GLOWING tributes were paid to the senior lecturer and the two students of Spartan University School of Medicine during a memorial service held for them at the school last week.
The tribute came from students and professors of the school during their eulogy in which they described the deceased as loving, caring and helpful.
Dr. Boopathi Subramaniam (lecturer), Indumathi Raman Kumar and Buvana G. Genatharan met their demise at Canelles beach when they were swept off their feet by a rogue wave on March 31, while exploring the island.
The service was attended by a number of distinguished personalities in the community, including the parliamentary representative of Vieux-Fort South, Dr. Kenny Anthony and spiritual leaders of several denominations.
“Dr. Boopathi was always willing to help us whenever we approached him. He will be greatly missed by the entire school,” Ravindrasingh Rajput, a professor of the school said in his eulogy.
Students of the school also spoke about Dr. Boopathi in glowing terms, describing him as a special person who they will never forget.
They described the students who perished as persons who made them happy and was a joy to be around.
One of the students took the opportunity to call on the government to erect signs at various parts of the beach to alert the general public of the dangers of bathing in certain areas, adding that if there were signs in the area, maybe their colleagues would have been alive today.
In his remarks, administrator of the school, Percival Mc. Donald said: “Our prayers and heartfelt support goes out to their entire family. We, the Spartan family by this memorial service, come together in unity to celebrate the lives of three of our colleagues.”
He said there is grief as they recall their lives, but hope as they navigate the mysteries of life.
According to him, lifetime is like a flash of lightening in the sky and moments like this emphasizes the need for us to care and love each other at every opportunity.
MC. Donald said love is the greatest gift or virtue that one can express towards his or her fellowman, adding that while life is precious and secret, giving one’s life for others indeed expresses great love and sacrifice.
“Dr. Boopathi did just that… He cared for his students both in and outside the classroom, and demonstrated that care with selfless love, whether consciously or not, at the moment in time by giving up his own life to save his students on that particular day.
He added: “I am certain that our fond memories of him and that of our two students will forever remain entrenched in our minds and hearts as we look towards the future with hope and love and confidence.”
President of the school, Dr. Williams Ayers, in his remarks asked the questions: “Why do bad things happen to good people? “ Why such talent wasted? and “Why them and not us.”
Dr. Ayers, who said he visited the scene of the incident advised the students and faculty staff of the school to be extremely careful when venturing in certain parts of the community.
“It is my duty to admonish you as president of the school….Please do not go on the rocks. Please do not go on the edge of the cliff, “he warned the students.
Dr. Anthony in his remarks said: “We grieve with you as a family would grieve for its son, nephew…” adding that the community sees itself as part of the Spartan’s family.
He said he hopes that somehow there will be important lessons to learn from the incident.
Dr. Anthony told the students that they should not allow the incident to cause them to imprison themselves, adding that there is a lot to be explored in the community.