Funeral held for Tamil scholar Sokkan

[TamilNet, Monday, 13 December 2004, 13:48 GMT]
The cremation of late veteran Tamil scholar Mr.K.Sokkalingam, fondly called "Sokkan" took place amid torrential rain in Chemmani Hindu cemetery Monday evening. Large number of people of all walks of life bade farewell to the departed Tamil educationist who rendered invaluable service to the development of Tamil language and its literature for more than four decades.

Earlier a condolence meeting was held at the residence of late Mr.Sokkalingam in Nallur with Mr.Aru.Thirumugan in the chair. Professor C.Mohanathas, Vice Chancellor of Jaffna University, Mr.Puthuvai Ratnathurai, Head of the LTTE's Arts and Cultural Organization, Mr. Arun master, Deputy Head of the Thamileelam Education al Development Board, Zonal Directors of Education Mr.V.Vigneswaran, and Ms Regina Iruthayanathan, Mr.T.Panchalingam, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Ceylon tamil Teachers Union (CTTU), Professor C.Sivagnanasuntheram (Nanthi), prominent Tamil writers Mr.S.V.Panchchadcharam and Mr.K.Jeyaseelan, Rev.Fr S.Jebanesan of South Indian Church and several others eulogised the services of the late Tamil scholar.

Condolence messages sent by Sri Somasunthara Paramacharya Swamigal of Nallai Atheenam and Ms Thangamma Appakutty of Tellipalai Thurga Thevasthanam were read out.

Thereafter the funeral procession was held with the body of late Sokkan draped with Tiger flag.

Mr.V.Ilankumaran, Head of the Thamileelam Educational Development Board, and Mr.S.Thangan, Deputy head of the Political Wing of the LTTE, who came from Killinochchi along with Mr.Ilamparithi, Head of the LTTE Jaffna district, Mr.Semmanan, Deputy Head of the LTTE Jaffna district and Ms Kalaivilizhi, Jaffna district LTTE women political wing paid their last respects to late Mr.Sokkalingam on Sunday, sources said.