Anew chapter of the book “History of Mathematics” opened, after that great mind, heart and soul left us for ever recently. That colossus of a person was Savarimuthu Maniam, popular as Prof. Muthu or Sir Muthu. To Muthu, his Mathematics and all his endeared students were always the elixir of his life.
Muthu migrated to Goa, from Tamil Nadu, some 43 years back, for a Lecturer’s post in St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, who was appointed without a formal interview because of his high academic credentials. As years rolled by Muthu loved Goa, Goans, and Goan food. Lucrative opportunities abroad were rejected by him. Destiny wanted Muthu and his family to be settled at Mapusa.
Prof. Muthu’s life, however, has been a saga of sacrifices of different types; of twists and turns; of joys, satisfactions, and also sorrow; and finally the last phase of his life has been like a live, vivid picture of a “candle in the wind”, where the wind played villain and took away the candle’s light in the family - and from amongst his dear ones.
From now on, for us, Muthu, will continue to be only great memories…For sure, they are good, nostalgic and poignant memories… Memories that he was scholarly, the University Ranker for M.Sc. Mathematics, of Nagpur University; and that he was a regular badminton player, which was quite inspiring to his students. He will be remembered for his Perseverance, Determination and Dedication.
I remember touchingly, Muthu used to say, and sometimes aloud, to his slow–learner students and also to some others, who often reacted saying “Oh Lord/God !” to difficult Maths problems, and even to other earthly problems, these unforgettable words: “Don’t tell the Lord how big the problem is, tell the problem how great the Lord is”…
Now, on his actual meeting with the Lord, we hope Muthu will implore Lord’s help and blessings, in solving the earthly problems.
