Veteran Tamil scholar dies

[TamilNet, Friday, 05 November 2004, 11:19 GMT]
Mr.R.Vadivelu, a veteran Tamil and Hindu scholar in Trincomalee passed away at the age of 85 Friday afternoon around 1 p.m. at his residence located in Vidiyalayam Lane in the heart of east port town. Cremation is to take place in Trincomalee Hindu Cemetery Saturday evening, family sources said.

Mr.Vadivelu who was born in Batticaloa on 9th December 1919 permanently shifted his residence to Trincomalee in 1946. He began his teaching career in Batticaloa and served in Trincomalee for about 35 years. He served as Principal of Trincomalee Koneswara School for about 25 years. Though he retired from teaching career in 1972 he continued his writing, religious and social activities till he fell sick few weeks ago, family sources said

Late Mr.Vadivelu is the author of several literary and research works on the history of Tamils of Trincomalee. The masterpiece of his research works is "Thirukonamalai Mavatta Thiruthalangal" (Trincomalee District Holy Places). He wrote this book on the assignment by then Hindu Cultural Ministry in 1980s. Mr.Vadivelu visited every Hindu temple in each village in the district by foot from the down south Verugal to Thennamaravady in the north of the Trincomalee district and collected materials from manuscripts and stone scriptures found in temples and then wrote.

"Thiukonamalai Mavatta Thiruthalangal" (Trincomalee District Holy Places) is considered by eminent educationists as a reference for research on Trincomalee history, sources said

His other research works included " Thirukonesar Stone Scriptures," and "Thirukonamalai Anthathy"

The Government of Sri Lanka and leading Saiva Institutions in Tamilnadu in India and had conferred on him with several honorary titles including Vidwasironmani, Thirumuraichelvar and Kalabooshanam.

He held the posts of the Secretary of Trincomalee Koneswaram Temple Society, Trincomalee Sivajoga Samajam and Trincomalee District Young Men Hindu Association.

He was bachelor till his death.