45th death anniversary - May 31:

Al Haj Dr. T. B. Jayah - he enriched Lankan history

WE are placed at a vantage point of time where we could gauge the contributions that past leaders have made and assess for ourselves the merits that have been recorded in the archives of history.

One such leader was Dr. T. B. Jayah - a colossus who strode the Lankan landscape and made a name for himself that not only current politicians but also history itself has to take note of. No ordinary politician he, but a statesman par excellence that aspiring leaders would do well to emulate.

Dr. T. B. Jayah's purpose in education was clearly defined. He took into account the existing social conditions of his time and used this to enrich the minds of his pupils and to liberate them from any preconceived notions, thus stimulating in them a mental activity that enabled them to think freely.

But free thought would amount to nothing if one was not permitted to express them and T. B. Jayah made certain that the powers did not prevent his proteges from performing this exercise.

Thus it could be said that the supreme irony was when he had to say something to respond to arguments raised by his 'socialist' minded students.

The paradox was that in later life this great teacher and his students found themselves diametrically opposed to each other in the political arena but the admiration for each other never waned, but grew with each passing day - they were indeed thick pals in Parliament, which should serve as a model for modern Parliamentarians on both sides of the divide.

But his purpose was not to see that his students conformed to his way of thinking as is clearly seen in the political lives of his students. To him education was not just cramming for and passing exams. Why it was not just learning either. To him education was the means for the flowering of the intellect and the mind.

This concept was central to T. B. Jayah's values and principles of education and this is borne out in his convocation address to the University of Punjab in 1951 when he said:

"Essentially it is not the mere acquisition of knowledge that is the distinguishing feature of a University but the development of man's personality.

"The will to live together, to enjoy triumphs and share defeats in community, to work together to avail oneself of the triumphs of mind no matter from what part of the world they hail, to contribute to the richness of living and to pursue knowledge in the spirit of free inquiry all these grow from school days and find fullest maturity in the University."

T. B. Jayah was aware of the tragedy of the Muslims, even though they were flourishing in trade and had a good share of wealth. He therefore began a campaign for a greater role for Muslims in public life. At this point of time T. B. Jayah was in a dilemma. He wanted to serve the Muslim community in public life but he knew that would be a hindrance to his duties at Zahira.

Would he be able to serve both? He was a man, a genuine one at that torn between two loves and loyalties. The Muslim community as a whole held in high esteem for his speeches on public platforms strongly championing Muslim unity and brotherhood had inspired the community.

But he was hampered in another way. This one was a bit embarrassing too. N. H. M. Abdul Cader was contesting a seat. Few men in Mr. Cader's position would have given permission for T. B. Jayah to contest when he as manager could have refused.

But unlike now, the community was blessed with leaders of exceptional quality. Mr. Cader gallantly not only gave way for Jayah to make his entry in politics but also avoided any issue that would embarrass T. B. Jayah's election campaign.

I was indeed very fortunate, and I should say blessed, to have come under the influence of such a great man as Dr. T. B. Jayah. I recall my first experience in political activity was when the great man took me by the hand and said a few things.

Very soon I was helping around the political stage interpreting his inspiring speeches into Tamil, travelling around the country - even visiting Jaffna peninsula in support of the candidature of the versatile Tamil leader G. G. Ponnambalam.

If I may be allowed a faint stir of memory. I remember one occasion when he beckoned me to get into the front seat of the car, after he addressed a massive pro-Palestine meeting at the Zahira College grounds, for a student just out of school this was a pleasant surprise entirely unexpected.

Imagine me in the company of Dr. Jayah, such a colourful figure. I don't know what he saw in a youth who came from a poor background and all I can do is to put it down to divine providence and destiny. With Dr. Jayah was another great leader - Dr. Kaleel, himself ensconced comfortably in the back seat.

We drove from Colombo to all the way to the far flung Pottuvil in the Eastern Province since Dr. Jayah and Dr. Kaleel wanted to inaugurate the first stage of the reconstruction of the Jumma Mosque which was severely damaged due to a cyclone and the heavy floods at that time.

The All Ceylon Muslim League had undertaken to repair the Mosque and the two great leaders wanted to make sure the job was done fast and neat by being present at the site themselves.

I remember M. M. Mustapha greeted us at Pottuvil. He was the Finance Minister in Dr. Dahanayake's caretaker Cabinet.

The next day we travelled to Ampara to lay the foundation stone for the present Jumma Mosque which is one of the many monuments that continues to pay tribute to these great leaders.

It was on this occasion I was fortunate to meet Engineer M. M. Ismail of Gal Oya Development fame, who was respected for his engineering feat by the Father of the Nation, D. S. Senanayake.

For all the meritorial services that Al Haj. Dr. Tuan Burhanudeen Jayah had done in his mundane life, he was superbly rewarded by Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala by providing him a permanent abode in Jennathual Baqi, next to the tomb of the Holy Prophet Muhammed in the city of Madinah, returning to his creator "pleasing and well pleased!"

A. H. M. Azwer,
Former Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.