It was with real shock and great sorrow that I received the news of the passing away of Sri John Philip.It was Prof.Sunny Mathews who informed me from the US about the demise of John Philip. He was our classmate in MA class at S.B.college. For the two years of our course , he was a constant companion.Everyday before the beginning of the class , he would come to my room and we would walk together to the class room. We discussed all the topics and shared them with our friends. He was very respectful and caring. He had a positive attitude and was always cheerful.Even though after we left the college, we have not met each other but knew in my mind and heart that he was doing well and was successful as a teacher at Bishop More college.We had a chance to meet at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the PG Department. We had a picture taken after the meeting . I was very happy to see him at the meeting. He looked the same with no changes. He briefed me about the developments in his life. I never got a chance to visit him at his house nor to see his family. His face and smile are before me and I wish him eternal rest with the Lord. I am sure he is resting peacefully with the Lord. he was a good Christian with great moral principles. May the Lord protect and bless him in the eternal abode where there is no weeping or sorrow. What Tennyson said in In Memoriam about his friend, Hallam, is very appropriate here: "It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry; (Elizabeth Frye)
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