A tribute to a man with a living legacy

Vinodh Senadeera ( June 11, 1973 –January 16, 2019)

They say, “A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others”. While this saying is perhaps overused and has become a cliché of sorts, it was but very true of our dearest teacher, Mr. Vinodh Senadeera. His commitment, passion and love for his work and students certainly consumed him, little by little, and as it consumed him, we grew. We grew to be punctual, committed, professional and passionate, and one can only hope that we are even one tenth as good as he was in every aspect.

I first met Vinodh Sir as a participant in his Thomian production, Christmas Perpetua at the age of eight. I still clearly remember his professional demeanor and commitment to the production. I remember how he lost his cool with the lighting suppliers and replaced the supplier a couple of days before the show. I also remember the beautiful carols we learnt such as Sweet Bells of Bethlehem and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. I still remember the portrayal of the Christmas story in that production which began with the fall of Satan among flashing lights and beautifully and artistically clad angels. This is just one testimony to many memories he has given us over the years, and to me, the first of many that followed. Sir was my guru – my theatre director, my choirmaster, my teacher and my mentor.

As a choirmaster, Sir taught us not just to sing, but to sing with meaning and reverence. For him, every word was important, every comma was meaningful. In addition to the traditional practice hours of Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Sir included practices on Sundays at 6.30a.m. before the Eucharist. He ensured that the choir could sing for the entire carol service without a single sheet of paper, including the choir leader. Such was the dedication he expected from his students and no one dared to fuss, no parent dared to complain. His choristers would recall how when the practice did not go as planned, he thumped the keys on the piano or organ and his yells echoed throughout the Chapel. Nevertheless, we all admired him greatly; we appreciated his commitment and professionalism.

Vinodh Sir was a splendid teacher. He was both dreaded and admired. Not many teachers can have the same juxtaposed effect. Many students would recall his colourful shirts with unique patterns, which mirrored his unique personality. When he taught Jane Eyre for O’ Levels and we read about Miss Temple, I realised the subtle importance of a teacher’s appearance which Sir took seriously. He had his own set of phrases and vocabulary, as often told by many in the last few days, utterly unorthodox and politically incorrect. Yet, no one can escape them quite like he did; no one took offence in what he said. His lessons were soulful; they often left us thi thing he said or the w text. He always had a lesson memorable

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