is an occasion that must call for great jubilation and thankfulness on the part of all connected with the school. Times have changed revolutionary, both within and without the school, and passing years find these still unabated in their faith fulness. There have been great attractions outside in the form of special posts, higher salaries, amenities of government service, and yet these chose to remain in devotion with the school. The benign mother must look with pride at these and a surging joy must fill her, while we the younger brothers and sisters stand in awe and admiration of what they have meant to us and what this service must mean to them. What could have kept them here so long ? It is both—something in them and something in the school, that nurtured them through these years. It is a relationship like unto wedlock where one party alone cannot claim all the credit for a happy life. A recent author has stated, £< It looks as if some clearly defined objective, some big and overwhelming purpose, is one of the primary and permanent needs of men ; that if they are going to live with any happi ness and satisfaction, they’ve got to find some meaning in it...... True, men and women can’t be content to go on muddling along with a life that has no meaning at all.” Yes, a clear insight into the mean ing of life is a prerequisite of discovering one’s direction in life. Whether as students here, or as young teachers, these jubilarians must have been led to some understanding of the meaning of life and having discerned a sense of direction in the services they rendered here, they have toiled on these five and twenty ysars, loyally and creatively. If teaching is a vocation, then Christian teaching may be regarded, in many respects, as the highest calling. For the teacher is called to tread this earth, in the ‘sorriest of trades’ with an other-worldly atti tude. While he is asked to stand firm in this world, he is also called to be always pointing upwards; while his life is not to be one of renunciation, it has to be orie of surrender to the eternal fellowship with JUBILARIANS A, C. Sundrampillai L. S. Kulathungam, Editor, Miscellany. S. S. Sanders Mrs. E. G. David \ Jubilarians Continued T. P. H. Arulampalam J. S. Sinnappah K. V, George 4* the Divine in Christ Jesus. The final test of a teachers usefulness is not whether or not he obtained one hundred percent results in the subjects he taught, which laudable claim he can have, but whether or not he succeeded in imparting the idea, that all this learning is but to help us to see the W ay, the Truth, the Life, more clearly. It is only such an understanding of Christian teaching, such a life swinging between two worlds, of this world and yet not of this world, that can hold any to Christian teaching for any length of time. Recently a great man in Ceylon, an educationist of repute, mentioned it as his ambition, someday before the close of his career to be on the staff of Jaffna College. There is something in the very air of Jaffna College, too elusive for words, which holds people to this place, something which attracts those without. If we have criticized her, if we have quarrelled, it is because, placing her high, we do want to place her higher. To these Jubilarians who have taught us this understanding of Christian teaching and who have shown us the fragrance of this place, we their younger brethren, while thanking them for their example in devotion and service, desire to pay our tribute to them. We offer them our most affectionate felicitations and pray that they be granted many more years of happy service here. On behalf of the Round Table (Teachers’ Guild) C. S. Ponnuthurai, President. P. S. W e give below pen sketches of each of these by one of our members written spmewhat in the lighter vein. Further, by the time this Jubilee Number reaches the hands of our readers, we would have marked the occasion with a public dinner at which the College presents each Jubilarian with a souvenir in appreciation of their services. Samuel S. Sanders* It was said by some person of authority that Jaffna College could goon for years on end without a Principal or a Vice-Principal provided that Mr. Sanders was in the Bursarial chair. And that is a truism. “ Ever in a hurry but never in a flurry/’ characterizes him. An expert—almost a magician—at figures, well-versed in tactful ways of dealing with the vagaries of an eccentric Education Department, perfect ly disciplined, full of energy, and with a high sense of duty and loyalty to his Alma Mater, Mr. Sanders has proved, over the long period of 37 years in the College, a most reliable help and counsellor to three succes sive “Busy B’s,” and to other deputies. The new era just begun in the College will need his services more than ever before* And he will riot be found wanting* j. C. 6. ■'4* We wish him a spell of greater usefulness for the * next few ' years till retiring age us does part. Albert C. Sundrampillai. No man or circumstance could ever upset the even temper of the bland Mr. Sundrampillai of College time-table fame. Not even the most intricate and fine adjustment of the time-table could do it! Being steady on his feet and straight in the backbone, and, in addition, of a kindly disposition makes it easy for him to carry on the difficult duties of Disciplinarian of the College. This admirer and imit ator of the great Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee of Calcutta, with an almost unbelievably prodigious memory, which delinquent would dare to elude and escape disciplining? Who, like him keeping in memory the last ten years questions in Mathematics or Chemistry, or Physics, coul.1 anticipate the year’s questions in those subjects, and thus ease the mind of many an anxious student? The very pages and paragraphs dealing with the anticipated questions would be dealt out like a pack of cards ! This redoubtable Secretary of the Faculty, ready with a piece of advice for any difficult circumstance, and a solution for any problem, one wonders what Jaffna College would be like when retirement takes him away. He hopes to view the next triennial inspection in 1950 as a disinter ested outside spectator, and we wish him ad multos annos to view not one but several inspections of that nature in the capacity of an outside spectator. * * * si« ifc David S. Sanders. A philosophic mind ever reaching upward, has also reached up into higher states of professional career. The position of Vice-Principal of Jaffna College is high enough for many. Though belated, it is still an honour conferred on Mr. Sanders. An able lecturer in the abstruse science called Mathematics, to the higher stratum of the student body, and of the Science of Reasoning, he is equally gifted to deal with Moral Science. Though misunderstandings are created by the fact that he views men and matters from the standards of higher philosophy, yet his tact generally settles matters satisfactorily more often than not. His position as Vice-Principal is such that it will need the use of his philosophic mind as well as practical common sense, of the latter, of which he seems to be well possessed. That he would give of his best to the .College for the remaining half a decade of service is patent from how he is shaping in his new position. 3 , 43 K. Varghese George. One should not look at Mr. George only as a producer of high class athletes, but also as himself a brilliant star in the athletic firmament of his day. It is not so much his ability in athletics as his keen interest in the athletics of the College, his sound common sense, his quiet unobtrusive manner of imparting advice, his artistic talent, and his perseverance, that have benefitted Jaffna College for the last quarter of a century. Joining the College as an Art Master, his perseverance has made him expand into a successful Mathematics and Botany teacher of quite useful ability, having secured his Bachelor’s Degree in those subjects while still a teacher of the finer art of Drawing. Not less important is his work as the “ Medical Officer” of the College. His knowledge of some form of Therapy has always come to the rescue of some unfortunate footballer or cricketer with a shattered shin or a fractured finger. A mumps case here and an enteric case there has been diagnosed and dealt with by him to the great relief of the College authorities. May this versatile mentor continue thus to benefit the school for years to come. * * * * Samuel T. Jeevaratnam. A few but weighty words of wisdom from S. T. J. would clinch matters when the Faculty struggled with difficult problems. In the Chemical laboratory or the Mathematics class, bells may go and teachers come, but S. T. J. goes on for a few minutes longer; for must not the last and least student be benefited? A born teacher, and an ardent scientist, a Jesuit for thoroughness, the only thing that upsets the equani* mity of this perfectly balanced person is the writing of the class records. A teacher, interesting to the very “g” , whether the class is that of undergraduates or the beginners in the First Form, he maintains his poise. Nor is the poise maintained only in the class room. As a foot-ball coach on the field he is an object of envy to many a younger person. “ A rolling stone gathers no moss,” they say; but S. T. J. has rolled about from Jattna College to the Technical College, then to the Varsity, then to Hartley and back to Jaffna College, once again to drop anchor here—let us hope, never to weigh it again—but has gathered much moss from everywhere, and his Alma Mater enjoys the benefit of it all. Let us wish him many more years of the unstinted service th^t loves to give his old school, 44 c. O. Elias. T o have come from a foreign strand and pulled his weight in an alien institution is an achievement in itself. Though not raised to professorial rank, yet he is an effective reader of History, backed by a gently stentorian voice. Even Ethics and Civics come under his purview. His abilities and usefulness are not confined to the class room. How many have benefited from the results of his exertions in the gardening and farming enterprises that he undertook both in the College and at home ! Many are they that seek his advice on matters agricultural, animal husbandry and the like, and never has Mr. Elias disappointed any. Information that he cannot give on such subjects is not worth having. Even the croton bushes that ornament the College quadrangle and the Madras thorns that hedge the campus grew and shaped under his auspices. He has served the College for twenty-five long years and is neither wearied nor worn. He is good for another decade. With his enthusiasm and pent up energy, that he will yet go on going on is our wish. But even if he decides against it, we can hope that one of his own fold will carry on in his stead and improve on the tradition. * * * * T. P. Hunt Arulampalam. Five and twenty years at the game of imparting knowledge in manual training in the form of carpentry (and smithery too!) to five and twenty urchins at a time in the midst of the pandemonium created by sawing, hammering, chiselling, planing and what not needs some patience, grit, and skill. That is what Mr. Arulampalam had been called upon to do for this quarter century. If at some time there was a little ennui evident, who cannot understand and forgive it! How few could guess that a variety of talents lay hidden in this spare-framed personality. His English singing classes after school hours were a treat to listen to. And his Art and Scripture classes were no less interesting. Time was when sickness laid him so low as to make him contem plate retirement. But with the return of health he is fit again to get his students fill the array of racks on the Manual Training room walls with toys, and useful bits of furniture. A few more years of usefulness here, and then, we hope, he will enjoy the peace and quiet that he so frequently wishes to havq ip his noisy mansion, 45 J. Sinnappah. In his quiet but efficient manner Mr. Sinnappah has served the College these twenty-five years past. Having been trained by that very efficient person, Mr. Sanders, the Bursar, Mr. Sinnappah has become almost an echo of the Bursar. Controlling with confidence the most intractable of the students he fills the coffers of the College with an ease that is almost uncanny. He has many more years in which he can be of service to his old school before he retires from the scene, and we wish him a happy time. * * * * Mrs. E. G. David As a young mother Mrs. David entered the Primary Department of the College, and blossomed into an efficient teacher of trembling youngsters from the Tamil School entering into the mysterious study of the English language. It was her suavity, her kindliness and sym pathy with the little ones that drew them to her, and made an other wise wearisome task into a labour of love. The dictum that a married woman with little children is the best person to be entrusted with the beginners in an institution is amply proved in the person of Mrs. David. Her refined tastes and varied talents have made her so useful to the school in activities other than those in the class room. No concert or play was held in College but her handiwork was seen to advantage either in designing and making the costumes, or in training a group in dance or rhythmics. That the departmental rules would, within the next three or four years, oblige her to quit seems such a pity. That the Primary Department has been a bright spot in the College is in no small measure due to her ; and we are sure the College will remain grateful to her for it. W e wish her a happy time with her charges till she retires. * * * * Lyman S. Kulathungam Multum in fiarvo may be a hackneyed Latin phrase, but it can still apply very aptly to this person of short stature whose interests are of a tall order. Editing journals, heading the English Department in the College, leading educational commissions, sitting in the College Faculty, acting as secretary of Church committees, vice-president of Church councils* training actors, producing plays, writing histories are but a few of thi? 46 mighty atom’s repertoire of activities, and yet he is a married man with a family besides being a pedagogue. In such various capacities does this, loyal son render service to his Alma Mater that one cannot wonder at his throwing away the position of lieutenant to the Head at Drieberg. Such is his love for his College. His talent in histrionics has thrilled many a critical audience; and that talent dedicated to the service of the College has earned for it a high reputation among institutions of its kind for play acting. In the classroom, as a teacher of Shakespeare, or an expositor of Roman History, or even as a teacher of that very dead language of the ancient Romans, he has few rivals. The gucto with which he mimics the love-sick Malvolio, or the drink-filled Sir Tot y Pelch, the arrogant Caesar or the debauched Falstaff, simply transports the class right away to Stratford-on-Avon, and unless the College bell came to the . rescue neither students nor teacher would be found in the College campus. Ha ving abilities of such high order as well in the Sciences as in Arts, and being in the early forties, this all-rounder can serve the College for many more years. And that is our wish for him. * JUBILEE Jubilee Entrance Jubilee Play Group Jubilee Year House Champions Ottley Hall Floodlit 47 T h e j u b i l e e celebrations Jaffna College began the celebrations of Let ttot bitterness breed bitterness. All men her 75:h anniversary and the 125th anniver of goodwill know the work you have dond sary of the Batticotta Ssminary with a col and its value. I bring you today greetings lege service conducted by Mr. D. S. Sande's, from my own school, and from the Head in the Ottley Hall on the morning of the 17th masters’ Conference, of which your former of July. In the afte noon the Jnter-House Principal was a first President, cong atulat- Sports Meet was held, under the patronage of ing you on your great past and giving you the Government Agent, Northern Province our bsst wishes for the future. and Mrs. P. J. Hudson. Later in the even “Because today you are not only thinking ing the college hostellites entertained Bishop of your past. You are thinking of your futu e. La.’idasa de Mel at a dinner. And the token and earnest of it is that you are on the threshold of a new development and At 10 in the morning of the 18th, Dr. S. expansion. You are about to open your Subramaniam, Retired Provincial Su geon, degree classes. You are starting in a small declared open an exhibition of schoolwork, way something which may (and I hope it health, industries, etc., which attracted will) grow into something greater. You are streams of visitors throughout the day. putting a University Education within the Prize-Giving reach of people in this part of Ceylon and it The highlight of the celebrations came off in may well be that students from the length the evening of the same day when at 5 o’clock and b.eadth o* Ceylon may come here. It is the annual prize-giving began in the Ottley a good work and may you prosper in it. Let Hall, p esided over by the Principal. The no one despise the day of small beginnings. Rev. (Now Rt. Rev.) S. Kulendran opened the I bring you a massage from the Founder of proceedings with prayer. After a welcome my school, spoken on the day on which the speech by Mas. Anantharajah Ab aham, a Foundation Stone of St. Thomas’ College junior student, the Principal presented his was laid. Bishop Chapman, said, ‘In build report which is published elsewhere in this ing for God, in worling, in spending for God> Number. Miss A. Hudson Paramisamy, the we run no ventu.e, we hazard no loss, we Principal of the Uduvil Girls’ English School, cherish no vague or uncertain hopes. Though then distributed the prizes. Warden R. S. de unseen, when founded on true faith, hope is Sa.am of St. Thomas College, Mt. Lavinia, never unreal. Enduring works are often of the chief speaker of the evening, delivered his humble beginning. The few fishermen of address. Galilee were the evangelizers of the world, the noblest cathedral was once but unhewn Canon de Saram’s Address masses of stone. England, whose missions He said that he was greatly honoured to now encircle the globe, was once a nation of have been asked to be their chief guest on idolators; the greatest University was fi st such a great occasion, and that he was happy no more than an Alphabetical School; the to be there and rejoice with them. Son of God Himself had bat a manger cradle?” His relations with the late Principal John Bicknell were very cordial and with Mr. Then he spoke of Intellectual Honesty, Banker he was just as friendly. He greatly which was one of the fruits of Higher Edu valued these relations. cation. By Intellectnal Honesty he meant four things:- First, Never pretending to He noted with joy the proud achievement others or to yourself that you know some of the school, which started when Waterloo thing which, in fact, you do not know. Second, was recent history and had, through many Following the truth wherever it may lead. vicissitudes, gone on quietly and steadily all Third, Standing on one’s own sturdy intellec the time serving the country, and grown and tual feet. And Fourth* Being fair in argu developed. ment and controve.sy. This had its dangers The Warden .continuing said,' “ Many hard as well. Quoting Lord Acton’s dictum words have, been said of schools such .as this “Power corrupts’, absolute power corrupts ia receat months.- Let .us. locpt .them ali« absolutely”, he said that iateUectual PQWtf 4« was not to be attained in isolation but must Then, Reverence to parents and eiders who, have a system of checks and counterbalances. denying themselves, gave them the where Justice must be tempered with mercy, withal to equip themselves for the new day courage with gentleness, prudence with gene that was dawning. Reverence to traditions rosity. Its most peculiar danger was arro that had been handed down to them from the gance both of spirit and of mind which can be past. checked only by a spirit of reverence. The If those qualities— sturdy independence, hoa- man who was small in spirit fell for this esty of thought and the spirit of reverence— meekness, but the truly great have always combined, they would produce a wholesome been humble in spirit. man. And that was the object of Education. “Reverence,” said the speaker, “that spirit He concluded by thanking them for the of abashment and awe that every worthy honour done him, and wishing them well for man must have as he surveys the splendour the future. of the world around him, of the universe and D. S. Sanders of the H. S. C. Arts Class the mysterious power and behind its appear proposed a vote of thanks to the spea ance, as the record of the achievement of the kers and to the guests. This was seconded hu/nan spirit and its travail, unfolds itself be by Mr. S. Handy Perinpanayagam, Advocate. fore him in his study of history, as his in creasing powers of perception reveal new The singing of the College Song brought vistas of beauty, wisdom and goodness. a very beautiful function to a close. “ May all that you learn here increase your The last item for the evening was a spirit of reverence. Your study of literature, humorous one-act play entitled “Physician let it give you a reverence for beauty and In Spite of Himself”, presented by the senior goodness and loftiness of spirit and of am. students of the College. The audience Your study of science, let it open your eyes thoroughly enjoyed it. to the wisdom and the power that made our A lum ni Day world. Let your pride in the human skill 19 that has probed these mysteries, that enables Saturday, the th, was Alumni Day. The 10 our human minds existing on this tiny planet morning was spent in Tennis. At a. m. not to be confined to it but to reach out over with the Rev. G. D. Thomas presiding, the the immense spaces of the universe and back elocution and oratorical contests were worked over vast tracts of time, that has revealed to off. The business meeting came off at us on the one hand power and wisdom on a 3 p. m. with the President, Mr. T. C. Raja- stupendous scale, and, on the other, shows it ratnam in the chair. The election of new also at work in the marvellous intricacy and office-bearers resulted as follows :- detail of the smallest flower that blows, let President Mr. W. P. A. Cooke that pride be balanced by a sense of reve Vice-Presidents „ K. A Selliah rence ; for there is more in these things than „ A. C. Sundarampillai their size or their intricacy— something that „ J. M. Sabaratnam should drive us to our knees”. Rt. Rev. S. Kulendran He mentioned first Reverence for God Secretary Mr. A. M. Brodie from whom all knowledge issued, and to whom all knowledge led. If that revei ence Treasurer „ B. K. Somasundram be given, then would the central fact of life Jubilee Banquet be gained. This was followed .by the Principal's tea, Second, Reverence for Fellow-men which after which at 8-30 the Jubilee Banquet was is the spring from which all courtesy flowed. held. This was carried out alfresco, the As one grew in knowledge, one should grow venue being the tastefully decorated College in the determination not to infringe on any Quadrangle. Covers for 250 were laid and human personality, nor do violence to it. nor the Principal, Rev. S. K. Bunker, presided. yet degrade it. _ . . Mr. Justice C. Nagalingara in proposing the Thii'd, Reverence to themselves so that toast of the College made mention of the fact they may devote themselves to worthy ends# that the College itself and its progress were 49 made possible by the goodwill, generosity pile built over 2,00u years ago has had many and iarge-heartedness of the American peo shocks from the changes aud chances of ple, and the labour of love and self-sacrifice history but, as its foundations were enduring of some of the American Missionaries. The ones, it has been possible to restore the Principal replied. building to something like its formerglory in our own time. Let us look then to the Mr. V. V. Giri, the Ceylon Representative foundations in the life and work of Jaffna of the Government of India, proposed the College for 75 years, as we offer thanks to toast of Ceylon which was responded to by God for 125 years of blessing at Vaddukod Mr. S. J. V. Chelvanayakam, K. c . Mr. S. V. dai. W e are built up and stablished in Balasingam of the staff proposed the toast of Christ Jesus our Lord and that is why the the Sister Colleges and the Rev. Fr. T. M. F. work has had permanent value. Only so can Long replied. The toast of the Guests was it endure. proposed by Dr. Charles W. C. Ratnesar. Mr. E.R. de Silva, Principal of Richmond Col Remember the faith of our generous lege, Galle, replied. The singing oi the Col American founders who crossed the stormy lege Song brought the proceedings to a close. seas to bring to us the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On Sunday, the 20th at 5 p. m. a Thanks Remember the faith of those of our own giving Service was held in the Vaddukoddai country, men and women, who joined them Church. The Principal was the leader. The in their labours. W e who believe that per Rev. B. C. D. Mather read the Scripture sonality endures must surely feel that be lesson and the Rev. S. Kulendran led the yond the veil they are a great “cloud of congregation in prayer. Rev. S. George Mendis witnesses” around us, and in using this of the Methodists, Rev. C. H. Ratnayake of image, the writer of the Epistle to the H e the Baptists, Rev. J. T. Arulanantham of the brews probably had in mind the competitors Church of Ceylon, and the Rev. B. C. D. engaged in athletics in the arena watched over Mather of the Jaffna Council of the S.I.U.C., by a great witnessing crowd. It is just as brought greetings from their respective Chur though our founders and benefactors who ches. Rev. Ratnayake said that the Baptists’ have gone before us were sitting in the pavi Council in England was considering a memo lion on Old Boys’ day, watching the present randum from the Baptists of Ceylon urging boys at their sports. Are we keeping un the establishment of a Christian University in soiled that faith in Christ Jesus which was Ceylon. He said that, now that Jaffna Col theirs? For in the work that is done here, lege had started on a scheme of University it is His mighty purpose which alone mat education, there was no necessity for another ters. W e are sometimes reminded of this, Christian University. He pledged the sup when they are taken away from us, those port of his Church for this scheme. The Rt. who have been our leaders here on earth. Rev. Lakdasa de Mel preached an inspiring The school lately mourned the passing of one sermon on the text, ’‘As ye have, therefore, who, as'pupil and teacher, Vice-Principal and received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye Acting Principal, had served this place with in Him. Rooted and built in Him, and great distinction through his Christian faith stablished in the fa.ith, as ye have been and his great gifts of learning. W e can never taught, abounding therein with thanks fully understand the mysterious purposes of giving” . God when such losses come to us, but I think it is true to say .that such occasions The Thanksgiving Sermon help to remind us that imally we have to The great chronicle of Ceylon, the Maha- look to God and God alone as our helper, wansa, in the 29th chapter gives an account over the heads of his own servants however of the building of a mighty Dagoba, the distinguished. It is this personal trust and Ruwanveli Seya. The laying of the founda devotion to God which gives our work per tions is described with minute care. W e are manence, for our life and conduct are not told how huge slabs of rock with clay, gunny based merely on an intellectual attitude, but and fragrant substances, precious stones and on responses given to a living person. So metals, were all laid down and compac much then for faith which is the foundation ted together by elephants and men. They of all mighty works and for which there is were to be enduring foundations. This mighty no substitute. J. c. 7. 50 The words of our text pass from faith to along the right path unless it be the path thanksgiving and surely at this time the joy that leads us to the true knowledge of God bells are ringing in our hearts when we feel and His character. W e have to be made a great love for the memory of all those who like unto Him and this cannot happen until have gonfe before and have handed on this heri in worship and adoration our spiritual eye is tage to us. W e are entering into their open to behold the Lord in His beauty, labours. What is the secret of their achieve reigning in perfect holiness over the mighty ment? You will find St. Paul saying “that universe He has created. You will soon be his sufferings could fill up that which is be enjoying the blessings of a united Church. hind of the affilictions of Christ for his As we rejoice at the opportunities that have body’s sake which is the Church” . Faith now come to you, let us pray that the should lead to unselfish devotion to the cause Church of South India will be a worshipping of Christ. It was only by the hard discipline Church, showing men Jesus Christ the Light of unselfishness that our heritage was created of Life, and teaching them to mould their for us. Let us be thankful for the sweat, the character on Him alone. Rally round the tears, the prayers and offering up of life chair of the Bishop who will soon be sitting which went to give us this noble heritage ia your midst; love him and pray for him and, as we thank God for it today, our task and in everyway assist him to proclaim the is to take over what we have received and to glorious Gospel of our Lord and Saviour go forward with it. Jesus Christ and thereby bring into the life of our country a stream of pure, clean Chris Plans have been made for the years that tian living. lie ahead whereby this institution, it is hoped, will serve yet more fully the needs of the And that means that all who enjoy the men and women of Jaffna and of Ceylon. privileges we have are pledged to the great But when we think of progress, let us make task of presenting the Gospel to our own sure what we mean by it. Do we mean Lanka. Grievous and difficult days lie ahead merely a growth of knowledge? Do we mean of us but I would say we should be glad of merely enjoyment of the glittering toys that opportunity of witnessing which is com which science places in human hands? Do ing to us. I want to appeal very specially we mean an increasing share of political to you my sons and to you my daughters power? You will, I think, agree that is not who are as yet students in Jaffna College. enough, for the world has been shocked by Thank God that you are still young in the terrible wars which have shown how shallow year 1947. Thank God that you are not and disruptive our civilization really is. called to live in an age of inglorious safety. Modern man is uneasy because he has not Thank God that He has called you to live evolved a civilisation which meets his deep dangerously and to serve your country at a est needs. Progress surely is to be defined time of difficulty. You will find much as “the growth of human personality in criticism of the Church from our own country fellowship.” W e must develop in our country men. They will tell you that our outlook is a supply of able and resolute men and not genuinely national. They will tell you women to do the work that lies ahead of us. that we are strangers in our own land and And for this they must possess personality aliens in our own country because Christian at its highest, which is the combination of ity came to us from outside. They will say knowledge with character. As for knowledge, many bitter things about our schools and there has always been a high standard set about our Church; but we will not be here and the establishment of degree classes dismayed. W e will answer by serving our is promise of future developments along this country with reverence and devotion. W e line. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will return good for evil. W e will follow with all thy mind” we are told, and let us use the great teaching of a 16th century saint to the iull the intellectual powers afforded who, when he was cruelly criticised, said us. But personality is not complete without “Where there is no love pour love in, and character to harness rightly all the powers you will draw love out” . With faith then in that knowledge places in our hands. Else what we have inherited, and with thanks civilization will perish. Character has to giving for the self sacrifice on which our develop along right lines and can never grow heritage is based, let us with resolute hearts JUBILEE GARDEN PARTY 51 learn to suffer and to serve. Let us go forth mediate classes, our contribution has not trusting in the Living God to face the years been the unique one that it once was, in that lie ahead of us. W e will make ours spite of resources unrivalled in Ceylon. the words of a missionary in the 7th century This brief paragraph about our history who, when called upon to proclaim the Gos has not been given with any desire to boast, pel in the time of great difficulty, said : “ If but rather to give the background to our Thy love, Oh my Saviour, were told to this thinking in the past several years. Out of it nation, many hearts would be touched. I has come our decision to celebrate this jubi wiil go and make Thee known”. lee year by turning our resources once again Public Meeting to the making of a special contribution. It cannot be a contribution on the same scale The grand finale of the whole celebra as was made in the past. The field of edu tions came off at 5 o’clock on the evening cation, and especially of University educa of Monday, the 21st. In the College quadr tion, has expanded far more rapidly than our angle a Garden Party was held which was resources. Today, only those educational attended by the alumni and friends of the institutions which have millions in endow College in large numbers, at the end of which ment or are tax-supported can possibly do there was a short variety entertainment the work of a University with all the schools followed by the public meeting. In the and faculties, all the specialists and men of absence of Mr. Alan Rose» the Legal Secre research which are now required. But for tary, who was detained at a meeting of the general education there is a place for the Board of Ministers in Colombo, Bishop Lak- small, independent College, as experience has dasa de Mel, the President of the Board of amply proved in the United States. Directors of the College, presided. The Vice- Principal, Mr. K. A. Selliah, welcomed the There are many ways in which such an guests and speakers. The Principal read the institution has a spscial contribution to make following statement :- to education. Since I have discussed this in various places and several times, I shall Principal’s Statement just briefly summarize them here. The large, Bishop de Mel, Dr. Kellock, Ladies and State-supported University must be neutral Gentlemen: in religious matters and secular in its general impact. But many people believe that secu You have done us great honour by accept larism is one of the gravest dangers of our ing our invitation and coming to help us times, and agree with the late Archbishop celebrate this Jubilee of Jaffna College. Our Temple that " ...... an education which is College bears a proud name, for without not religious is atheistic; there is no middle qualification it bears the name of Jaffna. The way. If you give an account of the founders of the College dared to claim this world from which God is left out, y6u are name for the College partly because men of teaching (students) to understand the world the several denominations from all parts of without reference to God. If He is then Jaffna united to establish the College, and introduced, He is an excrescence. He be partly because its aim from the first was to comes an appendix to His own creation.” A provide a kind of education that no other College such as this will provide education institution in the peninsula was able even against the background of a theistic philo to think of giving, namely Collegiate educa sophy. tion. It was then the Jaffna College, and might with some right have claimed to be A new President was recently installed in the Ceylon College. This was true for over my own alma mater, Oberlin College. At 40 years of its existence, not to mention the the installation Dr. Dodds, the President of proud 35 years’ history of Batticotta Semi Princeton University, pointed out how essen nary. But in the second decade of this cen tial to any healthy democratic society is the tury, for reasons which it is not necessary to independent association, and how this is detail here, Collegiate classes were given up, especially true in education. A tax-supported and from that time on, while we believe we college or university is eventually dependent had something distinctive and special to upon the majority of people, but no society, offer in our traditions and, later, in our Inter and again, especially, no educational system, 52 is sound unless the thinking of minorities can are in danger of becoming too large and thus also be given effective expression. Jaffna of losing the intimate touch which we prize. College can and will serve this purpose in That we shall resist, and seek rather to be Ceylon. come a part of a larger whole which in Perhaps some of you have heard the reply course of time we believe Jaffna will need. made by a graduate of Williams College to But this larger hope can be realized only if the question: what is a college education ? the people of Jaffna, and all like-minded men Mark Hopkins was the President of W il and women, are prepared to pay the price liams College and this alumnus’ reply was : that such a hope entails. W e therefore ask “A student on one end of a log and Mark you to support us generously as we make a Hopkins on the other”. It is just this friendly, start—support us with funds, yes, but also intimate meeting of mind between student with your sons and daughters and your good and mentor which Jaffna College can and wishes and your prayers. will supply. It is here that we may hope to I cannot close this Statement without overcome the tragically vocational concep calling to mind those into whose labours we tion of even liberal education which is so have entered, those who by their accom general in Ceylon today. plishment in the past have created this ideal for us for the present and the future. We Ceylon is a potentially wealthy island, think of Poor and Hoisington, of Hastings but it is not yet developed to the place where and Hitchcock, of Brown and Abraham, most it can supply all its sons with the material recently and most nearly to our hearts— of basis for a full life. John Bicknell and J. V. Chelliah. Nor This demands from all responsible citizens would we forget those, less celebrated, but a true simplicity of living, that our wealth upon whose faithful—if often anonymous— be not dissipated in frivolities. Such sim labours every institution like this depends. plicity of living Jaffna College intends to W e thank God for them, and at the same maintain and, to the best of its ability, incul moment pray that we may be worthy of cate in its students. them, that in our own day we may be given the vision and the courage to meet the ge W e constantly hear today that the world nuine needs of our times. Foundations we is One World. Materially it is, as never have—foundations well and truly laid in the before, but culturally and socially it is not, will of God. Now may we gather up our and we are constantly reminded of Kipling’s strength and with energy and faith set our lines: “ East is East and West is West, and hands to the task which in God’s providence never the twain shall meet,” however much we have been called to do. we may disagree with it and deplore the sentiment expressed. W e believe that here Greetings in Jaffna College with men and women from Following the Statement, greetings from the East and the West living and working various bodies were brought by their repre close together, there is a place where the sentatives : best of East and West may meet—one small Rev. Dr. M. H. Harrison, Principal, bridge of understanding and respect, leading to the discovery and acceptance of those Theological College, Bangalore, presenting greetings from the Board of Trustees and the common values, that common outlook, which A. B. C, F. M., said that he was happy to be are necessary for living in a common world. once again at Jaffna College on that happy W e. remember that our College motto is occasion to felicitate it on its life in the his “Jesus Christ, the Light of Life,” and we tory of higher education. When he was in the often sing here the hymn which begins : “ In College as a teacher, he was fortunate in Christ there is no East and W est...... joining in its fiftieth anniversary celebrations If we may believe that we hear, there are of the College and the centenary of the many who hope that this provision for Seminary. Though several who were present higher education which we are making is then had passed into the great beyond, but the beginning of something much larger. others whom he had taught twenty-five years For our own part, we shall not be concerned ago, he was happy to see, had filled in the about size* unless a time comes when we places of those who were no more, He was 33 also happy that for personal reasons too the he wished the College would look up for its occasion was a happy one. From 1847, strength and inspiration to Him whose name when his wife’s grandfather, Dr. R. C. it carried on its shield, Jesus Christ, the Hastings began his work in Jaffna College, Light of Life. there has always been some member of The President of the All Ceylon Union his family working either there or in India of Teachers, Mr. G. D. Abeyaratna, spoke till the present time. Therefore, though Mrs. next. Harrison coujd not come, he was happy to be there. He said that he brought the greetings of the A. C. U. T., who were conscious of the Though not of the administrative section great contribution made by Jaffna College to of the Board, he was commissioned to repre the advancement of learning in the country. sent the large body of people working under Coming from Kandy, and being interested in the Board. Many of these were either direct the early history of the British occupation of ly or indirectly connected with the College Ceylon, he was interested to find that the and he was happy to congratulate the Col American Missionaries who had chosen lege in their name for work well done. One Kandy for their field were, for political rea of the things that he would like to single out sons, directed by the government to go to for mention was the manner in which the Jaffna, with the result that what was Kandy’s College made it possible for certain students loss became Jaffna’s gain. The results of- of limited means and restricted opportunities that gain could be seen throughout all parts to receive the education that would have of the Island. been impossible of attainment otherwise. The teaching profession owed a great debt Another reason for congratulating the Col of gratitude to Jaffna College for giving it lege was for the way in which those respon some of its outstanding men who were devo sible for laying the policy of the College ted to iearning for its own sake and unmind adapted the policy to the changing educa ful of its material benefits. There was a tional needs of the country. The College greater need for such men now, since as a re was started in 1872 to work up to the B. A. sult of the grant of Free Education the Go degree, and it catered to this need for some vernment has launched a campaign of mass time. Then, when its services were required producing teachers whose quality would of to help Secondary Schools elsewhere, it necessity be low. An infilteration into the suspended degree-class work for a tim e; profession of the ablest men and women with and now, that rapid changes were taking cultivated minds and large sympathies was place in educational policy, it has been necessary, if education was to be rescued able again to change its policy so as to from degenerating into mere literacy with restart the degree classes. unbalanced mind and haughty spirit. The last reason for which he felt that the If the past history of Jaffna College was College deserved congratulations was its suc cess in maintaining in its life the spiritual to be taken as an earnest of the future, then there was every hope of its playing a very ends for which it was designed. Instead of important part in the renaissance of educa looking to success in examinations and good tion in the Island, especially in view of the inspection reports, the school paid more atten fact that the College was relapsing into its tion to the making of the entire personality ancient greatness of leading in the matter of and the Teachings of the deepest springs of higher education. life. The American Board wished to thank the College for the emphasis given to that spiri He wished the high endeavour of the Col tual ideal, and fox adhering to that solid lege to be fruitful of great and enduring re foundation in its devotion to Jesus Christ. sults, and that it will go on enriching the He concluded by giving the best wishes life of the country. of the Board for the future, that the Col Mr. C. Coomaraswamy, the Retired iege may continue all the good work done in Govt. Agent, Northern Province, presented the past and succeed eminently in the new the greetings òf thè general public. venture of providing education in Arts and He said that he considered it a great plea Science of the degree level. And finally sure and privilege to have been asked to 54 speak on behalf of the public on such a great Greetings from Headmasters’ Conference occasion. The Jaffna College with the and best wishes for the continued service in Batticotta Seminary was the oldest insti cause of education. tution in the Island. When he was a student SlMITHRARATCHI. at Jaffna Hindu College, the students used to consider Jaffna College as their elder sister * H* * * because it was then the only institution in Jaffna Trustees and American Board send the Island, preparing students for the B. A. cordial greetings for your 125th anniversary examination. It had contributed in a great with gratitude for the past and high hope for measure to the public life of the place. It the future. ciosed down the B. A. classes for some time, Boston, Mass. R a y m o n d D u d l e y . for reasons which were not known, and the * * Hi break in the continuity of the degree classes was very unfortunate. The American Marathi Mission send their Christian greetings and felicitations to Jaffna He was told, he said, that the number of College on the occasion of their Jubilee cele students who were sitting for the S. S. C. brations. The vision which brought into examinations was increasing annually and being Batticotta Seminary and developed it that it was clear that the Ceylon University into the present Jaffna College is cause for at Peradeniya would not have sufifcient ac deep gratitude to God. W e are proud of the comodation for students who would wish to long years of service which this institution go there for higher education. So the people has rendered to Vaddukoddai and to the of Jaffna would be greatly obliged to Jaffna wider Christian community in Ceylon, and College for this venture of restarting the our hope and prayers are that this service degree classes. will continue for many years to come. He concluded by wishing the College all M a r g a r e t T h o m a s success in the new venture and an ever in Secretary creasing usefulness to the people of Jaffna. * Hs * * Messages On behalf of the Church of Scotland in Several messages of greetings and good Ceylon, may I send you our congratulations wishes from India, Malaya, America, and on the fine work done in the past by your various parts of Ceylon were read out. The College which has made such a notable contri following were some of them :- bution to the life and progress of the people “ Perhaps you will be so kind as to of Ceylon. W e hope that in years to come convey to all friends in Jaffna my very great you will continue to give a true and sound personal disappointment at not being able to education to many students who will play attend, and my very best wishes to the Col their part in the important new period of lege fora successful celebration of its 125th this Island’s history which is just beginning. anniversary” . J. G. W . H e n d r i e A l a n R o se . St. Andrew’s Scots Kirk, Legal Secretary’s Chamber, Colombo Colombo. * Hi ❖ Hi * * * * Greetings from Kings wood. Convey our loyal greetings to friends at N o n is Jubilee. W e pledge whole-hearted support Hi * * * in your new project. I wish the meeting and the celebrations A l u m n i , S i n g a p o r e . all success...... I feel proud to think that * * * * we have the oldest English Institution not Regret inability to attend owing to unavoid only in Jaffna but in the whole of Ceylon able circumstances. Accept best wishes for in my own village. continued prosperity of Jaffna College. I am aware of the most excellent work J a y a h done by it and I am happy to think that it $ $ * * celebrates its 75th anniversary. I trust that 55 it wiil continue for ever to do the excellent I am sure that no person in this work that was carried on in the past and be gathering needs to be told of the special a tower of strength to the people of Ceylon nature of our meeting here this year and particularly of Jaffna. On an occasion like this, when celebrating 125 years of education given in this place, V. COOMARASWAMY. we naturally wished to invite as our special Govt. Agents’ House, guests those who have interests and compe Colombo. tence in this same field of endeavour. W e * * * * are, therefore, most fortunate in having with Congratulations and best wishes. Sorry us tonight the Principals of such leading I can’t be there. boys and girls schools as St« Thomas College Mallon. and Uduvil Girls’ School. Ladies come first American Consulate and so I wish to thank Miss Paramasamy Colombo. for her presence here this evening and for consenting to give away the prizes. A mem * $ $ $ ber of our Board of Directors .daughter of one Greetings anniversary. Best wishes degree of the noblest men ever connected with classes. Jaffna College, and as loyal and affectionate B ookwalter a friend as Jaffna College has—we could Ithia, Mass. Minnie Harrison. have searched the whole Island over and we * * * * would have found no one with so clear a Greetings from the following were also right to be on this platform tonight in this received:— Messrs. S. Rajanayagam. W .H . capacity, and no one whom we could be so T. Bartlett, C. B. Paul, A. W . Nadarajah, happy to have with us. P. Sri Skandarajah, George Olegasekaram, In welcoming you, Canon de Saram, we A. W . Abraham, Leonidas, V- K. Kanda- find ourselves in very real difficulty. It is samy, D. S. Senanayake, K. Nesiah, M. Visu- not easy for any school with as hoary and valingam, K. T. Chittampalam, Mr. & Mrs. honourable a history and tradition as ours Bonney Kanagathungam, Mr. & Mrs. P. H. to admit that any other school is greater or Nonis, Miss Monie Elias, Miss Malar Sara- finer or better, but to have the Warden of wanamuttu> Rev. Chinniah, and Dr. W . S. St. Thomas College here is to make us at Ratnavale. least ask ourselves whether we should admit * * * * just this. The record of St. Thomas’ former students at the universities to which they Rev. Dr. James Kellock, the Principal of have gone, the way they have distinguished Wilson College, Bombay then delivered his themselves in so many walks of life, and the address on “The Christian Contribution to wonderful hold the College has on the affec Education.” tion and loyal support of her Old Boys pats The chairman in his concluding remarks her in the very forefront of our sister schools. made mention of the appointments of the Fortunately we do not have to decide who Rev. S. K. Bunker as President of the College, is the greatest among us. W e have our Mr, K. A. Selliah as Principal and Mr, D. S. different traditions and environments and Sanders as Vice-Principal. He congratulated make our special contributions to the general the Scouts and Girl Guides on their high good. It is one of the glories of Ceylon that standard of their services during the cele diverse cultural streams flow into her. The brations. He declared the next day a holi great pity is that diversities, which should day. enrich our common life, at present tend to Mr. C. S. Ponnuthurai, the President of divide and impoverish us> Surely there is the Round Table, proposed a vote of thanks no greater need in Ceylon today than for and with that the meeting as well as the leaders in every phase of her life who count celebrations terminated. nothing human alien to them as citizens of Lanka and who strive to knit all these PRINCIPAL’S REPORT strands into the seamless robe of the good Miss Paramasamy, Warden de Saram, life. W e are sister colleges because we Ladies and Gentlemen: both serve this ideal and seek to give Ceylon 46 just such sons—and: with us daughters too. fashioned by Jaffna College when the Col W e are rivals who cheer one another on and leges was at its greatest, for he was a student are equally pleased when either one of us here when the numbers were small, residence scores some notable success in this field. We was required of every student, and the col are sisters, again because we believe equally legiate classes were strong and performing that in the Christian faith we profess we an unrivalled service in Ceylon. It was this have our most precious gift, and rivals only that kept him ever impatient with any lesser in our endeavour to be most faithful to the ideal for the College than it had in its finest inner spirit of that faith. hour, and which led him to become a chief I cannot end these introductory remarks artificer in building our present plans. This without a personal word or two to you, influence also accounts for his life-long love Warden de Saram. You have had to follow of learning and his genuinely great contribu truly great Headmasters at St. Thomas. But tion to the literature of Ceylon. In his pass you have demonstrated that Ceylon has her ing a real landmark has gone, but his handi own sons of equal stature, and when in work remains so long as any of his hundreds, things educational we want sober sense, a should I say thousands, of students remain, happy combination of vision and realism, we and also so long as the higher education we all look to you as I think we look to no are now undertaking flourishes. Pupil and other man in the Island. W e at Jaffna Col student, pupil-teacher, teacher, Vice-Princi lege have had very recent experience of your pal, Acting Principa!, Member, Secretary, and helpful interest, though we are so far from Chairman of the Board of Directors—no you geographically, for you loaned us a lead man can rival him in the intimate connection ing member of your staff to help us as we of his life with Jaffna College. W e mourn laid our plans for the future. Mr. Manicka- his passing, but record our thankfulness for singham was of the greatest help to us, and his great contribution to the life of this insti behind his was your judgment and concern tution. also, assisting and encouraging us. For this I cannot dwell on the history oí the College and for my own personal debt to you in our tonight. Other schools can probably claim several close and friendly meetings. I wish to have been started about the same time as to thank you most warmly and sincerely, and Batticotta Seminary, but no school can claim also to wish you and St. Thomas years to have rendered such unique educational without limit for enriching the life of our service for so long. But our history and common home, and if you can surpass us and our rightful pride in it are vain and empty, if every other school in this we can only re they do not inspire us to render the same joice for we shall benefit as much as you. kind of service to the present and the future There is so much to be said at a time.like within the limits of our resources. It is the this that it is extremely difficult to keep realization of this which has led us to plan one’s remarks within the bounds of time at and now to inaugurate our new classes at one’s disposal. W e are thinking much these the College. We believe that there is a days of our past. This is natural at need for instruction up to the level of the any Jubilee Celebration. It is especially bachelor’s degree in a place like Jaffna true this year because the one who has chro College. In a matter like this one cannot be nicled our past, who has also had so large a certain beforehand, but this is our judge a past in building our present and planning ment after considering the matter earnestly our future has passed away on the very eve for over four years. Time alone will prove of our festivities. There have been many us right or wrong. I wish to emphasize from great names in the history of Jaffna Col the first that our aims are as modest as our lege. To most of us they are now only means are limited. W e are not starting a names. But to Mr. J. V. Chelliah they were university, and even to call this a university vivid, living, personal memories. Much of college is, to say the least, premature. What our knowledge of many of them now stems máy'grow from this no,man can predict with almost wholly from him. His own great certainty. But what we aré beginning this natural gifts were informed and shaped by year is the provision of instruction for the these men, and their influence lived on in the general degrees in Arts and Science of the .Qollege in him. Mr. Chelliah’s mind was University of London. The number of / 5? students we shall be able to accommodate is local generosity. As most of you know, we not large and is not likely to reduce appre have already made our appeal to the Alumni ciably the number of students who want of the institution, and I have therefore been higher education and are unable to gain en spending most of my time for the last seve trance to the University for whatever reason. ral months seeking donations from them. But those who come to us will be able to Asking for money, especially at a time when get sound instruction at modest cost and in the cost of living is such a problem, is not an atmosphere which stresses simplicity of a pleasant task, yet my mission has brought life, moral idealism, and a theistic faith and me mostly pleasure. I have been able to philosophy. W e believe there are numerous meet so many Old Boys in a personal way parents throughout the Island but especially that hitherto has not been possible, and the in Jaffna who will welcome this kind of response of loyal affection to my appeal has instruction and environment. Jaffna College been most moving end encouraging to me. is a definitely Christian College, but 125 The Staff of the College led the way by years in Jaffna has shown that there is a subscribing, almost unanimously," at least measure of common ground between Saiva one month’s salary. And the Alumni have Siddhanta and Christianity at their best responded to that challenge in kind. So far which enables us to be of service to more 100 Old Boys have subscribed a month’s than Christian students. At least we are salary. In almost all cases this is really agreed in believing that the rising secularism sacrificial giving. So far I have been able and materialism of the age leads to death for to see less than half of the names of Alumni the soul and not to the fulness of spiritual on our rolls—many have asked me when I life which, whatever our shortcomings, is a was going to approach them—and I am con major object of both religious systems. fident that before the fund is closed we shall If there is one element in what we are have over two-hundred on that list of trying to do which I would emphasize, it is honour. this: the intimate contact we mean to main We have also had a good response in our tain between teacher and taught. W e aim request for larger sums which we could me at something very close to the tutorial system morialise by naming a room in one of the where every professor knows each of his new buildings. Dr. S. Subramaniam, as students personally as well as academically. might be expected from his generous sup There will be many informal meetings and port of education, led the way. Another friendly chats between groups and individuals, room has been given in the name of Dr. we trust. It is here that the atmosphere of Appar by his two grandsons, Drs. Cassipiliai the place and the ideals of the administration and Kumarasamy of Vaddukoddai. Dr. will make themselves felt most effectively, S. L. Navaratnam, too, has given us a room. and we shall make every effort to maintain Two other families have assured me that this at any cost. It should not be necessary they will name a room. With these assur for an American to convince an Eastern race ances, we have now reached half of our goal that size and numbers are not the true of Rs. 150,000. Considering the fact that criterion of educational success. T o make we have no really wealthy Alumni, I think these contacts as varied and rich as possible this is an excellent start, and in the name of we are having men from America, India and the College I thank every one who has given, Ceylon on the staff, and, we hope also, from no matter how small his gift. Britain. While expressing our thanks for the gifts But to make all this possible we must which are making our new work possible, have help, and a great deal of it, from the special mention should be made of our Board people of Jaffna and of Ceylon. W e are for of Trustees in America. Without their gene tunate in our American endowment, but it rous support and encouragement this whole can do no more than supplement the tuition project would be impossible and we owe a fees which we must collect in meeting our debt of gratitude to them that cannot be current expenses. For the capital expendi fully expressed. ture required for the hostels, laboratories, W e will be putting this money to use as residences and other buildings, and all the soon as we can get the plans from out- archi- equipment and furniture, we must look to tect and can let the contract. The first .build J. C. 8 5 4 - ing will be a hostel in the former Y. M. C. The Board of Directors, at its meeting A. garden, with quarters attached for a resi yesterday, came to a similar conclusion in dent warden. Next in point of urgency come regard to the proposal to enter the Free residences for teachers who are coming, for Education Scheme. The problems for deno we are in quite desperate need in this res minational schools which enter that scheme pect. W e have already made a good many are very great. I shall not rehearse them changes in our present buildings and arrange again here. They are sufficiently grave, how ments. The library has been enlarged, ever, to have caused us, after very careful rooms are being remodelled into new labora consideration and with some reluctance, to tories. The carpentry room has been moved, decide to postpone decision, probably until also the drawing room. The Vice-Princi early next year, pal’s bungalow is now holding not only Mr. Selliah and his family, but also 65 junior Before turning to report on the more boarders. W e shall have to make shift in routine activities of the school during the this way for some time, until all the funds, past year, I must refer to major changes and more, which we are asking come in. I which are taking place in the organisation hope friends who are moved by our plans and life of institutions with which we are and see that we are serious in our endea intimately connected, of which I might say vours will not wait to be asked, but will we are a part. All those who are interested send in their gifts. in the Church of Christ have been following with the greatest concern for over a quarter This change in the work of the College is of a century now, the negotiations proceeding making necessary a major change in the in South India for Church Union. At long administrative arrangements of the College. last, the hopes of most Christian people have All the details will take time to work out, been realized, the three larger Churches but they will be built around these new involved have agreed to the scheme, and the provisions for the officers of the institution new Church of South India comes into being made by the Board of Directors at their in September of this year. It is the result meeting yesterday. The title of the office I of years of study and prayer, of growth in hold is now changed to “President of Jaffna understanding both of one another and of College” and I shall be directly in charge o f God’s will, and we greet it with a prayer of the higher education besides having responsi heartfelt thanksgiving and also of humble bility for the working of the institution as a petition that it may be blessed of God in whole. The Vice-Principal, Mr. Selliah, ¿pecial measure as the elements within it becomes Principal of the Secondary School now adjust to one another as well as to the and will have full charge of that department new, free India which is coming into being of the College In his place as Vice-Prin at the same time. cipal the Board has appointed Mr. D. S. And of course we are directly affected, for Sanders. In the Lower School, Mr. Aria- our local Jaffna Council of the South India ratnam will continue as Headmaster, but United Church has been a party to the with larger responsibilities and with a stated negotiations throughout and now becomes a place in all the administrative committees diocese of the new Church. The new Church affecting the work of the primary depart is an episcopal Church and so we change ment. from a presbyterian form of government to Now perhaps some are wondering—how an episcopal form. Everyone here knows fare the Primary and Secondary Schools? that the Bishop-elect is Rev. S. Kulandran. These schools are dependent in considerable Mr. Kulandran is an Old Boy of Jaffna part upon the general . educational situation College, he has served us as teacher and in Ceylon. This is not a situation that it is chaplain for a short time, and is a member easy to assess with my certainty. It has of our Board of Directors. Ail Jaffna knows become rather sadly intermeshed with the that his learning, his simplicity, his devotion political situation and it seems to me, there and consecration fit him to be a true bishop fore, that it is better to wait until the whole in this Church. W e can only thank God picture'is clear before making further re that he has raised up such a servant for this marks. task, and assure the future bishop that he 59 will ever be supported by our affectionate This is the appropriate place to mention esteem and prayers. the changes of personnel in the Board of This new dispensation has enabled another Directors. I have already recorded our loss change, which 1 mentioned last year as im in the death of Mr. J. V. Chelliah. There is minent, to come into being. The work both no one who can quite fill his place on the of the American Ceylon Mission and of the Board. Another old and most faithful friend Jaffna Council will now come under the is being missed from the Board since Miss control of the new Diocesan Council. The Bookwalter has gone on furlough. She final approval of the constitution of the new brought to the Board rich experience with Council has not yet been given by both the great ability. We used it just as much as old bodies, but it has been approved in princi we could, and she did a job of work with the ple. This is not the place to give a funeral ora Affiliated Schools for which it is hard to tion for the famous “A.C.M.” , but we can note thank her sufficiently. Under her tutelage its passing with respect. Jaffna has been the four larger schools took over very largely generous in its recognition of what that the management of their own affairs- W e Mission has done in the past, and rightly so trust that it will not be long before we wel I believe; but there are few who do not come her back once again to Jaffna. Rev. recognize also that the days of its usefulness G. D. Thomas also retired from the Board, as a separate organization have passed. W e this year being his sabbatical year. W e are trust that all that was good in it will live grateful to him for his faithful interest in all on in its institutions and in the spirit of our affairs. The new members of the Board Christian Service which must move our new are in two cases those who have returned Church. after their sabbatical year— Rev. S. Kulen- dran, and Mr. J. C. Amarasingham. Staunch Jaffna College is directly concerned in this friends and valued advisers, we welcome change, for our Board of Directors has been both of them back. The one really new receiving and sending representatives from member is Mr. S. H. Perinbanayagam who and to these bodies, the Mission and the was elected by the Alumni as their represent Jaffna Council. W e shall now receive five ative. First a brilliant student, then one of members from the new Diocesan Council, our ablest teachers for twenty years, Mr. where we were receiving four from the two Perinbanayagam brings an intimate know organizations together, and three will go from ledge of the life and the working of the the Board to the new Council, either ex College which, added to his liberal outlook officio or elected by the Standing Committee on every problem, is invaluable to us. of that Council. This way we may be sure that the special and historic relationship There is one change in the Board of Trus between Jaffna College and the Church will tees. It is with most genuine regret that I be maintained to our mutual good and in the record that Dr. Alden Clark, who has been interest of the Kingdom of God. the Secretary ot the Board and who has carried the interests of Jaffna College so One other change in our constitution should be noted? The Northern District of close to his heart for so many years, has re the Methodist Church in Ceylon responded signed in anticipation of his retirement from active service with the American Board. most varmly to our invitation to help in the The College has never had a better friend, support of our higher education project. At and my own personal debt to him is beyond the meeting of their Synod last January they all calculation. We offer him our warmest voted unanimously to contribute one mission thanks and most cordial good wishes, and ary teacher to the degree class staff. Unfor we know that his affectionate interest will tunately, however, it has not yet been pos follow us unceasingly. sible to find a person with suitable qualifi cations in England. W e have not given up There have also been changes in the Staff hope, however, and in due course we expeet during the time under review. Mr. D. S. to have one professor supported by that Devasagayam, for reasons of health, had to Church. In recognition of this interest and ask for a transfer to Drieberg College. response we expect to make a place in the W e miss him very much, for he was a ver Board of Directors for one representative satile teacher and companion. He seemed from the Methodists, to b$ able to teach anything from the Lower 6o School to the Inter Classes, from Drawing ence in the American College, Madura, and to Economics; and to advise on anything, is ready and waiting to do the Physics of from diet to radio and the art of cartoon our degree classes. With both Mr. Niles ing. Never satisfied, he was always study and Mr. Thurairatnam away, our English ing for some new qualification, and it was work would be most seriously understaffed, only poor health that set a limit to his if we had not been most fortunate in ambition. We aie glad to think that our securing the services of Mr. E. C. Nava- loss, however, is Drieberg College’s gain. ratnarajah. An English Honouis graduate, Mr. Richard Kumararatne, our Sinhalese with 18 years of teaching experience, he is Teacher, left us after a year of work. We not only filling the gap in our Secondary have been unable to fill his place, and thus School, but is also able to help us in our doubly appreciate what he did for us here. degree class work until we can secure the W e wish him well as he fills a more person for whom we are looking abroad responsible post elsewhere. In the Lower who can give full time to that work. W e School we Miss T. Kandiah very much, are greatly strengthened by having him on and are getting a greater understanding of our staff not only in the teaching but equally the problems heads of girls’ schools face in the extra-curricular activities. In the as their teachers leave to get married just Lower School we welcome two new teachers when experience has made them most — Miss Eswarakadacham, one of our for valuable to us. But in Jaffna one accepts mer students, and Miss V. Kanapatbypillai this as inevitable. Certainly we wish Mrs. a product of the Nallur Training College, Paul every happiness. who is taking Mrs. Paul’s place. W e have also said a temporary farewell The starting of the degree classes will to two of our teachers. Mr. Jeevaratnam bring to us both new and familiar faces. Niles left a year ago to go on study leave The Lockwoods, after five years in Ame to the United Theological College, Banga rica, will be returning in late September lore, for two years. W e are sure that he or October. Mr. Lockwood will be doing the has a special vocation for which his study Mathematics in the degree classes, and we there will help to train him and we eagerly are counting on Mrs. Lockwood to help us await his return. Mr. K. C. Thurairatnam with the English in the middle forms; is even now on the high seas, headed for though she cannot begin this work until a America. In few days’ time, he should land year from now. The Lockwoods are so in San Francisco and will then go east to well known to most of you that they will Oberlin College where he will take the r eed no introduction from me. I do want course for a Masters’ degree in English to say, however, how much it means to Literature. We are confident that he will us that they have been ready to give up return to us greatly enriched to continue a most congenial and secure position at his work in teaching English, and also that Mount Hermon School in the United he will maintain the most enviable reput States to respond to our call to return to ation which Miss Paramasamy has already Ceylon. » given Ceylon in the Alma Mater of two One face is both familiar and new to us Jaffna College Principals—Rev. G. G. Brown — familiar as a student, new as a teacher. and the present one. Mr, K. P. Abraham has just taken up his But we have not only lost, we have also duties and will be responsible for the Che gained members to our staff. Mr. P. T. mistry in the degree classes. The nephew John has been with us for almost a year of Mr. K. A. George, he gave promise as a now. Indeed, he has fitted so naturally student of having the keen intelligence we and so fully and so happily into our staff expected of him, and the promise has found that it is hard to realize that he has not fulfilment in bis brilliant first place in ■ always been here and I very nearly failed Inorganic Chemistry and the only First Class to mention him. Perhaps the fact that he that year in the Lucknow University’s is somewhat used to an Americanized at Master of Science examination. H e is a mosphere has something to do with the way splendid addition to our staff. he has settled in among us, for he comes Finally, I am glad that I can report that with nearly fifteen years teaching experi we have another American family coming First Degree Class & Staff— 1947. College Helpers - 1947 6i to Jaffna College. To do the History in one sat and passed. University Entrance the collegiate department we have a young examination, held in December, 1946—in man who has secured his degree of Doctor Arts 15 sat and 6 passed; in Science 18 sat of i hilosophy from the University of Illi and 6 passed. The Higher School Certifi nois, and who has also had some theologi cate results on the same examination are cal training besides several years’ teaching not yet known. Two sets of Senior School experience. Dr. Robert Holmes is married Certificates results are to be recorded. In the and has two children, the youngest only 1945 (December) examination, 90 took the two months old, and they will be coming examination and 73 passed; in 1946 (Decem cut with the Lockwoods. ber) the results were; 79 took the examin Since I have taken time to say so much ation, 24 passed and 10 were referred. about our new staff, I should add another In sports for the past year we have not sentence or two to make it complete. All been taking part in the competitions, feel the subjects which we expect to prepare ing that for a time at least it would be students to offer for the London degree better to return to purely friendly matches, have been mentioned except two—Tamil “ home and away” . W e believe that this and Latin. For these we are able to call serves the real purpose of sports for a upon two of our present staff membeis to school far more effectively than any other help—Messrs. K. E. Mathiaparanam and arrangement. In Football we had 5 matches, L. S. Kulathungam—over and above their 3 at home and 2 away. We won 3 lost 1, work on the eligible staff of the Secondary tied 1. In Cricket we played 4 matches, School for this first half year. Whether winning 2, drawing 1, losing 1. W e shall they will choose to join the higher educa continue this policy for the rest of this year tion staff permanently has yet to be decid at least, and will take stock of the position ed. Finally, I should add that we hope soon at the end of this year. to employ an Honours graduate to teach Sanskrit aud Sinhalese. Only three sub In regard to our Affiliated Schools, once jects will be required hereaiter for the the Diocesan Council comes into being, we London Inter-Arts course. One subject plan to turn the management of the schools must be either Latin or Sanskrit, so these over to that body. Provision for them has subjects take on new importance for us. been made in the new constitution. Our This completes the roster of our new staff Board of Trustees in America has very gene members for the coming year. I believe rously made it possible for us to hand them it shows that we are in earnest about over with a dowry which should guarantee higher education and that we are equipped a reasonably sound future for them. Five uf to achieve the limited objectives we have the schools are healthy and growing. There set ourselves for the first year or two. has been demonstrated support for most of Now as I turn to report on the routine them from their own localities and we be affairs of the College, 1 find that I have lieve they will do well, but also that we used up all my time. So I shall omit a num have now done as much for them as we can. ber of items since they are reported inde As this Report has shown, I have been pendently in the Miscellany. The change largely concerned for some months now with in the hostel arrangements adumbrated in the larger plans for the future and for imple my last report have been put into effect menting these plans. This has meant that with a marked change for good. W e now the burden of daily administration has fallen have three cottage hostels, each in charge almost wholly on Mr. Selliah as Vice-Prin of a senior warden. Each hostel has a cipal. I owe to him, and to the whole staff large measure of control in the catering of the College in co-operating with him, and and the results have been wholly gooc’ . I now express, my sincere thanks for carrying think it is safe to say that we have never this additional burden so efficiently and had such a happy boarding department. willingly. Examination results are as follows:— Now as I come to the end of the Report, Intermediate examination held in July, I close with but one word about the new 194$ —in Arts 6 sat and 3 passed; in Science situation we face in Ceylon. The promise 62 of Dominion Status will soon be fulfilled. moving in it, impinge upon us and shape Whatever else it means, this much one can our destiny. As Jaffna College now looks be sure of: that the burden of developing forward to the next quarter century of Ceylon so that the Island can supply an labour, she must dedicate, she does dedicate, ever fuller measure of life for her people now herself to the task of sending forth young rests solidly upon the people ol Ceylon, and men and women responsible, critical yet especially upon her educated classes. She liberal, independent in thought, but capable cannot do it in isolation from the rest of the of working with others in common, produc world. Dr. Jennings at our Alumni Dinner tive tasks, and above all moved by a love in Colombo last month, very rightly pointed of Ceylon which sees that her good can only out that this requires a greater measure of come as she fits herself to God’s plan for awareness among the schools of the Island, her and for all His family of peoples of the rest of the world and the forces which, throughout the whole wide world. CHRISTIAN CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION. (Extracts from the address of the Rev. J. Kellock at the Public Meeting.) I am very happy to be present on this im one of the most important and decisive portant occasion when you are celebrating things about it. the 125th anniversary of an educational The Aims of the Indian Universities. institution which has rendered conspicuous service to many generations cf the people of The aims of the Indian Universities are this beautiful Island. I am very glad also clearly set forth in the Education Despatch to bring to you the greetings and the con of the Court of Directors of the East India gratulations and the good wishes of a sister Company of 1854 (the famous Wood’s Edu institution in India, the Wilscn College, cation Despatch). That Despatch led to Bombay, the length of whose service has the setting up of the Universities of Cal been nearly, if not quite so long, as that of cutta, Bombay and Madras in 1857, and it your own School and College and to which tells us that the Indian Universities were the American Board has given its valued established with a view to the following co-operation in the past 16 years. I bring purposes :— you also the greetings and good wishes of (1) to give to the people of India the the Church of Scotland Mission—a Mission moral and material blessings flowing from that displayed a great part in the progress the diffusion of modern knowledge; and development of Education in India, (2) to produce a supply of intelligent and ever since the days of Wilson, Cuff and efficient persons for the manning of the Miller. You are net merely looking back Government Services; to the past in this celebration but you are also looking forward to wider service in (3) to improve the economic condition of the future, and I am particularly glad to India, with consequent economic advantage have part in this meeting in view of the to Britain also; arrangements for developing this College (4) to cause the enlightenment of modern into one that will be preparing students knowledge to percolate down from the per for the full B. A. and B. Sc. degrees of sons obtaining a University education to the London University. the general population, a process which I would like in the words that I have was expected to have good results in im the honour to address to you today to deal proving the Indian languages and awaken with the vital matter of aim or purpose ing the general mind of the country; in education and the Christian contribu (5) to set up high grade teaching posts tion in relation thereto. The aim or pur in certain subjects in which expert know pose that inspires educational activity is ledge was specially needed or likely to be 63 specially useful such as Law, Engineering, ledge, preparing young people for jobs of Sanskrit, Persian aod Arabic. various kinds, helping to maintain and im The Goodness of the Aims and their prove the country’s economic condition, furthering the process of percolation, and Realization. doing something in the way of scholarly Thsse five aims which were declared at and scientific study and research. the time of the foundation of Indian Uni versities can all, I think, be commended as A Christian College will naturally be charac good aims, and they have all to a consider terized by four tendencies that spring ftom able extent been realizad. (1) A wide diffu sympathy with the mind of Christ—belief sion of modern knowledge has taken place and trust in God, impulse to service, priority in the past hundred years. (2) A consider of spiritual ends over material# commitment able educated class ( modern intelligensia) to the effort after moral perfection. These has grown up, capable of supplying per are the elements that stand out mest clearly sonnel for administrative jobs of all grades, in the character of Christ. L. A. Weigle for professional posts and for the many and J. H. Oldham, in a work on Education, other positions that have to be competently state these four elements in the character of filled, if a complex society is to function Jesus more elaborately thus — “ (1) a per efficiently. (3) The economic advance of the fect trust in God, which enabled Him to country has been assisted indirectly by the face and overcome all the world’s troubles; way in which the Universities have fost (2) a love for man which was no mere ered the whole intellectual life of the na humanitarian sentiment but the motive to tion, and directly by the furnishing of service and self-sacrifice; (3) a complete individuals with the theoretical knowledge devotion to the spiritual ends of life as that can wisely guide practice and policy infinitely more valuable than the material in economic matters and the technical things which men commonly seek after ; knowledge that can apply science to the (4) absolute purity and sincerity— every production of wealth. (4) The alumni of thing that belongs to moral goodness.” the Universities have inevitably carried the On the Side of Spirituality. influences of their learning out into the wider world when they took up their places as A Christian College, therefore, will be on school-teachers, lawyers, doctors, engineers, the side of spirituality as contrasted with administrators, journalists, writers, men of mere materialism or secularism, and its business, fathers or mothers of families, and genuine belief in the spiritual aspect of generally as members of society; and so existence and the influence cf its spiritual the outlook acquired at the Universities attitude and outlook will, I feel confident, be (or the University Colleges) has percolated among the most valuable parts of its con downwards to other strata of the population tribution to the educational system. with far-reaching effects upon the general mind, the common life social and political One of the greatest needs of the modern affairs, and upon the Indian languages and world is the wide diffusion of a true spiritu literatures. (5) Scope has been provided for ality that will sharpen and enlighten the the highest kinds of intellectual activity conscience, inspire and sustain good purpose and research and for first-rate scientific work, and ensure the growth cf good character. such as can advance the bounds of know The world needs a spirituality commensur ledge, bring true theory to the guidance cf ate with the conditions of modern life, com social practice and apply science to the mensurate with the expansion of knowledge solution of practical problems. and with the power that has come into man’s possession through that expanded Characteristics of a Christian College. knowledge. Man has in the past hundred If we may take these five aims as indi years acquired an astonishing power of cating the general purpose of higher educa control over the physical and also over the tion, then every true College, whatever its social environment. A Christian College particular origin or affiliation, will be mak knows this and, if it is to give its best ing its contribution in the educational system contribution, it must be endeavouring to along these lines. It will be diffusing know inculcate, add, develop the true spirituality ¿ 4 that will help to meet this great need of provide for the needs of mind and body. our modern world. It will bear fruit in the provision for physical The Nature off True Spirituality needs and educational needs, in the provision of medical service, welfare work and all sorts There are two types of spirituality. The of things that seek to remove hindrance and one is negative or life-denying: it is solitary and ascetic, seeking its own salvation by open up the way to richer and fuller life for escape from existence and cutting itself off the under-privileged. from the life of the world. The other is The Tendency to by-pass the Love of positive or life-affiiming: it is social, seeks not only its own salvation but also that of God. society, seeks to realize ideals of good life There is a tendency in modern days to for mankind, mixes with the world, appreci omit the first half of the slogan. Sydney and ates the moral value of social experience, Beatrice Webb in their book, Russia: a New joy and cheerfulness as well as the moral Civilization, say: “ The worship of God is value of suffering borne in the right spirit replaced by the service of man.’ ’ But this and borre for good ends. omission of the first of the two command One can a admire the courage and self- ments is surely a mistake. For, in the first discipline of the ascetic torturing himself by place, without the sense of duty and love to lying on a bed of spikes, or holding his hand God, human beings inevitably tend to be above his head until it becomes stiff and come selfish and self-seeking and to look withered— admire the sincerity with which more or less exclusively to their own inter he holds the conviction that the body is a ests. In the second place, it is by loving hindrance to the spirit and the fortitude with God that we are enabled to render the best which he endeavours to root out all appetite, plurality of service to our fellow-men. The passion and desire. But at the same time mind and heart and will that love God get one could wish that this energy of spirit and into them something of the wisdom, warmth strength of will were turned to positive ends and goodness of the Infinite Spirit, and there that would enhance the life both of the by they are enabled to serve the highest individual and of society, effecting a benefi interests of their fellows, and to give them cial control of the appetites and passions, and that sympathy, friendship and love of which directing the desires along lines that would they stand in need as much as they stand in bring freedom and fulfilment hoth to the need of food, health and amusement. individual and to society. God as Holy Spirit. The Slogan of the Spiritual Man. Perhaps the best way to think of God is to The spiritual man of the positive, life, think of Him as Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit affirming type may be defined as one who is connotes (1) God’s energy and activity in the interested in the higher things of life and who lives of man; and (2) an energy that expres has a sense of responsibility for moral achieve ses God’s inmost nature of holiness and per ment and for the attainment of ideals. The fect goodness; and (3) an energy that mingles world has great need for men and women of with human minds, feelings and wills and this kind today; and it is men and women of influences them. The love and friendship of this kind that the College should be helping God signifies the mingling of His Holy to produce. They will be men and women Spirit with ours, supporting, upholding, who have written on their hearts what may guiding and directing. That which can cont be called the slogan of positive spirituality. rol mankind and guide mankind into the Love God with all your heart and mind and ways of peace and true realization is this soul and will, and love your neighbour as internal, spiritual companionship of the Spirit yourself. T h e, second part of this slogan of God in which all men can share. H. G. will ensure attention to the material needs of Wells was not a religious man, but he wrote our fellow-men. It will inspire effort to a book once with the very, striking and sug 65 gestive title of ‘ 'God, the Invisible King.’ ’ an experience of God, that they be interested It suggests the idea of a Divine Power of in higher things committed to moral achieve perfect goodness and love in charge of life, ment and to the pursuit of the ideals that arise leading and directing the campaign of human within and beckon on to them. In working achievement, giving humanity its ideal of towards these three objectives the institution unity and progress, and calling for men's co will be contributing to the work of true operation and allegiance. education, building up their students in real Fellow-workers with God. personal happiness and effectiveness, and helping to meet the urgent need of the mo There is a deduction from this conception dern world for truly spiritually-minded men of the Spirit of God and His relation to the and women. human spirit which is very helpful to those engaged in education. W e do not have to The Function of a College. think that we are left to carry out our limit This institution is going forward to add to less task simply with our own powers. God its long record of service by undertaking works through us. The results are from in fuller measure the function of higher God and not from us. Therefore, what can education. What will it be endeavouring to b6 accomplished is not to be measured by do as a full degree College ? The profes what we are capable of, but by what God sors and lecturers should realize the high can accomplish. It is like the growth of significance of their function. They should grain. W e can plant and water but it is see themselves as a body of scholars and God that gives the harvest. This co-oper thinkers associated together in the pursuit of ation of God is not anything magical. ‘ ‘The knowledge for its own sake; investigating all work of the Holy Spirit” , to quote the words sorts of political, social, economic and scien of Weigle and Oldham, “ is not something tific problems; training young men and different from the patience of the teacher, women in the various branches of learning, from his diligence in preparation, from his endeavouring indeed to train them on the love of play, from his psychological tact and highest levels of attainment. From such a intuition, from his gift of humour, from his College there will flow back into the society sympathy and love. It is ail these things. to which it belongs a Continuous supply of But it is also something more. The Holy individuals who are well balanced, eftective Spirit uses these as the channels for and alive, and who will be capable of man His expression but He is not exhausted in ning the professions- and the high-grade them. They are channels for a power which positions upon which the health and vitality is limitless and inexhaustible.” In that of the social life of the nation so largely thought there is ground for quiet confidence depend. In the free atmosphere of the in the fruitfulness of faithful work. seeker after truth, such an institution will be be studying and assessing and contributing The Contribution of the Christian to the solution of the manifold problems of College. society. Directly and indirectly it will be a In accordance with what I have said, an centre of light from which will spread far institution like this Jaffna College will be and wide throughout the community the working along three main lines with the ob vitalizing and efficiency-producing influence- jectives of (1) spreading knowledge, prepar of knowledge, the warm-toned and humaniz ing young men and women for positions in ing values of culture and the strength and life and carrying on scholarly study and happiness flowing from the knowledge of God. research; (2) helping young men and women The Opportunity. into the life of cultivated humanity, into a This College has a great opportunity of life that shall be satisfying and effective; (3) serving the community in the educational helping youth to a vital and fruitful under system in a wider field and in the way in standing of their spiritual environment and to which it has been doing it in the past embu* 66 ing the education it gives with an aim that persons in the social and economic life of the makes its service of that high quality that times, but to be men and women of true feeds, nourishes and develops the highest and vision and right standards who will be help best life in its students. Pursuing that aim ing to make the spirit that is in man victori it will send its students out into the world ous over all the chaotic forces that menace not merely to be effective and successful its advance. PRINCIPAL’S NOTES These notes cover a period of just over a term beginning from August. The period from January to July was reviewed by Mr. Bunker in his prize-giving report which appears in this issue. This term saw the American Ceylon Mission and the Jaffna Council of the: South India United Church forming the Jaffna Diocese of the New Church of South India and the consecration of Rev. S. Kulandran as its first Bishop. We are happy this task of directing the work in this Diocese has fallen on such a worthy person as our new Bishop. We have no doubts that his learning, simplicity, humility and spirituality will provide him the necessary sinews for shouldering this big responsi bility. We welcomed Dr. Robert Holmes and his family about the middle of October . Dr. Holmes will be working in the Collegiate Department. We are just beginning to know them and our first impressions have been good. Our Football First Team has had a very successful season. They, played:.five., inter-collegiate matches, drawing one and winning the rest. Owing: to the Senior examination being held earlier than usual we could not extend the season a little longer to enable us to play at least two more matches. Our congratulations and thanks go to the coach Mr. A. R. Abraham for training a team which remained unbeaten this season and to the captain, K. Kumarachandran, for his able leader ship both in and off the field. Our second team composed of youngsters under sixteen played three inter-collegiate matches winning the first, losing the second and drawing the third. We were also favoured by a visit of three American Artistes, Misses Alva Coil, Althya Youngman and Hilda Charlton who are touring the East on a mission of goodwill and friendship inspired by the concept ‘‘One World in Art.” Their per formance at the College Hall was well appreciated and I am sure they carried with them pleasant recollections of their visit to the College. We failed to chronicle in the prize-giving report of this year a new—it has become already a very popular—feature in our College activities this year. I refer to the introduction of Oriental Music (vocal & instrumental) and Dancing in the Upper School under the able and immediate supervision of Mr. B. K. Somasundram, one of our teachers. Mr. Somasundram’s ability, enthusiasm and interest in music are widely known and the popularity of these classes which are conducted after school hours bear testimony to the wise selection and direction of his teachers* The College prospectus of 1948 contains details of this course. MUSIC ACADEMY V I 0 L 1 N C L A S S Vocal Group BROWN HOUSE HASTINGS HOUSE — CHAMPIONS 1947 ABRAHAM HOUSE HITCHCOCK HOUSE STUDENT GROUPS 1947 2 > m H H m psO Library Committee SOME ACTIVITIES At work in the Carpentry Room Seniors on Excursion Tea by the wayside Ramboda Poionnaruwa 6 ; The Seniors are in the midst of their examinations now and many of them will again settle down to class room work soon after their examinations preparing for the London Matriculation in January 1948. We have come to the end of another year in our history. As most of you know this has been a very eventful year with us. It has been eventful not only for the large scale celebrations we had in connec tion with the 125th Anniversary of the foundation of the school, but also for the completion of twenty-five years of service in the school of ten members of our staff. A complimentary dinner is being arranged for these Jubilarians in which the staff, the Alumni and the public will join. It can truly be said of them that, while others made names, careers and fortune, they made men and women. Each one carried a key that opened the door of ignorance and darkness and brought light to several men and women and through them to several homes in Jaffna. Theirs has been a great and noble task. They are men who loved honour and service more than comfort and easy life, for not a few could have been in more remunerative positions. Most of them who while realising that it was not enough to merely teach a subject have done more through their conduct in and out of the class room to enrich the life of the school community. A trainer of a prize fighter was asked “ What is the difference between a good fighter and a great one ? ” He replied, ‘‘When the going gets tough, a great one lasts five minutes longer.” Jaffna College can feel proud that these members of the staff have been great ones and we pray to God that they may continue to be so in the years to!come. To the Jubilarians, Mrs. E. G. David, Messrs. S. S. Sanders, A. C- Sundrampillai, D. S. Sanders, S. T. Jeevaratnam, J. Sinnappah, Lyman Kulathungam, C. O. Elias, K. V. George, T. P. H. Arulam- palam, we offer our congratulations and thankfulness for their service and loyalty to the school. In conclusion I wish to commend this Jubilee Number of our magazine to our readers. In doing so I want to say how sad some of us in Jaffna College feel when we hear of suggestions of an impending war, not to mention the price some of the countries are paying for their newly born freedom. We in Ceylon are facing a new administration, with our men directing the affairs of this country. It is our hope that all the peoples and races in this little island of ours will use their knowledge, reason and passions for the common good. Passions, psychologists say, can at times be savage and primitive- They can also form the bed-rock for deep resolution and driving power. Shall we in Ceylon resolve that our passions shall be directed to make Ceylon a place where peace and good-will will prevail amongst all peoples and where all initiative, interest shall be directed towards the common good? I can assure you that we in Jaffna College shall try our utmost to direct the know ledge, initiative and passions of our boys and girls into channels which will help them to become integrated personalities and we shall walk in the faith that the complete man is a good man. I wish my Christian readers a very happy Christmas and all a bright New Year of peace and goodwill towards men. OLD BOYS’ PAGE We give below only a few of the outstanding achievements of our Old Boys and Old Girls during this period: P o l i t i c s Mr. K. Balasingham— Member, Legislative and Executive Councils. Sir Waitilingam Duraiswamy— Speaker, State Council; Delegate from Ceylon to the Coronation of King George VI. Messrs. K. Kanagaratnam, S. J. V. Chelvanayagam, V. Cumarasamy, and V. Nalliah —Members of Parliament, Ceylon. Mr. T. Rudra— Member, Colombo Municipal Council. Public Service Mr. K. Kanagaratnam— Acting Auditor General. „ W. P. A. Cooke, B Sc.,—Agricultural scholarship to California. Divisional Agricultural Officer. „ S Rajanayagam, B. Sc. Gen., B. Sc., (Engineering First Class), Engineer T elecommunication. „ A. T. Saravanamuttu, B. Sc-, Engineering, Glascow; P. W- D. Engineer. Messrs. A. S. Peraeravar and R. C. S. Cooke—Assistant Registrars, Co-operative Department. Mr. R. A. M. Thuraiappah—Provincial Engineer. Messrs D. W. Chelvaratnam, A. Perumayanar, J. M. Sabaratnam, T. Siva- gnanam, J. Sabapathipillai, K. Ponnampalam—Divsional Revenu Officers. Mr. J. N, Jesudasan -Prime Minister, Loban District, Punjab* „ A. Ponniah—Acting Chief Audit Examiner. „ T. Thillainathan—Assessor, Income Tax Department. „ A. R. Arudpiragasam—Assistant Government Agent, W. P. Messrs. A. A. Chellappah, and R. K. Arulampalam—Office Assistants to the Government Agents. Medical Dr. S. L- Navaratnam—British qualifications; Superintendent De Soysa Lying in Home. Dr. C. S. Ratnam —Provincial Surgeon. Dr. E. V- Ratnam—Member, Medical Council. Dr- A- E. Duraiswamy— Medical Officer, Malayan Medical Service. Dr. W. S. Ratnavale—Medical Superintendent, General Hospital. Dr. Miss Leela Candiah—Medalist, Final Examinations, distinctions and prizes, Final examination. Dr. Mrs. Gunawardena, Dr. Miss Maimoon Lebbe, Dr. P. Brodie. Legal Judges I Messrs. P. Vytilingam, A.R. Subramaniam, G.C. Crossette Thambyah, S. Kanagasabai, A- S. Vannigasooriyar, P. Sri Skanda Rajah, A. W. Nadarajah, A. S. Ponnambalam, W. W* Mutturajah. Mr. S. J. V. Chelvanayagam - K. Q, FROM BENCH & BAR G. C. Thambiah, Retired D. J. A. R. Subramaniam, Retired D, J. T. C. Rajaratnam, Proctor. P. Sri Skanda Rajah, A. W-. Nadarajah, A. S. Ponnambalam, Chief Magistrate, Colombo. A. D. J., Kegalla. Magistrate. K. T. Chittampalam, S. R Parinbanayagam, Pfoctor. Advocate. J. F. Ponnambalam, Proctor, Secy. Bd. of Directors, Jaffna College. EDUCATIONISTS— PAST & PRESENT V. K. NATHAN, B. A., Dip. Ed. ' K. KULARATNAM, M. A., Education Officer, Jaffna. Lecturer, University of CeyJon. C. H. COOKE, J. P. Retired from the Staff of the CoJJege. T„H. CROSSETTE, M.A.J.P., T. BUELL, J. P. Retired Vice-Principal, I. P. THURAIRATNAM, B. Sc., Re:ired Principal, Bombay. St. John’s College, Jaffna. Principal, Union College. DOCTORS SIR W. DURAISWAMY, Speaker, State Council. M. RAMALINGAM, T. RUDRA, Secretary, Colombo O. B. A. Member, Colombo Municipal Council. POLITICS & SCIENCE K. KANAGARATNAM, M P. Retired Acting Auditor Generai. V. CUMARASW AMY, M. P. S. J. V. Chelvanayagam, K. C., M. P. W. P. A. Cooke, M. Sc. K. Kandiah.M. A., (Cantab) Retired Div. Agr. Officer. 6ç Educational Mr. J. K. Chan mug am— Vice-Principal, Central College, Jaffna- ,, T. H. Crossette,—Vice-Principal, St. John’s College, Jaffna- ,, William S. John—Professor of English, Forman Christian College, Lahore. „ H. V. Ponniah, Super Scale, Kula Lumpur. „ T. Buell— Principal, Mission High School, Byculla, Bombay. ,, A. Vaidialingam-Government Scholar to England, B. Sc. Hons., First Class Cambridge Tripos. Mr. S. H. Perinbanayagam—Delegate to World Educational Conference, Tokyo; Member, University Court; Board of Education; Vice-President, A. C. U. T. Messrs. V. K. Nathan and S. P. Satcunam-Divisional Educational Officers. Mr. K. Kularatnam, M. A., F. R. Econ. S. - Lecturer, Geograpahy, Ceylon University. The Rev. Francis Kingsbury—Lecturer Tamil, University College, Colombo. Mr. R. H. Paul— Director, Technical College, Colombo. Mr. K. Kandiah—Government Scholar, England; Mathematics Tripos, Cam bridge, Working now at the Atomic Research Commission, England. Mr. M. M. Kulasegaram—Vice-Principal, Royal College, Colombo. Mr. I. P. Thurairatnam - Principal, Union College, Tellippalai. Mr. C. Subramaniam— Principal, Skanda Varodaya College, Chunnagam. Mr- V. Veerasingham-Principal, Manipay Hindu College. Mr. T- Jayaratnam-Principal, Maha Jana College, Tellippalai. Mr. K. S. Sarawanamuttu - Principal, Drieberg College, Chavakacheri. Mr. J. C. Amarasingham—Principal, United Christian Training College, Nallur. Mr. E. Ariam Williams—Private Secretary to Dr. Rabindranath Tagore, Secretary Wardha Scheme. Honours J. P.—Messrs. C. H. Cooke, T. H. Crosstte, J. V. Chelliah, T. C. Rajaratnam, and A. R. Subramaniam. O. B. E.— Messrs S. Rajanayagam, and T. C. Rajaratnam. Knight— Sir. W. Duraiswamy. Church The Rev S. Somasundram—Canon, Church of Ceylon. The Rev. James S. Mather—Chairman, North Ceylon Methodist Church. The Rev, J. K. Sinnatamby—President & Executive Secretary, J. C., S. I. U. C. Mr. J. V. Chelliah— Moderator, General Assembly, S. I. U. C. The Rev. R. C. P. Welch—President & Executive Officer, J. C- S. I. U. C The Rt. Rev. S- Kulandran—President & Executive Officer, J. C. S. I. U. C. Bishop, Jaffna Diocese, Church of South India. The Rev. G. D. Thomas-Tamil Editor, Morning Star. Mr. Lyman S Kulathungam— Editor, Morning Star. O U R T H A N K S A il r\eLo blocks in this J^a^a^ine xoere macie by the' Process Department of the \>imes of Ceylon. (9ur thanks to them for having completed the toorh at short notice anc) to our entire satis faction. © u r tf\anRs are also ^ue to tf\e t. Joseph’s Catf\olic Press for Kavirvg -Loorked ur\sparir\jly to ^ive us tf\e ma^a^irve ir\ time Respite several dij^piculties. ^ K e quality o f tf\e xoorik com m ents itself. J ^ a n a ^ e r J. C. J^iscellany College Soxjs & ( f i l l s ! T u / i As soon as you get through your S. S. C. go through an intensive course of TWO- -ONE TWO-IN-DNE- r z n and secure remunerative u n i T ~ A employment AT ONCE. i ■ ■ u z i i T W O - IN - O N E will save you from the rising wave of UNEMPLOYMENT. he New TAMIL Shorthand Write to-day for your copy of Two-in-One. f method also adaptable to the English Language. Full explanations given in both English Postage 25 Cts. and Tamil. A revelation in simplicity and * speed. A pupil of the new system writes a From: faultless letter of thanks in TW O-IN- S t . J o s e p h ’s C a t h o lic Pr e s s , ONE Shorthand to the author within eight days of his receiving the text JAFFNA. book. Read what -experts in various systems of (Scoter system surpasses a f f oifxer system s Shorthand think of o f (Sfiorifianct £nown in G ey fon. TWO-IN-DNE S. A. Joseph, Shorthand Typist. Carson & Co. "A very valuable contribution to the Short COLOMBO. hand World. I am training teachers in this system and will soon inaugurate classes in Tamil Shorthand.” (?. SFred [Tiodriyo, Principal, Metropolitan Collège, WELL AW ATTE, The late Hr. E. B. Creasy, used to “ Your TW O-IN -O N E is the ideal tell Ike Rector of St Petpici? s: Instead text for students aspiring to be Steno of youp Matriculates en J C a (abridge graphers. You have made a record in Seniors, send me boys who can lake a introducing this legible, simple, rapid, Shorthand Course. letter in shorthand Prom dictation and E. J. R. Fernando, type it without a fault and I shall start Principal. School of Commerce, them with 1 5 0 Rs. a month JAELA.