The 150th birth anniversary of Nallur Swami Gnanaprakasar was celebrated on 26 October in Jaffna with events highlighting his life and legacy.
The celebration was jointly organized by the Jaffna Tamil Sangam, the Diocese of Jaffna, and the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) Congregation. A research symposium was held at the University of Jaffna’s Kailasapathy Auditorium in the morning, followed by a cultural program in the evening at the Thirumarai KalaManram’s Kalaiththoothu Auditorium.
Presided over by Professor T. Velnambi, President of the Jaffna Tamil Sangam, the symposium featured thirteen research papers and the release of a commemorative volume, unveiled by Professor Subathini Ramesh, retired Professor of Linguistics.
Guests included Mr. Chandra Mouleesan Laleesan, Principal of the Teacher Training College Rev. Fr. Josephdas Jebaratnam and Rev. Fr. Tamilnesan, Vicars General of the Jaffna and Mannar Dioceses; and Rev. Fr. Paul Jeyanthan Pachek, OMI Provincial Superior, along with clergy, religious, and students.
The evening programme, coordinated by Rev. Fr. M.Jero Selvanayagam, featured cultural performances of dance, music, and orations. Awards were presented to the winners of student competitions held across the Northern Province.
A highlight was the dance-drama Tamil Maraitthoodhan, performed by artists from the Jaffna Thirumarai Kala Manram, depicting Swami Gnana Prakasar’s life and contributions. The Bishop of Jaffna, Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin Gnanapragasam attended the event with clergy, religious, students, and members of the public.
