"The Legacy of Reverend Dr. John Britto: A Beacon of Positivity and Wisdom"

*தோன்றின் புகழோடு தோன்றுக அஃதிலார்*

 *தோன்றலின் தோன்றாமை நன்று*

நம் நாட்டில் சிலைகள்  வணங்கப்படும் அளவுக்கு சிற்பிகளோ அல்லது  உளிகளோ வணங்கப்படுவதில்லை சிறப்பிக்கப்படுவதும் இல்லை ஆனால் இந்நேரத்தில் அதை மாற்றும் விதமாக மறைந்த நம் மண்ணின் மைந்தர் அருட்தந்தை ஜான் பிரிட்டோ என்ற  சிற்பிக்காக இக்கட்டுரை இதனை நான்  உளிகளை வணங்கும் உற்சவமாக பார்க்கிறேன்.

"Whenever we speak about Jesuits, among our friends, two colleges eventually come up in conversation. Each has its own set of criteria to determine who can enter. However, when discussing both colleges, the common consensus is that to enter Lawley Hall at St. Joseph's College, Trichy, or Bertram Hall at Loyola College, Chennai, one must possess a certain gift. Not everyone can be admitted to these prestigious halls. This article aims to shed light on Reverend Dr. John Britto, who served as the pillar of support for St. Joseph's College, Trichy, and was a driving force behind its success.

I had the privilege of meeting Reverend Dr. John Britto during my brief tenure at Campion School, Trichy, from 2007 to 2009. Over the three years of my academic journey, Father visited my school three times to hold Holy Eucharistic Mass. During those moments, it was apparent that most of my schoolteachers had either studied under Father or were closely associated with him. Particularly during the Holy Mass, our small chapel was filled with staff members in the front rows, while students sat behind. It was all thanks to one-man, Reverend Dr. John Britto. His sermons were remarkably realistic and straightforward, yet their messages lingered in our hearts long after. He spoke in a soft, clear voice.

After the Mass, I often met Father at the side entrance of the chapel, where he would ask me two questions: 'நீ ராணி மகன்தானே?' (Are you the son of Rani?) and 'உங்க தாத்தா எப்படி இருக்காங்க?' (How was your grandfather?). The next day, all the staff members would inquire about my conversation with Father. This moment can be compared to the transformation scenes of Tamil heroes in any Tamil cinema, showcasing Father's charisma.

Another memorable incident occurred during my grandfather's passing on 02/09/2012, with his requiem mass celebrated on 4th September 2012. Some of my friends, who knew nothing about Father, attended the mass solely because of me. On that day, everyone praised the sermon for its realism and its ability to evoke memories of events in my grandfather's life. Comparing the words of God with the message, I felt a profound connection. Although I couldn't be there because I was at the cemetery at the time, my friends, who were unaware of Father's background, spoke highly of him. I was elated. Father was a remarkable man; his words were powerful, and he spoke softly but with precision.

Over the last two days, I have been conversing with my Campion School teachers and staff members, attempting to gather more insights about Father. Each one has shared unique moments with Father. I will now share some of these below.

"For more than three decades, Reverend Dr. John Britto dedicated his life to serving St. Joseph College, Trichy. As I spoke with the devoted staff and teachers of Campion who had the privilege of knowing Father, a portrait of a truly exceptional individual emerged.

Here are some remarkable aspects of Reverend Dr. John Britto's life and work, as described by those who benefited from his presence:

Man of Smile (புன்னகை மன்னன்): Reverend Dr. John Britto was a beacon of positivity, known for his warm and ever-present smile. His cheerful demeanor could brighten even the darkest of days, spreading joy to all he encountered.

Crisis Man: Whenever the College faced challenges or found itself under scrutiny, Reverend Dr. John Britto was the steadfast anchor. His leadership and problem-solving abilities made him the go-to person in times of adversity.

Man of Few Words with Comprehensive Wisdom: Reverend Dr. John Britto possessed a rare gift - the ability to convey profound wisdom concisely. His succinct words carried the weight of a lifetime of learning and experience.

BADHSHA of SJC: Reverend Dr. John Britto held a special place in the hearts of the St. Joseph College community. He commanded the utmost respect and admiration, earning the title of 'BADHSHA' within the SJC fraternity.

Taxonomy Genius: His expertise as a botanist was nothing short of extraordinary. Reverend Dr. John Britto delved into the intricacies of taxonomy, enriching the world of botany with his research and knowledge.

Marvellous Administrator: Throughout his tenure as rector and principal, Reverend Dr. John Britto demonstrated exceptional administrative skills. He guided the institution with a steady hand, ensuring its continued growth and success.

Man Who Chiseled My Discipline: Reverend Dr. John Britto was a silent disciplinarian. He instilled the values of discipline not through stern lectures but through his own impeccable conduct and a benevolent smile.

Reverend Dr. John Britto's legacy is one of unwavering commitment, wisdom, and the ability to bring out the best in those around him. He leaves an indelible mark on St. Joseph College, Trichy, and his memory will forever inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him."

Awards/Recognitions :

•  Professor Emeritus, University Grants Commission, New Delhi, 2007 

•  Fellow of the Linnaean Society, London (2000) -FLS  

•  Fellow of the Indian Botanical Society (IBS)- 2000. 

•  Fellow of Indian Angiosperm Taxonomy (FIAT) 2000. 

•  TANSA award for biodiversity research by Tamilnadu State Council for Science and Technology, 2001. 

•  International Plant Scientist Award 2003, Academy of Plant Sciences, India (APSI) Lucknow 

•  Fellow of International Conference of Chemistry and Environment (FICCE) 2001. 

•  Distinguished achievement award in MEDICINAL BOTANY by Sri Sankara Educational and Charitable Trust, Tiruchirappalli, 2001. 

•  Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar (2002); Sept 2004, an Institutional Award; Ministry of Environment & Forest, Government of India.

After speaking  with my staff I just had a thought maybe I have born in a wrong generation I should have studied under Rev. Dr. John Britto either actively or passively. I would like to quote a line from director vetri Maran from his book Miles to Go *வாழ்க்கையில் இரண்டு வகையான மனிதர்கள் தான் உள்ளார்கள் ஒருவர் புலிகளை காட்டில் நேரில் பார்த்தவர்கள் இன்னொருவர் புலிகளை நேரில் பார்க்காதவர்கள் புலிகளை பார்த்தவர்கள் கடைசி வரை அந்த பரவசத்தை பார்க்காதவர்களுக்கு கடத்திக் கொண்டே இருப்பார்கள்.*