Dr. P.C. Sebastian – served SH College from
1992-2015 in the department of Zoology.
Dr PC Sebastian – Padinjareyil, left us and this
world at the young age of 60.
To my mind Dr PC was a combination of
polarities.
On the one hand, he was the embodiment of what
Tennyson has written:
To follow knowledge like a sinking star
Beyond the utmost bound of human thought
He stepped out of his rural boundaries as a young
man, sought knowledge beyond the narrow boundaries of Keralam, attained a Ph.
D, got passionate about research, enthusiastic about bio-technology, went for a
post-doc.
With great enthusiasm, he joined SH in 1992.
With his exposure, he stood out among his
colleagues - in his appearance - slim, trim and dapper, in his thinking, in his
outlook.
Even after his retirement, and in spite of his
persisting ailments, his quest for knowledge led him to go beyond the national
boundaries and reach US to pursue knowledge. It was there that he was
found in an acute stage of illness. He had to rush back without accomplishing
his dream project.
When his dreams of further research or initiating
new programmes in Bio-technology did not materialise, he felt
disappointed.
However, he always nurtured and inspired students
to take up research. And indeed there are a few scholars around the globe,
who owe it to him to have been inspired to take up research seriously, and
perhaps, make a career out of it.
He also had a genuine concern for his students, for
their progress and overall development. It was perhaps, such a concern
that led to him to be entangled in a world altogether alien to academics, and
landed him and many who trusted him in trouble.
On the other hand, perhaps, not getting his dreams
realised, his energies got diverted and dissipated, and he landed in dire
trouble, for which he and many others had to endure a lot of agony.
He was very self-conscious and careful about his
appearance. Last time I had called him was about 6 months ago - he
responded saying that he wanted to come, see all of us and settle all his
issues, which he would certainly do. However, he could not come then, as
he was having a protruded belly, with which he didn't want to appear in the
College.
He struggled for almost a month before he was
released from the limitations of this world!
Generally, I found him to be an able teacher,
enthusiastic about research, friendly to the student, unassuming, free from the
typical cliques, in spite of being a teacher a man of few words, hardly ever
heard speaking ill of others, careful not to step over anyone's toes. In
the words of Prof. Jose Abraham, he was a robust optimist.
It was thanks to him that I heard about STAR
college, and he inspired me to have that status added to the accomplishments of
the college.
He also cared for his family members - especially,
those who pursued knowledge. They were his pride and concern.
When I reflect on the passing away of PC, I too
share the sentiments Dr. Samson expressed: presences pass by – pass away. As the poem by Chullikkad goes: Where is
John? Am I his kaavalaal? We miss
them and when we decide to be of good to them, they have already gone. This should not happen. Every moment to be ready to be a kaavalal is a tremendous call. When I
heard the news of PC being in Lakeshore, I did contemplate a visit, but it was
not a priority. Zoology team, planned to
visit him at his home, and had reserved flight tickets to Kannur. But just 2 days before that, he departed, and
we had to be satisfied with a Eulogy at his bier!
Let us commit Dr. PC Sebastian to the realm of
peace and ultimate knowledge, where he will rest forever. Eternal rest
grant to him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine on him!
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