Page 6 - Memoirs of Sarasworthy Somasundaram

Pioneers of the Past

Canon Somasundaram
Somasundaram was a direct descendant of a royal line – of impeccable heritage. He
belonged to a close-knit community – proud of their royal ancestry and strict adherents of
the Hindu Religion.

At Jaffna College, a premier American Mission School, young Somasundaram came
under the influence of missionaries of the likes of Brown, Bicknell, Harrison and Jameson.
Their teaching and their way of life had a profound impact on him, and it gradually changed
his thinking and his way of life. Eventually he decided to become a Christian.

It was a hard decision for him to take; but Somasundaram had the calibre to take it
and stand by it. He went home to Maviddapurram and told his brother his decision.

His brother was stunned and furious. He tied his younger brother to a tree and beat him.
But no - young Somasundaram had made his choice, because he was convinced, and he
would stand by it.

His elder brother was so angry, so bitter, so frustrated and so ashamed that he
thrashed his brother mercilessly and cast him out of the family. Somasundaram returned to
Jaffna College and the missionaries. He was a brilliant student. He completed his graduate
studies and joined the ministry. He is almost a legend in our community!!

a. His marriage to Emily Poonam Hemphil is another story. It would be considered
unusual even in our time! Young Somasundaram walked into young Emily’s home
(Emily was in her mid-teens at the time, so the story goes) He confronted the dazed
mother with “You give your consent or I don’t leave this house. I’ll sit here till you
say yes!”
b. Rev. Somasundaram was scheduled to attend an important meeting early the next
morning. He was on the Jaffna-Colombo goods train. Mid-way the train came to a
halt. He had a hurried talk with the engine driver. He was informed they had engine
trouble and had to have an engine from the next station to tow the train to
Amradhapura to repass. “The night is far gone and this is dangerous jungle territory,
I daren’t ask my men to go for help” Somasundaram volunteered to make the trip
(carry the pass to the next station). After some argument, his offer was accepted
and he set out. He kept to the railway track and reached the station safely. The
Station Master at the station happened to be an ex-student of his. He said “Sir,”
gave him a cup of tea and put him to bed. When he went to the station, the train
was pulled into the station.
He didn’t travel earlier because Emily was in labour and he didn’t want to leave her.
He left as soon as the baby was born. He caught the last train for the day.

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