Page 59 - Memorial Book Thilaga Mylvaganam

Appreciation - Mrs Mylvaganam

It is with deep sense of sadness that I learned of the recent demise of Mrs
Mylvaganam in Sydney.

I had the distinct privilege of being taught English at Royal Junior School by
Mrs Mylvaganam and this opportunity also benefitted my younger two
siblings who followed me into Royal.

It certainly would not have been easy for her to teach, manage and mentor
classes which typically had a student population in excess of 40 including a
fair percentage of mischievous young students like me. On reflection several
decades later, I realised that she had a wealth of maturity to know when to
turn a “blind eye” to a class room prank and when to rap the class with her
“no nonsense“ approach of “do not mess with me” which earned the
respect of many a student including myself.

Her late husband was well known to my late father as a valued senior
member of the Australian trade commission in Colombo.

Our paths took different directions after 1983 when I went to the UK to
pursue post graduate studies and remained there for the next decade while
Mrs Mailvaganam together with her family emigrated to Australia. I used to
receive regular updates of her work with the Lankan community through
Janaki.

I am so glad that a few years ago , when I flew to Sydney for just 2 days to
participate in the celebration (organised by the Alumni of my old
accountancy firm) in Honour of Mr Samy Pasupati, that I was able to visit
Mrs Mylvaganam and speak to her.

She will not only be fondly remembered by hundreds of past Royalists but
also many young Lankan immigrants in Sydney who benefitted from her
knowledge and wisdom.

While conveying my sincere condolences to Janaki and her siblings, on
behalf of Royal College Class of 1972, let me pray for her soul to Rest In
Peace.

Rajendra Theagarajah

Late Mrs. Tilakavati Mylvaganam 51