The President of the OBA has asked me to chronicle the birth and growth of the JHC OBA (UK) as a matter of historical providence. I am immensely proud to write about an organisation that I hold close to my heart. I was, however, somewhat hesitant initially as the task is not an easy one with the events, achievements and the people involved not being properly documented in the OBA files. Having agreed to carry out the task nevertheless, I must at the very outset crave the pardon of the unsung heroes who are not mentioned in my synopsis for no wilful reasons. The fact is that the organisation has grown to such great heights today not because of any single-handed individual, but through the collective efforts of many old boys from various walks of life expressing their gratitude and appreciation to their Alma Mater and their respected teachers, whose yeoman service has been the contributory factor of our personal success stories here in the UK and other parts of the world.

JHC OBA (UK) is a unique organisation in that it is the first ever overseas OBA established in 1987 by a band of young old boys inspired and co-ordinated by Mr K Seveal. The small group of enthusiastic old boys gathered in Holborn and unanimously elected Mr T S Perinpanathan as the President, who still continues to take active part in the affairs of the association. For unknown reasons, however, the OBA was defunct for a few years soon after the inaugural meeting.

The OBA was revived in 1990 with a new constitution by the late Mr S Uthayalingam, Mr T.Ganeshwaran, Mr R.Sureshkumar and several others. The 1987 committee was re-elected and they successfully celebrated the centenary of the School at Lola Jones Hall in South London. Since then the OBA has undergone a period of steady growth, to the admiration and envy of other organisations, focusing on fulfilling the needs of the Alma Mater which has faced untold hardships during the past decades.

I was elected as President in 1992 and during my presidency, with the help of other enthusiastic committee members, we were able to initiate a scholarship programme for the welfare of needy students at JHC through funds collected by arranging cultural programmes and from donations by our members. Under the presidency of talented Dr S Jothilingam, the Scholarship Fund not only grew at a rapid pace, but financial assistance was also provided to the college to buy furniture and office equipment. These magnificent efforts continued under the able presidency of Mr T Ganeshwaran, who successfully organised the International Convention of OBAs around the world in 2000, to coincide with the millennium celebrations (Kalai Arasi 2000). A highly rewarding raffle draw netted the OBA a handsome seventeen thousand pounds (£17,000), which was donated to the school Scholarship Fund.

The highlight of the ‘Kalai Arasi 2000’ was the visit by Mr.A.Srikumaran, the Principal of JHC, as the Chief Guest. He provided the audience with a vivid account of the hardships the students and teachers face in the day-to-day school life due to lack of books and other basic amenities. Responding to his request, our old boys readily extended their ever-willing hands in the subsequent years, helping the Alma Mater in many different ways. Mr A F Mariadas in his capacity as the succeeding President continued the good work done by the OBA, successfully organising the annual cultural evening ‘Kalai Arasi’ to collect funds. The current incumbent Mr.N.Selvarajasingam continues to function with vigour and enthusiasm upholding the ethos of the OBA.

Following on the footsteps of the UK OBA, it is heartening to note that our brother OBAs in different such countries as Canada, USA, Australia, Germany and Switzerland have also joined the league offering their helping hands to our Alma Mater in a healthy competitive manner.

Unfortunately in 2002, the JHC OBA UK became a victim of its own growth. Disenchanted by the traditional school centred focus of the JHC OBA (UK), some members chose to establish another Association. Despite untiring efforts by our President and those of our father figure Mr V Sivasupramaniam, a veteran retired teacher, and many other well wishers, it has not been possible to unify the two associations under one banner.
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I am indeed delighted to learn that our highly respected teacher Mr.S.Sivaramalingam will be participating as our Chief Guest at this years’ ‘Kalai Arasi’. How can anyone of his students forget his wonderful illustration of ‘Ramayanam’, let alone his golden advice on moral values mingled with jokes like sugarcoated tablets? I am sure he will have a very enjoyable day in the company of his grateful students. Incidentally, this happens to be the centenary year of the Jaffna OBA, which was inaugurated in 1905.

I pray to Saraswathy, Goddess of Knowledge, to grant the required wisdom to all the old boys, to work together hand in hand in the service to our Alma Mater, especially at a time when she needs our help the most.

“ Wherever we go, whatever disaster happens,
We shall not forget the welfare of our mother JHC”
- College song

Dr M Vetpillai, FRCS
President, OBA 1992-1994
Patron, 1998-2002