I write this eulogy with a heavy heart as I've lost one of my dear friends Gnanam. I first met Gnanaseelan when I joined Drieberg College, Chavakachcheri in 1948; from that moment on, we became close friends. We were friendly rivals right through our time at Driebergs; vying with each other for the top position in school exams, particularly in Maths and Science. Gnanam had some very special talents; he could write witty poems, mimicking the famous Tamil poet Kazlamehap Pullavar! He also had a knack for coming up with incredibly “funny names” for other students, teachers and also some of the men and women in the neighbourhood! We both left Drieberg College by the end of 1956 and went our separate ways; Gnanam went to Jaffna College and from there to “Special” Maths Teacher Training Course and I went to Jaffna Hindu College and then to University of Ceylon. But, we still continued to meet each other whenever possible. I once visited him while he was a teacher at one of the schools in Kandy; I was struck by the love and great respect the students had for him. Gnanam was a brilliant teacher; he was a “natural”! For me, he was the ultimate role model in academic, professional, and social life. His dedication and compassion inspired everyone around him. I last met Gnanam in December 2024, just before Christmas; he was very happy to see me. Despite the pain and sufferings he endured during the last few years of his life he showed tremendous strength and remained positive in his approach to life. He was such an amazing Gentleman....truly one in a million!!!!! I will sadly miss him, but his incredible legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. My condolences to his sons Arulsuthan, Amalan and daughter Nivethana. May God bless his beautiful soul and I pray that he rests in peace.