PUDUCHERRY, INDIA, June 29, 2019 (Facebook post): The French Institute of Pondicherry (IFP) on behalf of the entire staff extends its deepest condolences on the sad demise of Sri S. Sambandasivacharya on 16/06/19 at his house in Cuddalore at the age of 92. S. Sambandasivacharya’s solid dedication to service and his devotion to ethics and integrity made him a remarkable scholar in his field unlike any other. His work here will not soon be forgotten and shall remain forever, not only in the history of IFP but also in the studies of Agamas
Sri S. Sambandasivacharya joined the French Institute, Pondicherry as Research Assistant in the project on critical editions of Saivagamas in 1969. Since then for 50 years this senior most staff of the Institute has been diligently assisting in the critical editions of many of the Saiva Agamas: Matangaparamesvaragama, Ajitagama (vol.III), Rauravagama (vol.III), Diptagama, Vols. I and II to list a few. He also worked as Assistant to Dr. V. Raghavan for 10 years in the work of critical editions. His contribution was essential, notably because he was well trained in reading the old manuscripts copied in such scripts as Tamil, Grantha, Telugu, Malayalam, Tigalari, Sarada, Nandinagari and Newari.
Sri Sambandhan was one of the very important persons who were instrumental in the collection of manuscripts for IFP since 1970. In recognition of his contribution to Sanskrit studies he was conferred: – the Palmes Acadmiques award in 2009 by the Government of France and – the Presidential Award of Certificate of Honour for the year 2014 by the Government of India for lifetime achievement in Sanskrit language and literature
IFP joins hands with his family to overcome this irreplaceable loss and the void that has befallen.
HPI Adds:
Hinduism Today staff was honored to have worked with Sri Sambanda Sivacharya over a number of years while photographing the entire palm leaf collection of Agamic and other manuscripts he helped assemble. For our story on his work, click https://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=1504