Comment: The Times of India is not generally a reliable source. Theroadislong (talk) 16:34, 18 October 2024 (UTC)
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K A Subranamia Iyer | |
|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1896 |
Professor K.A. Subramania Iyer[1] (1896–1978) was a renowned Indian scholar of Sanskrit and a prominent educator who made significant contributions to the development of Sanskrit studies in India. Born in 1896, he pursued higher education in Europe, studying Sanskrit and Pali in Paris and London before becoming the first graduate of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in 1920. His early academic achievements laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in Indology, especially in advancing Sanskrit literature and promoting cultural education.
Upon returning to India, Professor Iyer founded the Department of Sanskrit and Prakrit Languages at University of Lucknow in 1921. As the department's first head, he played a crucial role in establishing its foundation, introducing a variety of courses in Vedic literature, classical Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pali, and Tibetan. His efforts to promote cultural activities extended beyond the classroom; he organized the staging of Sanskrit dramas, which became significant events that enriched the university's cultural life and left a lasting impression on the academic community.
Professor Iyer later took on administrative roles, serving as Vice-Chancellor[2] of University of Lucknow and then the Varanasi Sanskrit Vishva-Vidyalaya. At Varanasi, he was instrumental in guiding the institution through a transition phase, reshaping its academic direction, and fostering a sense of purpose among faculty and students. Despite facing challenges such as student movements and academic upheavals, he was admired for his composed leadership, dedication to education, and commitment to upholding human values.
Iyer's personal life was also marked by his partnership with his wife, Dr. Teresa Jadwiga Subramania Iyer, a medical practitioner of Polish origin who made India her home. She received recognition for her humanitarian work, being honored with an MBE for her contributions to maternal and child welfare. Together, they embodied a life devoted to learning, service, and cultural integration. Even after retirement, Professor Iyer continued his scholarly pursuits, contributing significant works on Sanskrit grammar and literature, thus leaving a lasting legacy in the field of Indology.
References
edit- ^ Lambo, Angel. "Who was SOAS's first graduate? – SOAS Centenary Timeline". Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ "The student who convinced Jawaharlal Nehru to flag off LUSU". The Times of India. 2019-11-15. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-10-14.