It is with deep sadness that we bade farewell to Prof.Joseph Arakal, yesterday. He was laid to rest at the Jiobavan cemetery at Kochi. Memories crowd in mind of my association with him spanning several decades in Washington DC as well as in Kochi. He was one of the pioneer Indian immigrants in Washington D.C. After his stint at Cochin University as a professor in the Management school, he came to US for his doctoral studies.After his study, he began a long teaching career in Business Management at the District of Columbia University.
Using the words of Jesus, we can say he was a lamp placed on a pedestal.He was a model to all as a great teacher, a devout Christian and a gentleman to the core.In him we lost a man who is an ideal of gentleness and good manners.He never spoke ill of others and always tried to see the good in them.He was very respectful and compassionate.He made others look honored and respected.I have been always touched by his courtesy and respect.He would come down to see me off after my visits even though I told him not to come. He was interested in talking about the past and was very aware of the past accomplishments of different religious and educational institutions.I have very vivid memories of my visits with him.Prof.Joseph and Leela were always present at the Syro-Malabar masses whenever they were celebrated in Washington D.C.
He was very calm and prayerful when I was called to give him the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.He was well prepared for the call from heaven as he was very much aware of the fragility of his life.
May God protect his beloved wife, Leela,Dr.George, Simon and their families.
The words of Henry Adams that a teacher affects eternity are very true of him as he he has touched the lives of hundreds of students in India and the US through his brilliant teaching career.In him I have lost a good friend, a true model of gentlemanliness and an ideal Christian who bears no grudges.
What Jesus said to Martha is the source of our comfort: " I am the life and resurrection and one who believes
in me will not die". May he find eternal rest in the loving abode of our dear Father in heaven.
