Fond memories of Kandy’s Shakespeare

September 26 marked the

100th birth anniversary of the great personality of Kandy, P. Subramaniam,who was also known as the local Shakespeare.

He was an inspiring teacher to hundreds of students who had the privilege of being taught by this brilliant English master. P. Subramaniam was born in Hatton, in 1920.

He received his education at St. Anthony’s College Kandy. After his Bachelor’s degree and Diploma in Education he started his career as a teacher at the Teachers Training College, Peredeniya. Later he joined Trinity College, Kandy where he taught until his retirement.

He also ran his own Shakespeare Institute, along Trincomalee Street, Kandy, where he imparted his knowledge to students who were reading for their English degree. His dedication to teaching was incomparable.

One of his students then and now the Principal of Kandy International school, Mrs Hazeera Zawahir recalling memories said: “A man of letters popularly known as Shakespeare locally and internationally. He deserves this title - he knew the lines of many of the Bard’s dramas and sonnets thoroughly. We would listen to him with awe and bewilderment as the words spilled out like drops of tinkling water. With many accolades he was so humble and won the hearts of many. We pray that teachers of this calibre should tread this earth to illuminate the lives of many.”

He passed away in 2001. But he will live in the hearts of English literature lovers forever.

Past students