The passing away of Professor C J Eliezer, an outstanding mathematician,
respected academic and a celebrated champion of Tamil rights has been met with
sadness across the Tamil community, both in the homeland and the Diaspora.
Prof. Eliezer's achievements made him unique and revered, even amongst the elite
circle of academics he belonged to. He qualified as a Barrister at Law in London in
1949, he worked with Einstein in 1955, and held the same three positions, Professor
of Mathematics, Dean of the faculty of Science and Acting Vice Chancellor at three
different Universities in three different countries (last being Australia). He was invited
to present papers at the United Nations Conferences on the "peaceful use of atomic
energy" held in Geneva, Vienna and Bombay.
However, it is for his love of his people that Prof. Eliezer's memory will be most
cherished by them. Despite his academic and professional commitments, he never
put his people second. He proved it was possible, even incumbent for brilliant minds
to serve their community while achieving their professional successes. When the
Liberation Tigers presented him with the title of Maamanithar, it was for his
"relentless campaign for justice to the Tamils." Australia, celebrated his
achievements as well as his contribution to his people when presenting him with the
'Order of Australia'
Prof. Eliezer's professional achievements affirmed his brilliance. But it was his
humanism which made him the truly great man he was.
Courtesy : TamilGuardian.com
