On the 17^th of May, 2023, we received the sad news of the death of Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Swaminathan SDB at the age of 72. He had to undergo a heart surgery due to multiple blocks but never recuperated after the surgery.

            Fr. Stanislaus Swaminathan SDB or Fr. Stan as he was fondly called was a stalwart of knowledge and intellectual acumen. He was an educator par excellence who toiled hard to instil the value of good education in the hearts of the young. He has a soft corner especially for the poor youngsters and did his best in contributing to their upliftment through quality education. All through his life, he was known to be a strict disciplinarian who would never compromise on quality for anything under the sun. He was a widely consulted and sought after educationist who was skilled in identifying talent and giving career guidance.

            Fr Stany, as some would call him, was a highly intelligent person and was specialized in Social Work in which he obtained a doctorate from USA. He was closely associated with Sacred Heart College where he spent almost 19 years of his Salesian life. He served in various capacities like Assistant Professor, Counsellor, Vice-Principal, Head of the Department of Social Work and as the Principal from 2000 to 2003. All through these years, he worked through thick and thin to develop the college and help it achieve great standards. In view of his long-standing association with the college, it was befitting that his funeral ceremony was hosted in the college campus on 18^th May, 2023.

            The funeral was held in the evening at 4 p.m. in Kamarajar Arangam in the presence of family, friends, Salesians, well-wishers and the Staff and Students of Sacred Heart College. The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Rev. Fr. Don Bosco, the Provincial of the Salesian Province of Chennai, along with many other eminent personalities who had come over to pay their last respects and homage to this champion of education. During the funeral oration, people reiterated Fr Stan’s love for discipline, innovation and his concern for the poor and the young. The mortal remains of Fr Stan were laid to rest in the Salesian Cemetery at Don Bosco, Tirupattur.

            Sacred Heart College deems it a privilege to have been led by such a great Salesian and though it is painful to bid farewell, we take consolation in the fact that Fr Stan lives on through the lives he has touched and transformed through his education ministry. Adieu dear Fr Stan. May your inspiring life push us to achieve greater heights and shine evermore brightly as beacons of hope for poor youngsters.