A Fond Farewell to Our Beloved Prof. Daniel J. David
6th April 2026 | Selaiyur Hall
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Today, we had the Farewell Ceremony for Prof. Daniel David at 3 pm in the Selaiyur Hall Indoor Theatre.
The afternoon was filled with nostalgia and gratitude, even as colleagues and students – past and present, gathered to celebrate a remarkable legend’s literary life in MCC.
The farewell ceremony featured several moving speeches from faculty members who have worked closely with Prof. David over the years.
Dr. Jannet, Director, Self-financed Stream, spoke warmly about Prof. DD’s leadership style, emphasising how he was always an incredibly supportive pillar for his colleagues.
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Dr. Nirmal Selvamony took to the stage to reflect on his long, cherished association with “Prof. Dany,” sharing memories that highlighted a deep and enduring friendship.
Faculty members Dr. Venkataramanujan, Dr. Tilakaramanujan, and Dr. Jojan also took the podium to offer their rich encomiums to the lovely literary soul!
I had the privilege of recollecting Prof. David’s noble qualities.
I traced his early days as student of the MA Literature Class in the American College, Madurai, where he also met his future wife! (his classmate). How he was a popular Professor in St. Philomena’s College, Mysore, and Bishop Heber College, Trichy, before joining MCC in 2006.
Five exceptional things about him that I had shared are –
Firstly, his elegant habit of laminating the cover of every single book before reading it, which speaks volumes to the ways in which he cherished and safeguarded knowledge.
Secondly, he never once gossiped about anybody anytime in his life! Whenever you are with him you are sure to get treated to a conversation on concepts and ideas! Never on people!!
Thirdly, he is a voracious reader, who used to devour books by the dozens every week.
Fourthly, he was good at explaining difficult theories in such a simple and lucid style that you completely forget the fact that time was whizzing you by! I quoted one such incident during our I MA English class, when he gave us a lecture on Structuralism. He started the lecture at 2 pm, and the lecture went on till 6.30 pm without a pause or a break.
Then at 6.30 pm, sensing the approaching dusk, DD asked us if it was getting late, especially for the girls in our class. We all replied in chorus, ‘Not at all’. Then he continued with his classes for more than an hour, before calling it a day! That lecture on Structuralism that he gave us, helped us all to find our firm footing in theory, I said, to the audience, who were listening to the rich eulogies on their professor with such rapt attention!
Fifthly, whenever someone approached him for career guidance, or help with their NET Papers, he never once hesitates to talk to them. He would always give a willing hand to help them out - always ready and eager to be of help!
Hearty congratulations to Prof. Samuel Moses and his vibrant team in the Dept of English (SFS), on having hosted this remarkable Farewell Ceremony in such a grand manner, quite rarely heard of, in the annals of MCC in the recent past!
If I could mention one pioneering contribution by Prof. DD to the Dept of English (SFS), MCC, it would be his immense efforts in launching the BA English Literature Programme in the Self-Financed Stream in MCC in the year 2014.
His visionary approach to the syllabus is a case in point! In fact, he revolutionised literary studies at MCC by balancing canonical literature with popular culture. Like for example, he effortlessly connected the profound themes of Wordsworth with the cultural impact of Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, James Bond, and even Harry Potter. He didn’t just teach literature; he taught students on theories and concepts that helped them “read” the world around them.
Students and faculty members had turned up in overwhelmingly large numbers, packing the Indoor Theatre of Selaiyur Hall to express their gratitude to their impeccable mentor, educator, and leader who has shaped their academic journeys in such myriad ways!
In fact, Prof. Daniel David leaves behind a rich legacy at Madras Christian College.
While we at MCC will deeply miss his daily presence, the standards he has set and the support he has offered will continue to inspire us all!
We wish Prof. David the very best in his well-deserved next chapter!
Fare ye well, dear Sir!
Thank you so much sir. Your presence has given more impetus as your acquaintance with him is very personal. Your gave a beautiful tribute. Thank you once again for being part of this. - Samuel Moses
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Sam. Felt so happy to see the meticulous way in which the farewell function was organised by you and your entire team. Full kudos to you and your lovely team. Even Dr. Nirmal Selvamony was all praise for the excellent way in which the programme was organised.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.
Dr. Rufus