Yoga, a nonpareil for all seasons

Appreciation

(6.11.1940 – 1.9.2018)

Shivapathasunderam Yogendranathan or Yoga, as he was known to all his friends, hailed from a distinguished family in Udupiddy, Vadamardchy, revered for its hallowed customs and traditions of faith and loyalty: faith unshakeable of his religious beliefs and fierce loyalty towards his family and friends. His loyalty to his kinsfolk was beyond reproach, but his loyalty to his friends was self-effacing and faultless. His friends, from his schooldays and later on at his work place, would vouch for his unstinted support of the various ventures that they undertook. In times of difficulty, he was a staunch stalwart and his friends would depend on his total support. He was a caring ally, sharing in the joys and sorrows of his intimate associates.

Yoga started his professional career at the Bank of Ceylon, as an accounting clerk, and moved swiftly up to be branch manager. After he left the BOC, he worked at a refrigeration company, as the GM, until he decided to slow down his life and devote himself to be of service to his fellow human beings.

Yoga was a pillar of the Past Pupils Association of Hartley College, Point Pedro, his beloved alma mater. He was the President of the Association for several years. He had been a versatile tennis player at Hartley and later went on to become the Head Prefect of the school. Together with another old boy of Hartley, who had been a Cabinet Minister in one of the state governments of Germany, he initiated a new hostel project for Hartley College as the old hostel had been damaged during the war. At the opening of the new hostel complex, Yoga was a valued guest of honour while the Prime Minister was the chief guest. Up to the time of his passing away, Yoga used to call the hostel warden and other well-wishers of the school concerning the maintenance of the hostel that today stands proud and tall overlooking the school grounds. The hostel complex is a testament to Yoga and the Colombo PPA, which, under his stewardship, channelled additional funds for the school’s extra mural activities, as well as financial support for the particular academic needs of the students of his alma mater.

In Colombo, Yoga was the Charter Secretary of the Colombo South Rotary club and later its President and, subsequently, the District Secretary of Rotary International. He was a kind man and loved children and therefore was an active treasurer and President of the Crippled Childrens Aid Association for many years. He also served as the President of the Royal Commonwealth Society. He represented Sri Lanka at many RCS conferences in the UK and was honoured to be invited to meet and receive a letter of commendation for his service from Her Royal Majesty, the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, at Buckingham Palace.

Yoga was married to Ms. Margaret Perera – Margie as she is affectionately called – a lady of great charm and candour, an admirable complement to the affable Yoga. They were married for 51 years at his passing. His beloved daughter, Radhieka, and beloved son, Prashan, are well settled in life and his four grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, are eruditely pursuing their higher education, overseas, and have made their grandfather proud.

Yoga’s friends were from all walks of life. He moved with the elite as well as with the humble on equal terms . He was loved and revered even by those who had been familiar with him. To quote Rudyard Kipling’s words, Yoga was a man who would “walk with Kings – nor lose the common touch.” We miss you dearly Yoga!

Nathan Shivagurunathan.