“The Moving Finger writes; and having writ, moves on; nor all your Piety nor Wit shall lure it back to cancel half a line, nor all your tears wash out a word of it.”
- Omar Khayyam
Mrs. Sathiavathy Anandanayagam was the epitome of all that one could wish for in a leader, an adviser and a friend. She was charismatic, lovable and patient.
I first came to know her when she became my English literature teacher at Vembadi Girls’ High School, Jaffna. She was mesmerising in the way she presented drama and verse. Even today, “they flash upon my inward eye”, although age has taken its toll on me.
While at Vembadi, Mrs. Anandanayagam organised general knowledge competitions for Grades 8, 9 and 10. This exercise made us alive to the world around us. She made us read the newspaper from cover to cover so as to gain an awareness of current events, and social, political and economic trends. This training enabled me to beat the seniors in the Senior General Knowledge competition, even though I was in Grade 8.
Not only was she an excellent teacher, she was also interested in games. She made us participate in the inter-house sports and games competitions. She wanted us to be active members of society, not passive onlookers.
As adviser to the Colombo branch of the Vembadi Past Pupils' Association (PPA), I had the opportunity to interact with her closely. She would attend every meeting, leading us in prayer and supporting us in all our activities, whether it be lunch, cookery demonstrations, or “talks” by distinguished speakers.
She gave me untiring and spontaneous support when I was president of the Colombo PPA. She would come to meetings dressed immaculately in colourful Indian sarees, majestic and smiling. She helped us grow in confidence and develop a community spirit. Thanks to her leadership, members such as Mangales, Sakuntala, Ranjini, Sathiabama, Amsa, Gunam, Jayanthi, Selvi, Premini, and Shanthi and many others became pillars of our association.
The “high tea” Mrs. Anandanayagam gave the PPA committee members at her home in Ratnakara Place, Dehiwala, just before she left for the UK for good, was a memorable event, an affirmation that all past pupils of Vembadi belonged to one family.
Mrs. Anandanayagam made our Colombo PPA a lively, friendly and dynamic organisation. She brought members of all ages together to work for a common cause, to help and support all members, and to keep our flag flying high.
Our association has lost a true friend and a wise adviser.
Mrs. Anandanayagam, let memories of you, your talk, your intellect and your smile, inspire us to reach even greater heights.
May your soul rest in peace.
Mrs. Kamala Rex Thambyah (nee Amirthalingam),
Past pupil and teacher, Vembadi Girls’ High School, Jaffna (1937-1959) |
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