The faculty and students of WCC have cherished memories of Dr Jasmine Jenifer Devaselvam, Assistant Professor in the Department of Home Science, whose sudden demise on 4 October 2021 threw the college community into a pall of gloom. A respected teacher and colleague, with almost two decades of service in WCC, Dr Devaselvam was known for not just a particular field of excellence, but gave her best to everything that she did personally, academically and professionally.
She was extraordinarily gifted in the field of academics. Being an alumna of WCC, she earned a stellar aggregate of 83% in her undergraduate course and 84% in her postgraduate course (being a rank holder in all semesters), from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. She completed her MPhil in Food Service Management & Dietetics, scoring an aggregate of 83% followed by two doctorates in Nutrition and Dietetics, and Theology respectively. She also completed her PGDBA in HR from Symbiosis Institute of Distance Learning. Such was her passion for learning, and she never refrained from putting all her knowledge to use.
Recognition and awards followed Dr Devaselvam wherever she went. These include, “His Highness The Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Medal" for service and skills (in voluntary work, remedial coaching, graphic arts, calligraphy and communication); Miss Vatsala Pai Prize (1994-1997) for achievements in the field of Academics, Sports and Games, Co-curricular and Extra-curricular activities, her qualities of leadership and outstanding service to the college and wider community; Daisy Cornelius Prize (1996-1997) for securing the highest total marks in B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics Core Class, Sunflower Magazine Prize for Best Poetry (1994-95, 1995-96); Tamil Department Tourism Prize (1995-96) for best project work on Tourism; G K Krishna Amudakalanjiam Prize (1995-96) for best article in Tamil magazine; Mrs Alamelu Srinivasan Memorial Prize for securing highest total marks in M.Sc. Food Science Management class (1997-99); Weikfield Food Trophy for securing highest marks in Advanced Food Science (1997-99); Dr Eleanor Mason Endowment Prize for securing highest total combined marks in Applied Statistics and Research Methodology, and Physiology and Community Nutrition; and a Bronze medal for outstanding performance in the field of painting/literature in the fourth All India Child Art and Literary Exhibition (1990).
Dr Devaselvam has held numerous posts in WCC. As a student, she was Tamil Club President, Student Representative in the Academic Council, member of Editorial Board of Sunflower and part of WCC’s student choir, to name a few. She was also a part of Ezutholi Iyakkam, involved in spreading literacy; a member of Scripture Union and a lifetime member of the Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. As a faculty member, she has served as Scripture Coordinator and Examinations Chief Superintendent among other responsibilities.
She has authored books including Essentials of Nutrition and Dietetics for Nursing; Prayers for students during exams and Journal with daily verses, as part of Olive Children’s ministries that she founded and named after her daughter.
All her achievements are proof of her hardworking, sincere, disciplined and meticulous nature. Even her handwriting has won many hearts as it was exceptional in its style, showcasing her creative side. “She could think out of the box and always come up with practical solutions,” said Dr Sheila John, Vice Principal and Head of the Department of Home Science.
Apart from these professional qualities, Dr Devaselvam is best known and remembered for her benevolent character. She was caring, gentle, concerned, humble and kind to everybody. She never hesitated to help people in distress. “She had unmatched levels of kindness, a loving spirit and the heart of an angel. She would always say, ‘You are created with a purpose’”, says Jesintha, a PG student from the Department. She never hesitated to share motivating words with students and made them feel comfortable and confident. She was noted for her bright smile that would cheer everyone around her.
Being a student of WCC, Dr Devaselvam lived her life in accordance with our motto “Lighted to Lighten''. Her students, both past and present, draw inspiration from her life and work. With her passing, WCC has lost one of its beloved daughters, but she will continue to remain as a beacon of light in the lives of those who knew her.
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