Thursday 3 November 2011

N Panchanathan (16.05.1939 - 01.11.2011)


When N Panchanathan finished his Teacher’s Training Course in Penang, and was posted to Malacca, it was a great loss for the Penang Teachers' Training College and Penang State Hockey teams – they lost a goal scoring Centre Forward but it was Malacca’s gain.  

It was an even greater gain for Malacca ACS, we gained not only an excellent sportsmaster but also a dedicated teacher.

In sports, MACS became a powerhouse in Softball under Mr Panchanathan. Our Under-18 and Under-15 teams consistently beat all the other teams soundly to emerge Champions or runner-up, year after year in the 1960s and 1970s. 

As a Physical Education and Mathematics teacher, many remember him fondly for his dedication, and stern reproach if they slacked.

He was a humble man who never boasted. Without the internet and digital archiving technology from which the old newspaper clippings appearing below were found, we would never have known of his hockey  exploits. 

He was born on May 16 – Teachers’ Day; born to teach and he taught us all well!

Mr Pancha, may you rest in peace, Sir!


A page for the Coffee Table Book: