"Sahithya Ratna" award for Prof. Saba Jeyarajah

Chelvatamby Maniccavasagar

Professor Saba Jeyarajah was felicitated by the Ministry of Art and Culture at the National Literary Vizha held at Mahava Vijeyaba Central College on October 28. He was honoured with the prestigious "Shaithya Ratna" Award for the tremendous service he has rendered in the spheres of literature, music, dance and culture for more than four decades.

Professor Saba Jeyarajah who is one of the greatest intellectual figures Jaffna has produced, was born on February 27, 1940 in Inuvil to a family which was very much involved in religion, education, art and culture.

He received his primary education at Inuvil Central College and secondary education at Kokkuvil Hindu College and Jaffna Central College. Thereafter he entered the University of Peradeniya and obtained his Bachelor Degree in Education (B.E.), his Master Degree in Arts from the University of Colombo and Doctorate from the University of Jaffna.

On completion of his university career he was appointed as a teacher, lecturer, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Acting Dean of the Faculty Graduate Studies and was a visiting lecturer of the "Eastern University," at the "Open University" and professor at the University of Jaffna.

In appreciation and recognition of his vast knowledge in music and dance he was appointed as the head of the Faculty of Aesthetic Studies at the Ramanathan College of Fine Arts. He was the Editor of the "Educational Research" (quarterly) Magazine and Editor of the "Council for Educational Journal".

Professor Saba Jeyarajah has written several research articles pertaining to education, music and dance which were highly commended by eminent educationists and professors of international reputation. His research articles were published in "New Frontiers in Education" magazine and Mythical Journal and several international Tamil and English Newspapers and Journals.

He was presented with several awards and titles for his tremendous contributions in the spheres of education, art and culture. The Internationally reputed "American Books" organization presented with "Man of the Year" award in 2004, the "Colombo Tamil Sangam" with "Sangach Sanror" award and Jaffna National Institute of Education with "Kalvippulari" award.

Professor Saba Jeyarajah's life reminds us of philosopher Plato's embodiment of complete man.