Evangel Thevapiriyan Aseervatham

“Christian Living” – As Servant Leader

After a health-setback a few months ago, “Piriyan” accepted his ‘Home Call.’ Serena his wife, and daughters Dharshana and Roshana, took great care of him as he was treated from home and hospital. His health deteriorated but he was able to accept his destiny with a faith that sustained the whole family. He received ‘Last Communion’ from The Rev G Nadarajah, and witnessed a Zoom Service of his Tamil Church of NSW on 15.08.2021 before passing away.

The youngest of the three sons to the Rev Sinnathurai Thevathasan Aseervatham of Earlalai and Mrs Gnanaratnam Subramaniam of Karainagar-Nallur, “Piriyan” was blessed. He was spiritually nourished in a Christ-centred Tamil setting. His father, was a Presbyter of the South Indian United Church (later the Church of South India and his mother an English teacher. They resided in various parsonages ministering to congregations. He and his brothers, Devaseyan and Thevamithiran, received infant baptism.

Piriyan joined Jaffna College in the early 1960’s at Grade six, first as a day scholar, and later was boarded at the Chelliah and Howland hostels, engaging in a wide range of college activities. This enhanced his leadership qualities. He was active in literary associations (Lyceum, The Academy, The Young idea, the Jaffna College Miscellany) and the YMCA, SCM and JICCF, besides cricket, basketball, tennis, athletics, Boarders’ Day, and Cathedral activities.

His spiritual mentors were many – his parents, pastors, staff, Chaplain Ben Bavinck. Piriyan brought out the best in people with his charm. Christa Seva Ashram at Maruthanarmadam and Kiran in the East, was founded by his maternal uncle, the Rev Sevak Subramaniam Selvaratnam (Periannan). Piriyan was regular at Cathedral services and the College vespers, morning prayers, evensong, Diocesan festivals, children’s rallies and youth camps, all addressed by outstanding speakers. Thus was he spiritually nourished even as he progressed academically.

While awaiting the GCE (A/L) results, Piriyan taught mathematics in the middle school for over a year. He was also a sub-warden of Sanders Hostel. His contributions to Primary and Middle School students left a mark on them for life. Later he taught and managed ‘private tuition classes’ at his own premises next to the Moors Road Methodist Church.

Piriyan pursued Engineering at University of Moratuwa (1972-1977). After graduating, he worked in the Canyon Hydro Power project in Maskeliya for a few years, and later at SD&CC-Corp constructing the Power House. His associates appreciated him. Piriyan went to Nigeria in 1981, and worked in Ibadan for Rocks and Stones (NIG) Ltd. His senior, conveying his condolence to Serena Aseervatham, wrote: “Piriyan was a shining example of Christian living. He followed me to Nigeria but was posted to another city. I wish I had more opportunities to see each other with our families.”

Piriyan and Serena’s marriage was a story of great romance in the Colombo church of the JD-CSI. Piriyan, a youth leader of the parish, an active member of the church executive committee, and an exemplary and fun-loving man of stature, was deeply in love with Serena, a pianist in the youth and church choir. Their marriage on 19.08.1981 in Wellawatta, solemnized by his father, assisted by the Rev Daniel Thiagarajah, with the Homily by his friend Rev S Manopavan. They migrated to Australia in November, 1983 soon after the ethnic riots.

Piriyan and Serena initially staying with his brother Dr Devaseyan, found work with Water Resources of NSW, and settled down at Finley (Riverina region, 80,586 sq kms with 169,856 people). They were blessed with daughters, Dharshana and Roshana, and attended Trinity Anglican Church. They became an integral part of the community, earning much respect offering their gifts and music-talents to the parish and the diocese,.

They moved to Deliniquin built around the Edward River and a series of lagoons surrounded by parkland and state forest. They worshipped at the beautiful new church, St Paul’s Anglican Church. Piriyan served on the Church Vestry, giving leadership. A Uniting Church Tamil minister in Euroa gratefully recalled Piriyan’s unique ecumenical support to his ministry over five years of his tenure: Piriyan stood out as a “Gem”, he grieved. When they moved to Sydney after a promotion for a great contribution to his field in 2009, the community immensely missed them.

Dharshana graduated majoring in Political Science and became a Youth Minister studying theology. She is Chaplain at Cheltenham Girls’ High School. Roshana studied Law and works for the NSW State Government.

The Aseervathams remained members of St. Anne’s Anglican Church, Strathfield, while also worshipping and serving in the Homebush Uniting Church. They became active in the two Tamil Churches in Carrington and Merrylands. They served all four churches faithfully, ministering to seniors at Desmond Nursing Home, conducting services on the second Sunday of each month. Piriyan, a Licensed Lay Minister, regularly distributed Holy Communion there. Dharshana, being a youth minister, offered her services at these churches.

Piriyan kept friends from all walks of life. He raised funds in times of crises and urgent needs for the alumni of Jaffna College, pastors and families, and for Christa Seva Ashram. People responded to him generously. He was a ‘man after God’s own heart’!

As we celebrate his life, may the Lord grant Serena, Dharshana, Roshana and his loved ones comfort and consolation, with the spirit of wisdom.

Rev. Fr. T.S. Premarajah