Ponnadurai Gnanasekeram: Icon of a gentleman

The news of my dear friend Ponnadurai Gnanasekeram’s demise on March 15, did not come as a shock. At age 98, those of us who knew this icon of a gentleman, took comfort that it was  God ‘s release from a truly full and productive life .

The family respected his wishes in concluding the rites privately and swiftly and although all of us who had the privilege of knowing him regretted the opportunity missed to pay our final respects. The circumstances were fully understood.

A man of impeccable integrity who displayed the highest levels of professionalism as a Banker, “Gnanam ” as we fondly referred to him, pioneered Hatton National Bank ‘ s  Hatton office in the mid seventies.It was a tenure in which he endeared himself to the planters and business communities in that area as he strove to put HNB squarely on the map as a Bank with much potential.

His achievements led to his elevation and transfer to the Darley Road Head Office where he continued to play a responsible role in the Bank ‘s exponential growth, both in value and in reputation.

When the first ever Test match was staged at the P.Sara Stadium, in February of 1982, Gnanam as the Official representative of the Principal Sponsor , Hatton National Bank, meticulously coordinated the arrangements with the Tamil Union officials led by Chandra Schaffter . Needless to say it all went to perfection.

His personal life was no different and as President of the Tamil Union in the years 1988 and 89, he steered the club through some very challenging times. His love for Cricket never diminished and in 1986, he managed the club team on a tour to Singapore and Malaysia ( Sabah )for a tournament conducted by the Sabah Cricket Association.

When we annexed the trophy at the final, he showed his appreciation by producing a case of beer cans purchased from his own funds to enhance our celebrations on the ground. A heavy downpour immediately after the match ended saw members of my team do full justice to his gift consuming  it all in the pouring rain.

He leaves his devoted wife Sumithra , daughter Vilo (Joseph Louis Gallery) son Lakshman,( Vodafone Australia )  and a legacy for integrity and professionalism, that we pray we will see return someday soon to our beautiful Country.

May He Rest in Peace 
S.Skandakumar