Prof.Scaria Zacharia

 It was with a great shock that I received the news of the demise of Prof. Scaria Zacharia. I met him a few months ago at his  house and I knew that he was getting weaker. But we did manage to spend some time together and he gave me copies of his recent books and signed it addressing me. I spoke at a reception a few weeks ago honoring him at SB college and I spoke of his great contributions to the college , calling him as  one of the precious jewels on the crown of SB. I remember and cherish my conversations with him during the time he was teaching at the college. He was a live presence on the college campus and we missed him very much when he left the college for Kalady University. I remember him showing his appointment written  on a casual piece of paper by the new and acting VC of the University and broaching the news of his departure . He once asked me why I did not object to his leaving. I did not say anything at that time because I thought then that for him a University appointment would be very  beneficial to him personally. But still it was a great loss for the college. His leadership, inspiring words and marvelous eloquence are unforgettable. We have  had very close associations when we were were planning the different Exhibitions and Arts Festivals at the college. We also had several  occasions to go together  to meet some people in order to smooth out problems. I cannot forget his beautiful and eloquent introductory commentary that echoed through the corridors and the campus of the college before the arrival of President Zail Singh. He took the leadership of arranging the various literary conferences in connection with the two jubilee celebrations that were held during the times of Fr.Maroor and myself. His fast ascent to literary eminence that happened on account of his work on Gundert is unparalleled. He brought very eminent scholars, Indian and foreign to the college campus. When we published one of the first stories of O.V Vijayan in the college magazine, I asked Prof. Scaria to write an introduction to it, explaining its background. I am very proud of his  varied contributions and feel saddened at his early sickness and demise. God bless him and keep him in His eternal presence.