Prof. HARRIS, AN ILLUSTRIOUS SON OF THE COLLEGE

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Prof. HARRIS, H.O.D. of Physics Dept. has passed away at the age 80 at his birth place, Marthandam.


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Contributors: Dr. Anbudurai, Dr. R.P. Riez; Prof. V.Srinivasan; Prof. D.Samuel Lawrence



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CONDOLENCE MEETING ...

A meeting to condole the passing away of Prof.Arthur. J.Harris was held on Thursday, 19th, 2012 at 11.30.a.m. in the quadrangle in front of the Flint House, housing the U.G. English Department. (Incidentally, this is the place where meetings are usually held by those who are determined to carry on the struggle to save the College from the clutches of the Bishop,come what may).The meeting began with a prayer by Dr. Barnabas, Chaplain of the College. Then, Dr. Anbudurai, Principal-in- Charge, who presided over the meeting, broke the sad news  of his demise, the previous day, Wednesday, 18-01-2012, in Marthandam, his native place.   Calling Prof.Harris an 'illustrious son of The American College', he fondly recalled the days when he had opportunities  to interact with him and to see for himself how he was a man of integrity, always ready to stand for principles of truth and justice. He was a dynamic Head of the Physics Dept., easily accessible to both  fellow-teachers and students. Along with his close friends, Prof. Dr.J.C.B.Abraham, Prof.B.Gunaraj and Dr.A.R.Venkitaraman, he contributed a great deal to the growth and development of the institution. He was also one of the architects of autonomy, which enabled The American College to become one of the first few colleges in India to become autonomous. He was a friendly person but a stickler for rules and regulations and he always kept the interests of the College uppermost in his mind. 

Then, he read out a message sent by Dr. Richard. P.Riesz, the then HOD of the P.G.Department of Physics.

Then, Prof.V.Srinivasan, who succeeded Prof. Harris as the HOD of the Physics Dept recollected his close and fruitful association with him and the positive influence he had on him.He also highlighted the preeminent position that he enjoyed among the faculty through his hard work, courage of conviction to say and do what he felt to be just and true. No wonder  he was called 'annachi', (big brother) and he lived upto the expectations of the senior and junior faculty and he guided them through his wise counselling and practical wisdom. The administration also valued his suggestions and held him in high esteem.

Prof. V.Srinivasan also pointed out that Prof. Harris  was a student of this college. Later on, he became a Lecturer in the Physics Dept. and then its Head and steered it in the right direction. He was much loved and respected by  the faculty and students. Even after becoming the Principal of Nesamoni Christian College, Marthandam- his home town- he continued to evince great interest in the growth and develpment of this College. And, as a member of the Governing Council of the American College for several years,  he played an active and positive role, in formulating policies and in taking proper decisions, objectively and courageously. Above all, he remained a steadfast friend of the College till the end.

After Prof. V.Srinivasan's speech, a condolence resolution was read out and passed.  A minute of silence was observed as a mark of respect to the departed soul and then the meeting came to an end.

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MESSAGE FROM Dr. R.P.RIESZ

Dear Dr.Anbudurai,

I have been advised by an old boy of the death of Prof.Arthur J.Harris, former HOD of the UG Physics Department, and that a meeting will be held in the College on Thursday,January, 19th.

Please try to read the following from me:

'Prof.Arthur Harris was my dear colleague in the Physics Departments for a number of years. He was such a good friend and encourager. We had very many collaborations in the development of the PG Physics Department, and his generosity of time and space was appreciated by me, a new resident of India.

Harris was always a help when we tried to do something new in Physics in Madurai. He steered me very carefully through the College faculty and was always ready to help with student situations which were often difficult for me to understand.

I visited Harris in Marthandam a few years ago, and found him eagerly investing his time and efforts in social enterprises. His keen mind and eager soul are ever an inspiration to me, and I and my wife will miss him terribly. May his soul rest in well-deserved peace.

Prof.R.P. Riesz'

Thank you

Cordially 

Dick Riesz

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MESSAGE FROM Prof.D. SAMUEL LAWRENCE

WHAT I LEARNT FROM HIM

It was the year 1965 when I joined the American College as a faculty member and I was also asked to be a Superintendent in the famous Washburn Hall, primarily meant for senior students, both U.G and P.G. Prof. Harris was the warden then. I was new to the College but, my fear and anxiety about what was in store for me in the Hall among the veteran students vanished into thin air soon. The  friendly way Prof. Harris moved with the students, the deep interest he showed in their problems and the firm commitment he displayed in the democratic traditions of the College impressed me very much. He was friendly but, at the same time, he was very strict with regard to discipline.

 The periodical Hall Cabinet meetings, held in his quarters over a cup of tea,  in which every one  was encouraged to come out with their ideas and suggestions and the way decisions were taken gave me a taste of what democracy is all about. And,decisions,once taken, were enforced without fear or favour.

He was also strongly in favour of freedom of expresssion and he was prepared to go to any length to defend it.  I clearly remember one incident that happened in my first year of stay as Superintendent in the Hall. The previous year, the Anti-Hindi Agitation had swept across the State and in the violence associated with that, several students died due to police firing. Students were making preparations to commemorate it on a day as Martyrs Day. There was excitement in the air. On the eve of the proposed Day, there was some commotion in the Hall, as a handful of inmates were not in favour of that idea. There was every posssibility of this small group becoming a victim of violence of the majority. As soon as this information reached the Warden, Prof.Harris was on the scene, inside the Hall and in a hurriedly convened meeting of the residents, he told them without mincing words, that nobody had the right to impose his views on others and  He made it abundantly clear that such suppression  of individual freedom would not be tolerated at any cost. He was able to bring the situation under control.

I am happy that I was able to see him last September in his house in Marthandam. He is no more with us. But, the legacy of his good work, deep attachment to the American College  and  commitment to truth and justice (values very rarely seen and practiced nowadays) will continue to guide and strengthen us now and forever.

D.Samuel Lawrence

Photo from Prof. V. SRINIVASAN 

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