TALKING OF TELEPHONE CALLS
Not many may remember that Alexander Graham bell invented telephone which made our life noisier than ever before.
Besides serving as a communication device between two parties, it has contributed for the progress of our daily life and served as a good piece of companion in maintaining harmonious relationship between people especially married / un-married couple.
In my school days, I hardly could come across a telephone instrument not even as a dead one, as it was an expensive affair to maintain it.
Very few top executives / government officers could afford this luxury then. In one case, a marriage was decided when the bride’s party confirmed that they too had telephone at home. This is not a joke but happened in the family of my father’s immediate superior, way back in the 60’s.
Now days, people have something called mobile phone – some thing that even Alexander Graham bell could not have imagined of the development that his invention could reach this proportion.
Conventional instrument did not cause much damage to the culture of our society, but the mobiles are doing beyond imagination. It can trigger a bomb, send the fastest communication or monitor some activity of utmost secrecy. No need to even mention what the camera attached to it can do.
Caused, many confusions, contributed for divorces, created enmity among best friends/ couple, made many robberies possible, and is continuing to promote anti-social activities like, pornography etc;
While this is the case, look at the softer side of the revolution which is also causing loss of revenue for the concerned outfits.
I wish to quote my own experience in this matter.
I remember having a telephone of my own, from1981 (Overseas employment). All my official calls- with sufficient proof -were reimbursed, and I had to pay for all my personal calls. There used to be surprise audits of all similar connections (where the user had to carry official communications at times).
I always maintained record of every activity including telephone calls in my life. Recently, I went thru’ the same and I was shocked how much of my earnings have for TALKING TO PEOPLE alone.
This habit of frequent talking has hardly served any purpose except deriving temporary / momentary pleasure from such communication. The time lost was another regrettable act as well.
Some communications were of great use in resolving few issues. Some of them were:
1. Death of my parents – I couldn’t attend their funeral and had to direct the same to my brother.
2. My longest single conversation was from Oman to my sister in Delhi who was in dire straits then. It was of 30 minutes duration with a bill of Rs.3000.00
3. Few calls when I was un-employed (A total of 48 months putting together such situations during my career since 1981.) were of productive nature in resolving my situation.
I never made personal calls during my working hours except with the permission of my boss, who always understood my loyalty to the company and my honesty towards my work.
There is one unsolved mystery when it comes to telephone calls involving me. I will explain this:
Whenever I called any one, they took me for granted and never concluded the talk till I made it using some excuses.
But, when I’m called in by any one especially friends and relatives, that’s the time;
a.) Their door bell rings
b.) Some one knock their door
c.) Something is on the stove and boiling
d.) Remember to go for shopping
e.) Some one is about to arrive.
It is amazing to realize why I’m not in a position to cut the line after making a basic contact?
A rough calculation based on my records, show, that I have spent over Rs.5 Lakhs on communication alone, (besides Inter-net facility) from 1981 till last year.
There is another rough side of it as well. I’m frequently reminded of unproductive nature of most of my calls (which I make after tracking down some of my friends / relatives – who without exception has never communicate on their own to me –) just to find out if they are well off. So, even a well wished call also makes my life more miserable than it already is.
Recently, I was talking (not over the phone!!) to a stranger, on this matter who laughed at me and said, it is time that you realized who are around you and for what purpose, and limit your conversation accordingly or never make one which is useless. You will save time for better activities and save money too especially when you are not earning on your own.
VERY WELL, SAID by the stranger.
NOTE: I think I have to wake up and maintain communication where it benefits both me and the one I’m calling except my children who are already wise in this matter.
V.Sivasubramaniam
20-07-2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Travel
A Trip to Bangalore
Some days ago, Sheeba and Ananth wanted to look for an apartment, Flat or an independent accommodation.
As the rent is a non-recoverable amount and is given to somebody else for a shelter, it was considered to go for a flat with ownership and with a time frame to complete payment which initially is bourn by a Bank.
In this process, few flats in buildings closer to the present work place was looked at and one was decided in the area named HSR lay out.
At this point I wish to add, both Ananth and Sheeba, struggled enough, in arranging a lawyer to verify the authenticity of the whole arrangement – land, building and the status of the structure etc; besides a source for loaning the cost of the flat.
In this process, they succeeded in getting everything done and awaited, near completion level to move from the present rented flat at teacher’s colony area.
Formal, house warming Pooja (grahapravesam) was conducted on Friday 10th July 2009.
It was decided to move into the new house by 28-7-09, as the present house owner requested for handing over the flat by then for him to prepare it for the next tenant.
So, we wanted to help,Ananth and Sheeba - particularly in the absence of her in-laws who are taking rest after operation recently.
We left Coimbatore on 24-7-09 by Intercity Express, leaving CBE at 13.15 hrs.While waiting for the train, met Rajan s/o.Sh.S.Vaidyanathan of Pollachi. Rajan was going to Hosur with his wife to see his daughter employed in Bangalore.
We spoke in detail in person after many years of absence. We boarded the train upon its arrival on time.
The train reached Bangalore Cantonment by 20.05 hrs. Since we got down just across the Exit, it was further speeded our effort in getting a pre-booked auto to reach Sheeba’s residence.
We reached the house just in time to watch the T.V serial starting at 21.00hrs and paid to auto driver, Rs.90.00 – a reasonable amount for this trip.
During this railway journey, we procured few mini apples and suppota for Ayush.
Gave them, to Ayush who only took the apples.
The next day, - Saturday- 25-7-09, was a busy day for all, as we were to vacate the flat by evening. So, we all were up by 6AM. We started grouping items for packers to do their work faster and cleaner. The packers and movers team came by 11AM.
They came with ten cartons of medium size. The process took till 3.30 PM in the afternoon. As Ananth was away chasing left over jobs for the new flat, self and Sheeba went with the packers in their truck. This was necessary as these people did not know the location of the new flat. I was also unable to lead them being new to the place.
We reached the place on time. Unloaded and heaped all items spread in the hall and Ayush’s bed room.
Electrician worked relocating one fan to accommodate Chandelier – in the hall just above the designated area of dining Table. Kitchen lights too were fixed.
The new cot and dining table were also delivered in the same evening. We managed to keep it against the wall in the Master bed room. The mattress was used for self and Saro for the night’s sleep.
We discovered, the gas range’s knob was missing and we had to manage with one burner.
We had dinner brought in by Ananth. We created space among the house hold items for resting till next day morning. A new knob was procured by Ananth and was fixed easily.
Ayush was the worst hit person and was crying for a long time till the tiredness took him to sleep on its own. He woke up again and kept changing his place between us and Sheeba. Then, finally Ayush slept with Sheeba.
The next day was Sunday – 26-7-09. More work awaited us since dawn. Sheeba, I with Ayush went out to procure milk from the neighboring petty shop. We also could see the area which was not clearly visible the previous day.
Ayush enjoyed the walk and scenery.He came across dogs and two cats in the area. He started yelling Miyav, Miyav. Every time I said C for cat he will say Miyav.
We started pushing the carpenters and plumber to complete all jobs. Electrician fitted most fittings. (The GANESA light fixer was found cracked and was replaced by the supplier.) The base of this light was placed at the top of the entrance so that it was necessary for me to just place the diffuser GANESA when received.
This day, we managed space for sleep in the hall and Ayush’s room, as we have unpacked items of kitchen and cupboards in the second bed room. At the end of the day, we felt relieved as most items were in place.
Dinner was from outside.Had additional 3 idlies were found in the take away package which made Ananth very happy as he was very tired due to driving few times more than normal.
Yet another day was born- Monday 27-7-09. Earlier, the hole for the gas hose, was made properly and hence was installed correctly, for us to make coffee in the morning.
The day saw seepage of water was found coming as Ananth took shower in the second bathroom. The leakage was visible right above the hall electrical / T.V points. This was due to a broken joint of the shower connection.
The contractor deputed a plumber and replaced the faulty joint and cleared the debris including the tile. The place was left to dry to replace the tile. T.V point was reinstated.Breakfast was made for all and food for Ananth who, went to office on time via his old flat- to handover keys and collects balance of deposit.
Sheeba helped in setting up kitchen and other areas. The day was fully engaged in correcting and completing all jobs, so that we could sleep properly. We wanted to make sure everything is in place, as Sheeba was also to work from next day. Besides, we too had to leave for Coimbatore in the early hours.
Fortunately, things went properly and most jobs except those needed time was completed.
Out of the two bathroom facilities, one was O.K for hot water and W.C while the kitchen and hall area washbasins were working.
The overall situation was acceptable as it is common to have teething troubles of similar nature was the facts in any new building / flat.
The new cot was placed in the master bedroom; old cot was placed in Ayush’s room. Dining table was placed in the hall. I was the first one to make use of it, as; I had my dinner using it.
We slept, in Ayush’s room, while Sheeba,Ananth and Ayush used the new double bed.
We got up early in the morning, - of 28-7-09, 3.45AM, and completed all formalities. Saro prepared, coffee, for the journey. Also took one cup each before leaving for train.
Call Taxi came at 4.45 and we left by 5AM, to the station. We reached the station by 5.30AM and paid Rs.290.00 for the trip.
We managed to reach Podanur, as the days’ stop was not Coimbatore. Took an auto rickshaw to Vadavalli and reached home at 14.30 hrs. and paid Rs.180 for the trip.
After opening all doors, windows, and cupboards, and doors.
Lunch was made by 3.15PM and we had it as we needed the best food to meet the starving stomach.
In the meantime, informed Sheeba about our safe arrival back in Coimbatore.
So, ended our small and useful trip to Bangalore- for installing Ananth, Sheeba and Ayush in their new and own house.
Compiled on 30-07-2009
Some days ago, Sheeba and Ananth wanted to look for an apartment, Flat or an independent accommodation.
As the rent is a non-recoverable amount and is given to somebody else for a shelter, it was considered to go for a flat with ownership and with a time frame to complete payment which initially is bourn by a Bank.
In this process, few flats in buildings closer to the present work place was looked at and one was decided in the area named HSR lay out.
At this point I wish to add, both Ananth and Sheeba, struggled enough, in arranging a lawyer to verify the authenticity of the whole arrangement – land, building and the status of the structure etc; besides a source for loaning the cost of the flat.
In this process, they succeeded in getting everything done and awaited, near completion level to move from the present rented flat at teacher’s colony area.
Formal, house warming Pooja (grahapravesam) was conducted on Friday 10th July 2009.
It was decided to move into the new house by 28-7-09, as the present house owner requested for handing over the flat by then for him to prepare it for the next tenant.
So, we wanted to help,Ananth and Sheeba - particularly in the absence of her in-laws who are taking rest after operation recently.
We left Coimbatore on 24-7-09 by Intercity Express, leaving CBE at 13.15 hrs.While waiting for the train, met Rajan s/o.Sh.S.Vaidyanathan of Pollachi. Rajan was going to Hosur with his wife to see his daughter employed in Bangalore.
We spoke in detail in person after many years of absence. We boarded the train upon its arrival on time.
The train reached Bangalore Cantonment by 20.05 hrs. Since we got down just across the Exit, it was further speeded our effort in getting a pre-booked auto to reach Sheeba’s residence.
We reached the house just in time to watch the T.V serial starting at 21.00hrs and paid to auto driver, Rs.90.00 – a reasonable amount for this trip.
During this railway journey, we procured few mini apples and suppota for Ayush.
Gave them, to Ayush who only took the apples.
The next day, - Saturday- 25-7-09, was a busy day for all, as we were to vacate the flat by evening. So, we all were up by 6AM. We started grouping items for packers to do their work faster and cleaner. The packers and movers team came by 11AM.
They came with ten cartons of medium size. The process took till 3.30 PM in the afternoon. As Ananth was away chasing left over jobs for the new flat, self and Sheeba went with the packers in their truck. This was necessary as these people did not know the location of the new flat. I was also unable to lead them being new to the place.
We reached the place on time. Unloaded and heaped all items spread in the hall and Ayush’s bed room.
Electrician worked relocating one fan to accommodate Chandelier – in the hall just above the designated area of dining Table. Kitchen lights too were fixed.
The new cot and dining table were also delivered in the same evening. We managed to keep it against the wall in the Master bed room. The mattress was used for self and Saro for the night’s sleep.
We discovered, the gas range’s knob was missing and we had to manage with one burner.
We had dinner brought in by Ananth. We created space among the house hold items for resting till next day morning. A new knob was procured by Ananth and was fixed easily.
Ayush was the worst hit person and was crying for a long time till the tiredness took him to sleep on its own. He woke up again and kept changing his place between us and Sheeba. Then, finally Ayush slept with Sheeba.
The next day was Sunday – 26-7-09. More work awaited us since dawn. Sheeba, I with Ayush went out to procure milk from the neighboring petty shop. We also could see the area which was not clearly visible the previous day.
Ayush enjoyed the walk and scenery.He came across dogs and two cats in the area. He started yelling Miyav, Miyav. Every time I said C for cat he will say Miyav.
We started pushing the carpenters and plumber to complete all jobs. Electrician fitted most fittings. (The GANESA light fixer was found cracked and was replaced by the supplier.) The base of this light was placed at the top of the entrance so that it was necessary for me to just place the diffuser GANESA when received.
This day, we managed space for sleep in the hall and Ayush’s room, as we have unpacked items of kitchen and cupboards in the second bed room. At the end of the day, we felt relieved as most items were in place.
Dinner was from outside.Had additional 3 idlies were found in the take away package which made Ananth very happy as he was very tired due to driving few times more than normal.
Yet another day was born- Monday 27-7-09. Earlier, the hole for the gas hose, was made properly and hence was installed correctly, for us to make coffee in the morning.
The day saw seepage of water was found coming as Ananth took shower in the second bathroom. The leakage was visible right above the hall electrical / T.V points. This was due to a broken joint of the shower connection.
The contractor deputed a plumber and replaced the faulty joint and cleared the debris including the tile. The place was left to dry to replace the tile. T.V point was reinstated.Breakfast was made for all and food for Ananth who, went to office on time via his old flat- to handover keys and collects balance of deposit.
Sheeba helped in setting up kitchen and other areas. The day was fully engaged in correcting and completing all jobs, so that we could sleep properly. We wanted to make sure everything is in place, as Sheeba was also to work from next day. Besides, we too had to leave for Coimbatore in the early hours.
Fortunately, things went properly and most jobs except those needed time was completed.
Out of the two bathroom facilities, one was O.K for hot water and W.C while the kitchen and hall area washbasins were working.
The overall situation was acceptable as it is common to have teething troubles of similar nature was the facts in any new building / flat.
The new cot was placed in the master bedroom; old cot was placed in Ayush’s room. Dining table was placed in the hall. I was the first one to make use of it, as; I had my dinner using it.
We slept, in Ayush’s room, while Sheeba,Ananth and Ayush used the new double bed.
We got up early in the morning, - of 28-7-09, 3.45AM, and completed all formalities. Saro prepared, coffee, for the journey. Also took one cup each before leaving for train.
Call Taxi came at 4.45 and we left by 5AM, to the station. We reached the station by 5.30AM and paid Rs.290.00 for the trip.
We managed to reach Podanur, as the days’ stop was not Coimbatore. Took an auto rickshaw to Vadavalli and reached home at 14.30 hrs. and paid Rs.180 for the trip.
After opening all doors, windows, and cupboards, and doors.
Lunch was made by 3.15PM and we had it as we needed the best food to meet the starving stomach.
In the meantime, informed Sheeba about our safe arrival back in Coimbatore.
So, ended our small and useful trip to Bangalore- for installing Ananth, Sheeba and Ayush in their new and own house.
Compiled on 30-07-2009
Behavior
Thinking about Manners / Habits
(AND IT’S INFLUENCE IN OUR PRESENT SOCIETY)
A book was published in December 1984 titled SUCCESS by Michel Korda in the US. Essential part of that book narrated reasoning for Manners in particular.
Michel, basically mentioned about the history for certain habits like shaking hands, tasting wine, escorting a guest from right side etc;
Shaking hands was to prove the person has no weapon in his hand, tasting wine was to prove it is not poisoned, and escorting guest from right side is to prove accessing hand for a weapon.
Silver cups were used to nullify the effect of any poison in the drink. Removing the cap / hat with right hand and welcoming guest is just to make sure the right hand is engaged in a civilized action rather than taking out a weapon from pocket.
Most of our habits related to this virtue, is due to the good effort taken by the parents, followed by teachers, well wishers and the good natured people in the society – in which an individual is brought up from infancy.
Elders always say, learn from mistakes of others besides of their own.
Most children are considered as Angels gifted by God (of one’s own religion) when born especially after a long wait and lots of medical treatment to conceive one.
It all works out fine, till, the infant becomes a boy or girl say by the age of 5. This is the time to watch the person and guide accordingly to keep him in the track of positive progress. Such a care shapes, the child to become competent in the school, society and among relatives – with acceptable manners and habits.
The environment in which the child grows makes him / her to acquire ILL / WELL manners and get stuck with it for life. A change at a later date from bad ones to good ones is harder compared to a change from good to bad.
So, it is the childhood that dictates hard core goodness or decency in a person as stated above.
When talking of manners, it is not only of ON THE TABLE, but ALSO of various other situations.
For instance, talking to a person, writing to a person, or dealing in a matter official or un-official and so on all needs to be done with certain courtesy / manners.
Ever since computers were made accessible for writing, the language changed from standard to slur or slang especially by younger generation. They also use the so called short-cuts for saving cost on say SMS by damaging the originality of the language.
One can write a book or even an encyclopedia to narrate the ill mannered expressions that crop up in daily communication these days.
This situation has created indecency even among highly educated / placed individuals in the society who also have become victims of this kind of ill manners in communication. If such an act is performed on a legal situation, it can amount to contempt of court!
Reading through the daily news media both visual and printed, it has come to light, the pattern of manners and related behavior among the present generation has greatly become un-tolerable/ un-acceptable and of grave concern to all peace loving people in the society.
Say for example, the following practice is seldom followed:
Get up early in the morning and take blessing of parents / elders. Start and finish all routines in an order to pass from one to next etc;
There are more arguments between parents and children rather than a conversation on any thing. It is noisier than a normal exchange of words. May be term it as shouting at each other?
The whole issue is complicated than it appears. The once vacant or empty brain in the child-hood has filled in by itself of much good and not so good stuff in to it from sources that attracted the individual.
The other aspect is curiosity based on hearsay, observation and intimidation by others.
Therefore, a kind of inferiority complex tries to set in, which is very obvious to parents and can easily be eradicated. But, many parents ignore this act and the priority changes from corrective to corruptive one.
Similar uncontrolled actions / observations form into a child a more or less stubborn attitude of damaging nature once and for all. Later date counseling cannot remove this tainted nature from a grown up child.
One more reason, for one’s differed behavior is simply due to the adamancy of parents who load the child to the level of collapse – just because they think they love their baby and expect the person to become what they want rather than what the child wants overnight!
I know of so many persons who could not pursue any thing useful for themselves due to pressure from parents. Later they changed / adapted to their own choice and became better- in education and career- though after loosing considerable amount of time and money.
Therefore, this kind of exposure meted out to an individual can make / break him or her simply because, of the manner in which the individual is treated from infancy.
When I think of manners/ habits, I fail to understand, why the age old virtues are not to be seen or experienced any more.
I conclude in my own way on this question based on my observations and material available in the society.
Joint families are disappearing fast – where the head of family maintained an order in all good practices.
Even in individual families, parents have only a limited advisory status towards their wards.
Cinema / T.Vs have played considerable role in damaging the good nature of our youngsters.
There is more venomous stuff in the day-to-day activities which is increasing un-controlled.
Anti-social elements have taken a sizable percentage of the younger generation, for their own ill conceived plans.
We have ragging, teasing, eve-teasing, assaulting elders / parents, petty robberies, chain snatching, and many such ill mannered activities in our society.
There are more serious acts like drunken drive and razing people resting even on the pavements, murdering kith and kin just for a share of wealth for which no contribution was ever done, running away with some ones daughter / son and ending life at times etc;
If only good habits were planted in the children from their infancy, our society will become a place with an open Pandora’s Box.
With all the ill mannered activities on the rise, we will see many more un-wed mothers in our society in the age group of 8-12 years. We laughed at this phenomenon when found happening in the west few years ago, and now, time to laugh at our own selves.
One doesn’t have to fear the unknown (GOD) to correct and indulge in good practices, but to be truthful and honest unto themselves and fear their own conscious.
I believe that ones self itself is the best consultant in these areas. After all, one cannot cheat one’s self. DO AS YOU WOULD BE DONE BY
Write up by
V.Sivasubramaniam
31-07-09
(AND IT’S INFLUENCE IN OUR PRESENT SOCIETY)
A book was published in December 1984 titled SUCCESS by Michel Korda in the US. Essential part of that book narrated reasoning for Manners in particular.
Michel, basically mentioned about the history for certain habits like shaking hands, tasting wine, escorting a guest from right side etc;
Shaking hands was to prove the person has no weapon in his hand, tasting wine was to prove it is not poisoned, and escorting guest from right side is to prove accessing hand for a weapon.
Silver cups were used to nullify the effect of any poison in the drink. Removing the cap / hat with right hand and welcoming guest is just to make sure the right hand is engaged in a civilized action rather than taking out a weapon from pocket.
Most of our habits related to this virtue, is due to the good effort taken by the parents, followed by teachers, well wishers and the good natured people in the society – in which an individual is brought up from infancy.
Elders always say, learn from mistakes of others besides of their own.
Most children are considered as Angels gifted by God (of one’s own religion) when born especially after a long wait and lots of medical treatment to conceive one.
It all works out fine, till, the infant becomes a boy or girl say by the age of 5. This is the time to watch the person and guide accordingly to keep him in the track of positive progress. Such a care shapes, the child to become competent in the school, society and among relatives – with acceptable manners and habits.
The environment in which the child grows makes him / her to acquire ILL / WELL manners and get stuck with it for life. A change at a later date from bad ones to good ones is harder compared to a change from good to bad.
So, it is the childhood that dictates hard core goodness or decency in a person as stated above.
When talking of manners, it is not only of ON THE TABLE, but ALSO of various other situations.
For instance, talking to a person, writing to a person, or dealing in a matter official or un-official and so on all needs to be done with certain courtesy / manners.
Ever since computers were made accessible for writing, the language changed from standard to slur or slang especially by younger generation. They also use the so called short-cuts for saving cost on say SMS by damaging the originality of the language.
One can write a book or even an encyclopedia to narrate the ill mannered expressions that crop up in daily communication these days.
This situation has created indecency even among highly educated / placed individuals in the society who also have become victims of this kind of ill manners in communication. If such an act is performed on a legal situation, it can amount to contempt of court!
Reading through the daily news media both visual and printed, it has come to light, the pattern of manners and related behavior among the present generation has greatly become un-tolerable/ un-acceptable and of grave concern to all peace loving people in the society.
Say for example, the following practice is seldom followed:
Get up early in the morning and take blessing of parents / elders. Start and finish all routines in an order to pass from one to next etc;
There are more arguments between parents and children rather than a conversation on any thing. It is noisier than a normal exchange of words. May be term it as shouting at each other?
The whole issue is complicated than it appears. The once vacant or empty brain in the child-hood has filled in by itself of much good and not so good stuff in to it from sources that attracted the individual.
The other aspect is curiosity based on hearsay, observation and intimidation by others.
Therefore, a kind of inferiority complex tries to set in, which is very obvious to parents and can easily be eradicated. But, many parents ignore this act and the priority changes from corrective to corruptive one.
Similar uncontrolled actions / observations form into a child a more or less stubborn attitude of damaging nature once and for all. Later date counseling cannot remove this tainted nature from a grown up child.
One more reason, for one’s differed behavior is simply due to the adamancy of parents who load the child to the level of collapse – just because they think they love their baby and expect the person to become what they want rather than what the child wants overnight!
I know of so many persons who could not pursue any thing useful for themselves due to pressure from parents. Later they changed / adapted to their own choice and became better- in education and career- though after loosing considerable amount of time and money.
Therefore, this kind of exposure meted out to an individual can make / break him or her simply because, of the manner in which the individual is treated from infancy.
When I think of manners/ habits, I fail to understand, why the age old virtues are not to be seen or experienced any more.
I conclude in my own way on this question based on my observations and material available in the society.
Joint families are disappearing fast – where the head of family maintained an order in all good practices.
Even in individual families, parents have only a limited advisory status towards their wards.
Cinema / T.Vs have played considerable role in damaging the good nature of our youngsters.
There is more venomous stuff in the day-to-day activities which is increasing un-controlled.
Anti-social elements have taken a sizable percentage of the younger generation, for their own ill conceived plans.
We have ragging, teasing, eve-teasing, assaulting elders / parents, petty robberies, chain snatching, and many such ill mannered activities in our society.
There are more serious acts like drunken drive and razing people resting even on the pavements, murdering kith and kin just for a share of wealth for which no contribution was ever done, running away with some ones daughter / son and ending life at times etc;
If only good habits were planted in the children from their infancy, our society will become a place with an open Pandora’s Box.
With all the ill mannered activities on the rise, we will see many more un-wed mothers in our society in the age group of 8-12 years. We laughed at this phenomenon when found happening in the west few years ago, and now, time to laugh at our own selves.
One doesn’t have to fear the unknown (GOD) to correct and indulge in good practices, but to be truthful and honest unto themselves and fear their own conscious.
I believe that ones self itself is the best consultant in these areas. After all, one cannot cheat one’s self. DO AS YOU WOULD BE DONE BY
Write up by
V.Sivasubramaniam
31-07-09
Monday, June 8, 2009
Child Hood and School days – (coming to adulthood)
I wish to combine both these aspects of my early life as student and a house hold child. I learned a lot of house holds activities out of interest and at times out of compulsions.
For some reason, I was interested in music and songs. So, I managed to sit near our radio, for listening to songs. I always believed that someone is taking or singing from within the radio. It took several years to find out the truth and when I learned the facts it was a laughing matter for me and my young sisters and brothers. My mother taught me basic cooking and preparation techniques. Till to-day, I’m able to practice them and survive, besides passing the same to interested persons.
We came to Dharmapuri in the year 1962. Here, I had more friends and more options to learn thru’ better books. When I say better, I mean more advanced titles to suite my vocabulary and knowledge gained earlier.
As an average sports person, I played foot-ball, participated in All India sports competition and won 2 STAR and 3 STAR appreciation / Recognition. I was encouraged to play cricket, and I played there too.
The going was tough in the family. Financial level was always like the water level in the local well- always drained except for one or two buckets of water. I was observing, watching and learning quietly about my tasks in the years to come.
My maternal uncles, who also had been thru’ life’s hurdles and hardships, stood by us and helped us financially to their best especially during the re-opening of schools / colleges.
Lack of money, compounded by the same problems faced by my paternal grandfather often created rift and unpleasant situations between my parents – very often.
The observation of these scenarios, made me to determine and wow to work for the betterment of my younger ones in the family.
Struggling thru the conditions, I passed SSLC and joined for Pre-University course, in the college opened next door.
It was the Government arts college that opened in July 1965 without full team of teaching faculty.
But still, many students joined for PUC, like me with the hope of pursuing higher studies.
I could not clear the course, as I could not afford private tuitions for the subjects I was lacking due to insufficient teaching staff.
Those with better financial status opted for tuitions from even far off places like Salem and passed the course.
I was under dire need to complete any professional course at the shortest possible time and expected to start earning to strengthen the financial base in the family.
Many of my class mates, who passed the PUC course, also were in the same condition and joined Polytechnics for THREE year courses in engineering.
In the meantime, before the result of my PUC exams were out, my father was transferred to Pollachi. I was with my grandfather when results were out.
When he learned that I did not get thru’ the exams, he said DO NOT WORRY, MAKE THE BEST OF THE BAD SITUATION.
In my absence, my mother made enquiries about any polytechnic in Pollachi thru’ one Mr.Das who was staying behind our house in Pollachi.
This Mr.Das was the NCC commander for the Region and hailed from Kerala. I met him upon returning from vacation, along with my sad result.
But, he advised me not to loose heart and pursues studies as my family needed my earliest earning to supplement that of my father.
He arranged for a interview on 21-6-1966, with one Mr.Muthukrishnan- Maths professor at Nachimuthu Polytechnic in Pollachi .
Later, I attended interview with the Board of members responsible for admissions in the institution.
I was only asked to commit for a minimum of First Class in all my exams failing which I will be sent off. I took this as challenge as I knew my condition to adhere to it.
Hence started a journey of challenges, commitments and hurdles which is yet to find conclusion, as it has taken different forms at different times.( The present tune is of trying to manage time at 61 years of existence)
FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS,
I did not go near the radio, did not know what film was screened in the theatres I was passing thru’ and never knew anything other than my studies. I had the privilege of taking maximum no. of books from college library for study purpose. The Principal, (Mr.Arumugam) supported my honest requirement and encouraged me to study very well.
I was encouraged to impart my notes to other fellow students and I was happy to do so. I also took classes for my juniors.
My maternal uncles helped me as usual, besides my uncle from my father’s side.
Still, my mother’s gold ornaments were pledged for my studies, as the funds from uncles were spent for other needs as well. My father was even more worried as his father was sick and hospitalized. So, when I came out with Distinction, there were more problems in the family and there was A GREAT EXPECTATION of fastest income from me.
During the three years of my study, I learned more about many Gods and Goddesses, as my mother always prayed for my early release with high first class and job in hand – soon I passed out. So much was the financial need in the family I could not think of anything else.
I shall add some specific incidents during these three years of study (1966-1969) separately, for those alone need better narration.
I donated all my notes and drawings to Nachimuthu Polytechnic for the use of junior / new students.
These notes were prepared after studying (I spent not less than 16 hours in all for my studies alone per day) several books on the subjects related and hence I did not want to dispose them differently.
During the month of July 1969, I had a call from Madras Refineries- a new company being set up near Madras - for an interview.
I went for the interview in Manali near Madras.I was shocked to learn that I was called only to complete formalities as most candidates were already chosen.
That day, I decided not to seek job in South India (Particularly in Tamil Nadu) as there is more bias towards a Brahmin than elsewhere.
During this visit, I personally met Mr. Muthian, - the then Director of Technical education. He also advised me to seek job in the North as there is back log of Graduate / Diploma Engineers seeking job since few years backwards. I learnt from many that Mr.Muthian was an anti-Brahmin character and never helped Brahmin boys.
I prepared to leave for North before 1-9-1969. I took a loan of Rs. 100.00 from a family friend Mr.S.L.D.Vaidhyanathan – Logic Professor at the local college – NGM College.
I did not want to remain in Pollachi on the dawn of 1-9-1969, hence made up my mind against all odds. My mother desperately called a family friend (Father of my NCC teacher at Dharmapuri-Mr.Venkatakrishnan) who happened to be a palmist and astrologer.
This gentleman, (I do not know his name), studied my horoscope, and my right hand palm, and assured my mother that I will be gainfully employed within 6 months. I will have tough time for six months ( It is winter from Oct-Mar in Delhi)
Some how my mother was convinced and was happy to let me leave for Ghaziabad(-near Delhi and is in Utter Pradesh)
I had no Railway reservation nor did I have any luggage, but sheer courage and determination to come up to support my family.
With a metal brief case, I left Pollachi on the last day of August 1969. The case contained my provisional Certificates, a pair of pants, shirts, dhoti, bath towel, soap, eatables for my bachelor uncle, besides a lousy shaving set.
I had sleepless nights, for three days. I managed to get a sitting reservation in the G.T Express and was very happy that I will reach Ghaziabad as scheduled on the 3rd of Sept.1969
I reached my Uncle’s work place un-announced. He was shocked than surprised to see me standing in his office on the afternoon of 3-9-1969.My express letter did not reach him on time and hence the shock.
My uncle ( Mr.Subramanian – affectionately known as Mani Uncle) arranged for my travel to his flat – using one of his reliable office assistant. My blue shirt had become dark (soot from the railway journey) and brown pants have become black.
The next day (4-9-1969) was Janmashtami and was holiday in Delhi areas. So, we had enough time to discuss about my conditions. In fact, he had already arranged for an interview at the HQ of IBM on 6-9-1969.
Those days telephone services were luxury and accessing it was equally a venture. I met Mr.Rajan on 5-9-69 and the interview was confirmed at the HQ.IBM HQ was on the Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg then.
I went there despite pouring rain and was early by 30 minutes- Interview was scheduled for 9AM on 6-9-69
I was treated so well, I forgot I was in India. I was given a questionnaire called APTITUDE TEST- all related to my studies and relevant knowledge required for the position of TRAINEE CUSTOMER ENGINEER.
Later I was interviewed by Department Manager Mr.Gupta. I was asked to meet another Manager at their Regional Office situated in the Parliament Street where the LIC office was also housed. I think it was JEEVAN VIHAR BUILDING
I was interviewed by one Mr.Pinto. He told me that I have scored 100% in the aptitude test and will soon be inducted as Trainee. - Mr.Pinto told me that he is disclosing the results as a special case as he was impressed by my performance)
Within few days, Indira Gandhi announced the closure of IBM operations in India. So, my chance to start working for IBM was quashed by the Prime Minister’s order.
I Will let you know, how everything was re-started again – hunt for suitable job etc; in the coming weeks.
V.Sivasubramaniam
08-06-2009
I wish to combine both these aspects of my early life as student and a house hold child. I learned a lot of house holds activities out of interest and at times out of compulsions.
For some reason, I was interested in music and songs. So, I managed to sit near our radio, for listening to songs. I always believed that someone is taking or singing from within the radio. It took several years to find out the truth and when I learned the facts it was a laughing matter for me and my young sisters and brothers. My mother taught me basic cooking and preparation techniques. Till to-day, I’m able to practice them and survive, besides passing the same to interested persons.
We came to Dharmapuri in the year 1962. Here, I had more friends and more options to learn thru’ better books. When I say better, I mean more advanced titles to suite my vocabulary and knowledge gained earlier.
As an average sports person, I played foot-ball, participated in All India sports competition and won 2 STAR and 3 STAR appreciation / Recognition. I was encouraged to play cricket, and I played there too.
The going was tough in the family. Financial level was always like the water level in the local well- always drained except for one or two buckets of water. I was observing, watching and learning quietly about my tasks in the years to come.
My maternal uncles, who also had been thru’ life’s hurdles and hardships, stood by us and helped us financially to their best especially during the re-opening of schools / colleges.
Lack of money, compounded by the same problems faced by my paternal grandfather often created rift and unpleasant situations between my parents – very often.
The observation of these scenarios, made me to determine and wow to work for the betterment of my younger ones in the family.
Struggling thru the conditions, I passed SSLC and joined for Pre-University course, in the college opened next door.
It was the Government arts college that opened in July 1965 without full team of teaching faculty.
But still, many students joined for PUC, like me with the hope of pursuing higher studies.
I could not clear the course, as I could not afford private tuitions for the subjects I was lacking due to insufficient teaching staff.
Those with better financial status opted for tuitions from even far off places like Salem and passed the course.
I was under dire need to complete any professional course at the shortest possible time and expected to start earning to strengthen the financial base in the family.
Many of my class mates, who passed the PUC course, also were in the same condition and joined Polytechnics for THREE year courses in engineering.
In the meantime, before the result of my PUC exams were out, my father was transferred to Pollachi. I was with my grandfather when results were out.
When he learned that I did not get thru’ the exams, he said DO NOT WORRY, MAKE THE BEST OF THE BAD SITUATION.
In my absence, my mother made enquiries about any polytechnic in Pollachi thru’ one Mr.Das who was staying behind our house in Pollachi.
This Mr.Das was the NCC commander for the Region and hailed from Kerala. I met him upon returning from vacation, along with my sad result.
But, he advised me not to loose heart and pursues studies as my family needed my earliest earning to supplement that of my father.
He arranged for a interview on 21-6-1966, with one Mr.Muthukrishnan- Maths professor at Nachimuthu Polytechnic in Pollachi .
Later, I attended interview with the Board of members responsible for admissions in the institution.
I was only asked to commit for a minimum of First Class in all my exams failing which I will be sent off. I took this as challenge as I knew my condition to adhere to it.
Hence started a journey of challenges, commitments and hurdles which is yet to find conclusion, as it has taken different forms at different times.( The present tune is of trying to manage time at 61 years of existence)
FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS,
I did not go near the radio, did not know what film was screened in the theatres I was passing thru’ and never knew anything other than my studies. I had the privilege of taking maximum no. of books from college library for study purpose. The Principal, (Mr.Arumugam) supported my honest requirement and encouraged me to study very well.
I was encouraged to impart my notes to other fellow students and I was happy to do so. I also took classes for my juniors.
My maternal uncles helped me as usual, besides my uncle from my father’s side.
Still, my mother’s gold ornaments were pledged for my studies, as the funds from uncles were spent for other needs as well. My father was even more worried as his father was sick and hospitalized. So, when I came out with Distinction, there were more problems in the family and there was A GREAT EXPECTATION of fastest income from me.
During the three years of my study, I learned more about many Gods and Goddesses, as my mother always prayed for my early release with high first class and job in hand – soon I passed out. So much was the financial need in the family I could not think of anything else.
I shall add some specific incidents during these three years of study (1966-1969) separately, for those alone need better narration.
I donated all my notes and drawings to Nachimuthu Polytechnic for the use of junior / new students.
These notes were prepared after studying (I spent not less than 16 hours in all for my studies alone per day) several books on the subjects related and hence I did not want to dispose them differently.
During the month of July 1969, I had a call from Madras Refineries- a new company being set up near Madras - for an interview.
I went for the interview in Manali near Madras.I was shocked to learn that I was called only to complete formalities as most candidates were already chosen.
That day, I decided not to seek job in South India (Particularly in Tamil Nadu) as there is more bias towards a Brahmin than elsewhere.
During this visit, I personally met Mr. Muthian, - the then Director of Technical education. He also advised me to seek job in the North as there is back log of Graduate / Diploma Engineers seeking job since few years backwards. I learnt from many that Mr.Muthian was an anti-Brahmin character and never helped Brahmin boys.
I prepared to leave for North before 1-9-1969. I took a loan of Rs. 100.00 from a family friend Mr.S.L.D.Vaidhyanathan – Logic Professor at the local college – NGM College.
I did not want to remain in Pollachi on the dawn of 1-9-1969, hence made up my mind against all odds. My mother desperately called a family friend (Father of my NCC teacher at Dharmapuri-Mr.Venkatakrishnan) who happened to be a palmist and astrologer.
This gentleman, (I do not know his name), studied my horoscope, and my right hand palm, and assured my mother that I will be gainfully employed within 6 months. I will have tough time for six months ( It is winter from Oct-Mar in Delhi)
Some how my mother was convinced and was happy to let me leave for Ghaziabad(-near Delhi and is in Utter Pradesh)
I had no Railway reservation nor did I have any luggage, but sheer courage and determination to come up to support my family.
With a metal brief case, I left Pollachi on the last day of August 1969. The case contained my provisional Certificates, a pair of pants, shirts, dhoti, bath towel, soap, eatables for my bachelor uncle, besides a lousy shaving set.
I had sleepless nights, for three days. I managed to get a sitting reservation in the G.T Express and was very happy that I will reach Ghaziabad as scheduled on the 3rd of Sept.1969
I reached my Uncle’s work place un-announced. He was shocked than surprised to see me standing in his office on the afternoon of 3-9-1969.My express letter did not reach him on time and hence the shock.
My uncle ( Mr.Subramanian – affectionately known as Mani Uncle) arranged for my travel to his flat – using one of his reliable office assistant. My blue shirt had become dark (soot from the railway journey) and brown pants have become black.
The next day (4-9-1969) was Janmashtami and was holiday in Delhi areas. So, we had enough time to discuss about my conditions. In fact, he had already arranged for an interview at the HQ of IBM on 6-9-1969.
Those days telephone services were luxury and accessing it was equally a venture. I met Mr.Rajan on 5-9-69 and the interview was confirmed at the HQ.IBM HQ was on the Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg then.
I went there despite pouring rain and was early by 30 minutes- Interview was scheduled for 9AM on 6-9-69
I was treated so well, I forgot I was in India. I was given a questionnaire called APTITUDE TEST- all related to my studies and relevant knowledge required for the position of TRAINEE CUSTOMER ENGINEER.
Later I was interviewed by Department Manager Mr.Gupta. I was asked to meet another Manager at their Regional Office situated in the Parliament Street where the LIC office was also housed. I think it was JEEVAN VIHAR BUILDING
I was interviewed by one Mr.Pinto. He told me that I have scored 100% in the aptitude test and will soon be inducted as Trainee. - Mr.Pinto told me that he is disclosing the results as a special case as he was impressed by my performance)
Within few days, Indira Gandhi announced the closure of IBM operations in India. So, my chance to start working for IBM was quashed by the Prime Minister’s order.
I Will let you know, how everything was re-started again – hunt for suitable job etc; in the coming weeks.
V.Sivasubramaniam
08-06-2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Schools Days-2
During my stay in Tiruppathur, I gained friendship of many fellow students. I was exposed to lots of books on international literature – most were translated versions of many leading writers from Europe.
My father also gifted me books – House gardening by Mr. Arunachalam, Tamil Arium Perumal, Panchathandra stories, Vikramadityan and Vedalam, and many other books.
I read lots of stories by Tamilvanan – thru’ his weekly magazine – Kalkandu . Besides, I read stories from the Tamil weeklies like, – Thekkadi Raja, Veera Vijayan, maragatha chilai, Thuppu arium Sambu etc,
There was one picture story KARUPPU KANNADI –presented in Daily Thanthi. The one named Sind bad is still continuing now, even after several decades!!. I love picture stories that came in many magazines – LIKE Phantom in the Illustrated weekly of India / Garth in The Hindustan News paper – published from New Delhi..
I read (mostly) originals or translated originals – not abridged editions, for. I loved the complete version without any reduction of information. Robinson Crusoe was one of my favorite novels which I read several times till date.
During this period, I became member of the YMCA club in Tiruppathur and learned a lot more about many things. I was taught handcraft and I made flowers, leaves, and also put them together as a presentable bunch- a bouquet. I was taught Bible and there were tests to pass from portions of Bible as the session continued. I won certificates for passing these tests and had them till recently and lost them, during one of the house shifting. I learned to play indoor games like Carom and table tennis.
I could not succeed in becoming a good table tennis player, but learned badminton, and shuttle cock. I played foot-ball while studying in 8th class besides cricket. I stopped playing cricket, as I felt it is not a game involving quick result or exercise for whole body.
In Tiruppathur, I used to visit American Hospital and meet people working there just to learn about what they did as medical professionals. There was no denial or refusal in getting basic information. I also got fruits from trees maintained there. I still do not know what the name of that fruit is. It was orange in color, and paste like content with a hard nut.
On the way to American hospital was the house -for the then Deputy Collector. His nephew Prasad was one of my class mates. So, whenever I visited him, I got good treatment without any show offs. (Cannot be so these days!!??)
I wish to add a lot more about my life in Tiruppathur. My friends were Dr. K.G.Usha,
K .G.Surendranath, K.G.Murali, their Alsatian dog , Raman, Subramanian – both sons of leading lawyers then, Rajkumar son of another lawyer Mr.Dhasarahi and Dr.Padmasani, Swaminathan, N.Nagarajan, V.varadharajan, Ramamohan and many more.
My, Teachers were, Mr.Vasu, Mr.Balan – P.T teacher, Isac Thyagarajan. Some teachers were nick named (by seniors, and I only saw them as they were not taking any classes for me) – like, Bommai Vadyar. Mr. Balan was Volley ball teacher and was champion in his days.
In the school also, I learned hand craft and learned to make national flag using a plank, twine, and appropriate color threads. I met leaders like the then Chief Minister Mr.K.Kamaraj, who came to open a room for class 7 at that time. All students stood in line, sang welcome song and said Namaste to him, while being enquired by the C.M. we all student had sweets – chocolates.
The Headmaster, Mr.Chinnathambi Nayanar was a very nice person- he looked like Pundit Nehru and took classes as well. One time he took class for moral science and told a story of a miser, who will not even drive a crow if there is even a grain of rice in his fingers. He advised us to be selfless and broadminded with mentality to help the needy. The school fees then, were Four and a half Anna per month.
There was no hue and cry during visits of any dignitaries in those days. These days, even a peon of an office is escorted by police!!?? A laughing / and concerning situation??
My father had orderlies – one for house and one to accompany during his camps. They were treated by my father at par with us and always maintained discipline with them as well. My father was a very flexible person and was never lenient to any one. They were by name, Ramamurthy- driver, Rengaswamy, Varadarajan, Abdul Aziz from Alangayam (he maintained correspondence with me till he passed away few years ago) Perumal, Krishnan- Ex-serviceman, Sebastian- driver, and one another Krishnan.
All these persons were gook cooks and my father was satisfied with their work. I met some of them in my later years as they too visited my father many times, I will be only too happy to visit their children wherever they are now.
There was one tragedy I experienced, while studying there. My class mate (I for got his name) son of one Dr.Ramaswamy drowned in a pond opposite to the railway signal tower. His floating body was seen by the point’s man, who informed police and so on; I attended the funeral. His body was taken in a cloth cradle and was buried.
I never knew why and what happened to him. I never knew what death is and why people cried when someone passed away. I was told on such occasions, that the individual has gone upstairs to see his/her friends gone there.
We had few family friends in Tiruppathur. One was Dr.K.G.Usha – who was our best friend and family doctor. I lost communication after we left Tiruppathur in 1961.
The other one was Sh. Parameswara Iyer. A jolly good old man, whose only son worked in Malaysia. His grand daughter Hema- 5 years- was frequent visitor to our house. I received from him stamps of Malaysia is still in my collection. Many years later, I learned that Mr.Iyer died, (in 1968) while performing Shiva Pooja on one sivarathri night.
There were others by name Vembu Iyer and Appukutty who also frequented our house with their families.
Tiruppattur being in the vicinity of a sizable Muslim population, I had lots of friends among them. I learned Holy Quran briefly in Tamil from one of the elderly Muslim known to our family. We stayed in a house rented by one Mr.Appadurai Gounder, Mr.Gounder and his brother another Murukesan Gounder were civil contractors in that area.
Both these men and their families were very good people and their children too were equally good towards all in the area.
There was one Mr.Mohammed Basheer, who lived next door (same block rented by Mr.Gounder). He was bachelor and lived there with his mother and sisters – (Akamliza and Mehurunisa.) He was an IFS officer (Indian Forest Service) and was in-charge of all operations in the area. He brought to me flower seeds and fruits from the Kollimalai Hills.
I met him in the seventies (During one of my vacations as I was passing thru’ Madras) in Madras in his Head Quarters (State Forest Officer). Then he was married and had children. I learned many years later that Mr.Basheer passed away in a relatively young age. He wrote about preservation of forests and natural wealth in many magazines. Once I read his article in Ananda Vikatan.
There was also a theft / robbery of Rs.37, 000 from the State Bank of India by one of its cashier. He ( I know the name but not willing to state it here),coolly took away this amount stashed inside a bag topping up with mangoes. He was caught and paraded near our area. I was told he was imprisoned for 7 years or so, besides loosing the job.
I saw many Tamil films during this period. To name a few – Kalyana Parisu, Vanjikottai Valban, pava Mannippu, Pasamalar , Nadodi Mannan, Nan Petra selvam and many more. I also saw few English films- mostly of very short duration. Some were Ghost stories, Cartoons, and adventures.
There was a park behind the school I studied (Municipal High school – co-education), we often spend time discussing familiar matters once in a week or as and when the time permitted. I have a group photograph taken there with my fellow classmates during this period.
Once I went to a place called – Jonai – a place people went to worship Lord Muruga. Till date I do not know the real name or purpose. I was told this happens every year.
It was a fun trip, eating and going round. Got coconuts, jiggery and puffed rice and ground nuts. We also drank water mixed with ginger, jiggery, cardamom etc;
I wanted visit this place again but never had a chance to repeat my visit.
Another incident related to Election is very much in my memory. The year was 1962. Some one by name Mr.Thiruppathi Gounder, was declared elected. There were others. As soon as the announcement came on the Radio, trouble started on the roads in front of our school. This incident was not like these days, but a small quarrel between the party won and the other which lost the election. The incident died down with the intervention of police.
This was the first time I learned about something called politics and politicians.
I had the privilege of visiting temples, and meeting (not personally) Kanchi Sankaracharaya of that time- I think his name is Shri. Swaminatha swamigal. I had his picture in my pooja room in Delhi.
In this year (1961), I lost my maternal Grandfather. I learned to chant HARE RAMA, HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA HARE HARE and HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA , KRISHNA HARE HARE.
Here I would like to add, one more incident. There was a picnic, organized by my class teachers. Basically, each one paid ONE ANNA for food and drink – coconut water. All students have to walk to the proposed spot – a kind of forest with a pond nearby.
One of my class mates told me to arrange a camera. It was difficult to get a camera from any one as maintain one was considered Luxury in those days. I knew one of my father’s employees had a camera which can take a 620 film.
The gentle man agreed to trust me with his camera, but asked me to buy the film meant for it. My friend who requested camera, agreed to load a roll of film – only one for the whole program. So he purchased the film after showing the camera to the studio staff. Studio staff offered help in loading the film, but my friend refused and told them that he will load the film by himself.
The camera was used for 12 snaps and I agreed to deliver the film and get it developed. When I took the film, to studio, the staff told me the film has been loaded wrongly, but agreed to develop it for 12Annas.
In the meantime, I asked my friend, if there is anything wrong with loading the film. He replied that he has checked the film thoroughly; it was light green and clean, before loading it. – Of course the wrong way. The studio fellow said that some one had opened the film in the day light and spoiled it and loaded it the opposite way.
I learned one more thing that, a film should not be exposed except thru’ a camera. For long time, we used the spoiled film to see the sun and other objects as fun.
This gentle man – I do not know his name. He also, gave to us a tin of biscuits – made by M/s.J.B.Mangaram and company. I found out that the cost of this beautiful tin of biscuits was Rs.15 – a very high price. I learned that, his brother worked for this company in Andhra and so got few tins every month at subsided price. Since he was alone, he shared the biscuits with our family.
The container was more attractive than the biscuits, and hence I retained of one for keeping my personal items for many years.
The period of stay in Tiruppattur, was a memorable one in many other ways too. I had the privilege of attending one of my aunt’s marriage in Perambur. (The aunti is Ms.Valli - daughter of my grandfathers’ step brother Mr.K.N.Anantha Krishna Iyer – retired controller of Southern Railways.) My paternal grandparents took me their and I was very happy to be with them, especially in Madras.
The marriage took place on 22-06-1962. I had lots of people of my age to interact – cousins, their friends and so on. For the first time I went around Madras with my senior cousin – Mr.Sivamani who was working as regional Manager for an MNC then.
The day I left was the day actor Sivaji Ganesan arrived from his first trip overseas. He was also to appear on stage for a film ( I forgot the name – I think it is Bale Pandya) the next day or so.
I’m maintaining communication with most of the people I met during this trip, till date. One of my cousins Shankar died of Kidney problem on 18-8-1972. The rest are around and living in various parts of India. All grown up like me having the next generation of problems and enjoying life as it is.
I just retrieved from my notes, two pages, dated, 17-2-1972 and there are names of my friends I had then. (All are of my age)
1. From Paternal Grandparents place – North Parur: Jaya, Komala, Vijayam, Rajam, Valli, Gomathi, sumithra, Parvathi, Radha,Meenakshi, Lalitha – to name a few
2. From Maternal Grandparents place – Trichur: Chandrika, Malathi, Santha, Leela, Annamma, Parvathi – to name a few
3. Tiruppathur- Sulochana, Hemavathi, Miss.David, Surendranath, Murali, Rajkumar,Ramamohan,Subramaniam, and others as mentioned in the above pages.
4. Madras: Sankaran, Kamakshi, Saroja, Chenbakavalli, Usha,Srikala etc;
NOTE: I was always studied in a co-educated school where all students co-existed without any discrimination, and hence I mixed with boys and girls freely without any difficulty.
I shall share some more information later before continuing further about my life elsewhere.
To be continued
Sivasubramaniam
10-04-2009
During my stay in Tiruppathur, I gained friendship of many fellow students. I was exposed to lots of books on international literature – most were translated versions of many leading writers from Europe.
My father also gifted me books – House gardening by Mr. Arunachalam, Tamil Arium Perumal, Panchathandra stories, Vikramadityan and Vedalam, and many other books.
I read lots of stories by Tamilvanan – thru’ his weekly magazine – Kalkandu . Besides, I read stories from the Tamil weeklies like, – Thekkadi Raja, Veera Vijayan, maragatha chilai, Thuppu arium Sambu etc,
There was one picture story KARUPPU KANNADI –presented in Daily Thanthi. The one named Sind bad is still continuing now, even after several decades!!. I love picture stories that came in many magazines – LIKE Phantom in the Illustrated weekly of India / Garth in The Hindustan News paper – published from New Delhi..
I read (mostly) originals or translated originals – not abridged editions, for. I loved the complete version without any reduction of information. Robinson Crusoe was one of my favorite novels which I read several times till date.
During this period, I became member of the YMCA club in Tiruppathur and learned a lot more about many things. I was taught handcraft and I made flowers, leaves, and also put them together as a presentable bunch- a bouquet. I was taught Bible and there were tests to pass from portions of Bible as the session continued. I won certificates for passing these tests and had them till recently and lost them, during one of the house shifting. I learned to play indoor games like Carom and table tennis.
I could not succeed in becoming a good table tennis player, but learned badminton, and shuttle cock. I played foot-ball while studying in 8th class besides cricket. I stopped playing cricket, as I felt it is not a game involving quick result or exercise for whole body.
In Tiruppathur, I used to visit American Hospital and meet people working there just to learn about what they did as medical professionals. There was no denial or refusal in getting basic information. I also got fruits from trees maintained there. I still do not know what the name of that fruit is. It was orange in color, and paste like content with a hard nut.
On the way to American hospital was the house -for the then Deputy Collector. His nephew Prasad was one of my class mates. So, whenever I visited him, I got good treatment without any show offs. (Cannot be so these days!!??)
I wish to add a lot more about my life in Tiruppathur. My friends were Dr. K.G.Usha,
K .G.Surendranath, K.G.Murali, their Alsatian dog , Raman, Subramanian – both sons of leading lawyers then, Rajkumar son of another lawyer Mr.Dhasarahi and Dr.Padmasani, Swaminathan, N.Nagarajan, V.varadharajan, Ramamohan and many more.
My, Teachers were, Mr.Vasu, Mr.Balan – P.T teacher, Isac Thyagarajan. Some teachers were nick named (by seniors, and I only saw them as they were not taking any classes for me) – like, Bommai Vadyar. Mr. Balan was Volley ball teacher and was champion in his days.
In the school also, I learned hand craft and learned to make national flag using a plank, twine, and appropriate color threads. I met leaders like the then Chief Minister Mr.K.Kamaraj, who came to open a room for class 7 at that time. All students stood in line, sang welcome song and said Namaste to him, while being enquired by the C.M. we all student had sweets – chocolates.
The Headmaster, Mr.Chinnathambi Nayanar was a very nice person- he looked like Pundit Nehru and took classes as well. One time he took class for moral science and told a story of a miser, who will not even drive a crow if there is even a grain of rice in his fingers. He advised us to be selfless and broadminded with mentality to help the needy. The school fees then, were Four and a half Anna per month.
There was no hue and cry during visits of any dignitaries in those days. These days, even a peon of an office is escorted by police!!?? A laughing / and concerning situation??
My father had orderlies – one for house and one to accompany during his camps. They were treated by my father at par with us and always maintained discipline with them as well. My father was a very flexible person and was never lenient to any one. They were by name, Ramamurthy- driver, Rengaswamy, Varadarajan, Abdul Aziz from Alangayam (he maintained correspondence with me till he passed away few years ago) Perumal, Krishnan- Ex-serviceman, Sebastian- driver, and one another Krishnan.
All these persons were gook cooks and my father was satisfied with their work. I met some of them in my later years as they too visited my father many times, I will be only too happy to visit their children wherever they are now.
There was one tragedy I experienced, while studying there. My class mate (I for got his name) son of one Dr.Ramaswamy drowned in a pond opposite to the railway signal tower. His floating body was seen by the point’s man, who informed police and so on; I attended the funeral. His body was taken in a cloth cradle and was buried.
I never knew why and what happened to him. I never knew what death is and why people cried when someone passed away. I was told on such occasions, that the individual has gone upstairs to see his/her friends gone there.
We had few family friends in Tiruppathur. One was Dr.K.G.Usha – who was our best friend and family doctor. I lost communication after we left Tiruppathur in 1961.
The other one was Sh. Parameswara Iyer. A jolly good old man, whose only son worked in Malaysia. His grand daughter Hema- 5 years- was frequent visitor to our house. I received from him stamps of Malaysia is still in my collection. Many years later, I learned that Mr.Iyer died, (in 1968) while performing Shiva Pooja on one sivarathri night.
There were others by name Vembu Iyer and Appukutty who also frequented our house with their families.
Tiruppattur being in the vicinity of a sizable Muslim population, I had lots of friends among them. I learned Holy Quran briefly in Tamil from one of the elderly Muslim known to our family. We stayed in a house rented by one Mr.Appadurai Gounder, Mr.Gounder and his brother another Murukesan Gounder were civil contractors in that area.
Both these men and their families were very good people and their children too were equally good towards all in the area.
There was one Mr.Mohammed Basheer, who lived next door (same block rented by Mr.Gounder). He was bachelor and lived there with his mother and sisters – (Akamliza and Mehurunisa.) He was an IFS officer (Indian Forest Service) and was in-charge of all operations in the area. He brought to me flower seeds and fruits from the Kollimalai Hills.
I met him in the seventies (During one of my vacations as I was passing thru’ Madras) in Madras in his Head Quarters (State Forest Officer). Then he was married and had children. I learned many years later that Mr.Basheer passed away in a relatively young age. He wrote about preservation of forests and natural wealth in many magazines. Once I read his article in Ananda Vikatan.
There was also a theft / robbery of Rs.37, 000 from the State Bank of India by one of its cashier. He ( I know the name but not willing to state it here),coolly took away this amount stashed inside a bag topping up with mangoes. He was caught and paraded near our area. I was told he was imprisoned for 7 years or so, besides loosing the job.
I saw many Tamil films during this period. To name a few – Kalyana Parisu, Vanjikottai Valban, pava Mannippu, Pasamalar , Nadodi Mannan, Nan Petra selvam and many more. I also saw few English films- mostly of very short duration. Some were Ghost stories, Cartoons, and adventures.
There was a park behind the school I studied (Municipal High school – co-education), we often spend time discussing familiar matters once in a week or as and when the time permitted. I have a group photograph taken there with my fellow classmates during this period.
Once I went to a place called – Jonai – a place people went to worship Lord Muruga. Till date I do not know the real name or purpose. I was told this happens every year.
It was a fun trip, eating and going round. Got coconuts, jiggery and puffed rice and ground nuts. We also drank water mixed with ginger, jiggery, cardamom etc;
I wanted visit this place again but never had a chance to repeat my visit.
Another incident related to Election is very much in my memory. The year was 1962. Some one by name Mr.Thiruppathi Gounder, was declared elected. There were others. As soon as the announcement came on the Radio, trouble started on the roads in front of our school. This incident was not like these days, but a small quarrel between the party won and the other which lost the election. The incident died down with the intervention of police.
This was the first time I learned about something called politics and politicians.
I had the privilege of visiting temples, and meeting (not personally) Kanchi Sankaracharaya of that time- I think his name is Shri. Swaminatha swamigal. I had his picture in my pooja room in Delhi.
In this year (1961), I lost my maternal Grandfather. I learned to chant HARE RAMA, HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA HARE HARE and HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA , KRISHNA HARE HARE.
Here I would like to add, one more incident. There was a picnic, organized by my class teachers. Basically, each one paid ONE ANNA for food and drink – coconut water. All students have to walk to the proposed spot – a kind of forest with a pond nearby.
One of my class mates told me to arrange a camera. It was difficult to get a camera from any one as maintain one was considered Luxury in those days. I knew one of my father’s employees had a camera which can take a 620 film.
The gentle man agreed to trust me with his camera, but asked me to buy the film meant for it. My friend who requested camera, agreed to load a roll of film – only one for the whole program. So he purchased the film after showing the camera to the studio staff. Studio staff offered help in loading the film, but my friend refused and told them that he will load the film by himself.
The camera was used for 12 snaps and I agreed to deliver the film and get it developed. When I took the film, to studio, the staff told me the film has been loaded wrongly, but agreed to develop it for 12Annas.
In the meantime, I asked my friend, if there is anything wrong with loading the film. He replied that he has checked the film thoroughly; it was light green and clean, before loading it. – Of course the wrong way. The studio fellow said that some one had opened the film in the day light and spoiled it and loaded it the opposite way.
I learned one more thing that, a film should not be exposed except thru’ a camera. For long time, we used the spoiled film to see the sun and other objects as fun.
This gentle man – I do not know his name. He also, gave to us a tin of biscuits – made by M/s.J.B.Mangaram and company. I found out that the cost of this beautiful tin of biscuits was Rs.15 – a very high price. I learned that, his brother worked for this company in Andhra and so got few tins every month at subsided price. Since he was alone, he shared the biscuits with our family.
The container was more attractive than the biscuits, and hence I retained of one for keeping my personal items for many years.
The period of stay in Tiruppattur, was a memorable one in many other ways too. I had the privilege of attending one of my aunt’s marriage in Perambur. (The aunti is Ms.Valli - daughter of my grandfathers’ step brother Mr.K.N.Anantha Krishna Iyer – retired controller of Southern Railways.) My paternal grandparents took me their and I was very happy to be with them, especially in Madras.
The marriage took place on 22-06-1962. I had lots of people of my age to interact – cousins, their friends and so on. For the first time I went around Madras with my senior cousin – Mr.Sivamani who was working as regional Manager for an MNC then.
The day I left was the day actor Sivaji Ganesan arrived from his first trip overseas. He was also to appear on stage for a film ( I forgot the name – I think it is Bale Pandya) the next day or so.
I’m maintaining communication with most of the people I met during this trip, till date. One of my cousins Shankar died of Kidney problem on 18-8-1972. The rest are around and living in various parts of India. All grown up like me having the next generation of problems and enjoying life as it is.
I just retrieved from my notes, two pages, dated, 17-2-1972 and there are names of my friends I had then. (All are of my age)
1. From Paternal Grandparents place – North Parur: Jaya, Komala, Vijayam, Rajam, Valli, Gomathi, sumithra, Parvathi, Radha,Meenakshi, Lalitha – to name a few
2. From Maternal Grandparents place – Trichur: Chandrika, Malathi, Santha, Leela, Annamma, Parvathi – to name a few
3. Tiruppathur- Sulochana, Hemavathi, Miss.David, Surendranath, Murali, Rajkumar,Ramamohan,Subramaniam, and others as mentioned in the above pages.
4. Madras: Sankaran, Kamakshi, Saroja, Chenbakavalli, Usha,Srikala etc;
NOTE: I was always studied in a co-educated school where all students co-existed without any discrimination, and hence I mixed with boys and girls freely without any difficulty.
I shall share some more information later before continuing further about my life elsewhere.
To be continued
Sivasubramaniam
10-04-2009
School days-1
In my times, basics were taught while still at home. There were no nursery schools or any such institutions in the vicinity, to take care of young children.
In my case too, I was given orientation and basic tuition and I was admitted in class three at the age of FIVE. There was only one restriction, that a student must have completed 14 years of age to appear the school final exams, conducted by the government.
My memories about the first school I studied are very shady and difficult to recollect as experienced.
The location of the school was in Waynad in Kerala State then. Myself along with my sister walked to the school along with many fellow children. We had to cross a bridge to reach the school. The school was located at a high level ground, and had contour pathway to reach it. There were mango trees and flower plants.
I’m told that I spent more time under the trees than in the class room and my parents were informed about it. My uncle (Balan Mama) represented my parents once, and made me to promise that I will abstain from this habit in the future.
My nature was that of a normal child, as told by my mother. But I was a bit naughty at times.
My next schooling was in Tatabad – Coimbatore. (The year was 1957) Here, I was admitted to class one, as I had to change the language from Malayalam to Tamil medium. So, the years gained earlier were evened, but not lost. I learned basic lessons once again – now in Tamil.
On 01-04-1957, currency system of our country was changed to metric conversion. I was given a set of the first edition coins – and I still have them in my collection.
One of the daily routines in the school was, a senior student will read - a newspaper of the day - on the stage and all other students will be listening. This practice was on rotation (different students every day) on daily basis for few minutes... Mostly it will be from English and Tamil dailies only. My observation of this routine made me to start trying to read the papers at home.
My father was getting The Mail- English daily and Swadesamittiran- Tamil daily regularly. Later, the English one was changed to The Hindu. The Tamil dailies were different at times as the taste of the content was different for different members in the family – My mother had flair for all kind of news.
This practice introduced me to library and with the help of my father (as I could not become a member, but could accompany him being an officer’s son.) I could choose story books of few pages both in English and Tamil.
In this school at Tatabad, I was trained to act in a Drama. I remember very clearly, that I portrayed an African. The dialogue was very brief and was in English. I got prize too! - A diary Pencil small and beautiful – Elephant brand – most expensive brand and was priced 4annas in the shops.
My next schooling was in Attur – Salem District. Here, too, similar routines were followed daily and everything was like a clock work. This is the period; Hawai type foot-wear was introduced in the market – cushion / pad like base with fork like strap. (The year was 1958)
I could not afford a pair of foot-wear in those days due to very tight expense control by my father. One day my mother saw my feet and examined it and found it was contaminated severely. Immediately, she decided to get me a pair of foot-wear. Same time, we set out hunting for a decent pair and ended up costly leather made footwear – Rs.4.50 per pair. (The cost of Gold at that time was Rs.18 per grm, so you can compare the cost of such pair of foot-wear now-days)
My father did not agree with the brand and blasted us for not choosing BATA – the best brand even to-day. In the later years, I only opted for BATA make shoes or slippers.
I was given additional coaching, by a teacher by name Mr.Vadivelu, from the same school I studied. He was probably the only teacher I sat in-front with rapt attention and could learn a lot from him besides the routine text book knowledge. Later in the years, I corresponded with him and his last letter to me was in 1976.
While studying in Attur, there was an incident involving a fellow student by name Gandhimathi. Her mother had a petty shop in the street behind our house and was well known to all in our family and in the neighborhood
One, day by mistake, Gandhimathi, took away my math’s note book which was over 200 pages. Usually, most students had 200 page note book for math’s, as it needed more space and was used up very fast.
I saw my note book with her and demanded it back. She refused and yelled at me on top of her voice. In a rage, I took a small stone and hurled at her and it stuck her on the forehead injuring enough to get blood out.
Gandhimathi’s mother came from somewhere and abused me, badly, but could not do much fearing my parents with whom she had very good relationship. I told that, her daughter had taken away my notebook. She demanded proof as my name was not on the wrap or on the first page. Since everybody had similar book it was not possible for her to say anything else.
I told her that my name is there and that’s the proof. I always put my signature on the inner side of the last page and in two other places inside the note books, and never on the wrap or first page. This is still my habit except for personal books.
So, it was easy for me to prove that the note book belonged to me. Now the issue was where is Gandhimathi’s book? It was found in the school only, on the next day, and retrieved it from math’s teacher, who heard the previous days’ incident. He had few more left with him for correction.
Later in the days we stayed there, we were good friends and I never heard of them after we moved to Tiruppathur ( N.A. Dt then)in the next year.
In Attur, I had another experience. Some days in the afternoons, I joined fellow students to go to the river – after skipping the classes. The students, I accompanied were of higher age, as they over stayed in the same class fore than a year. The students were, Balamuthu, Balakrishnan, Muthu and Athimoolam.
As you know, it is not possible to carry a towel or soap and dress for changing over while going to school for studies. So, it was a grand swim in school attire, sun dried hair and soaked dress after the dips.I managed to dodge my mother, as the house had rear entrance. I was caught once and warned as my mother feared my safety in the river which already had too much causality.
So, I did not continue this venture but went to a village – of fellow student Balamuthu. His house was located behind a hill named KALLADICHAN KUNTRU. The time was harvest season for Ground nuts and sweet potato, and tapioca.
I had a rousing welcome at the hands of Balamuthu’s family. I got tender coconut, fruits - banana and gua, as I told them, that I cannot eat rice but wheat products only. I was also given these items to carry home for my family members. It took me long to convince my mother about this venture. Till to-day I never had another chance to visit that place again.
In another incident, one day, some one called me from the window of the house (third or fourth) next to ours. There was an old but well built person appeared with slow voice. He gave me one rupee note and asked me to fetch a soda immediately which I did very promptly and gave to him. He asked me to hand over the empty bottle and I returned with balance and handed over to him. The soda was costing 10 paisa only.
He gave me 4annas as tip for doing this favor. I refused repeatedly, but he insisted and I took it. He told me that he is a priest and was suffering from stomach pain hence was looking for some one to help him which I did. This money wit explanation I gave to my mother who used it for temple activities in that week.
One day Balakrishnan took me to KAMALA THREE RING CIRCUS which was having two shows daily. On our way, we went to the market place. There he showed me a large black van parked on the side of the road. There was a small crowd around it. I clarified with Balakrishnan, what was happening. He told me that it was the van of one Mr.Ramaswamy Periyar who was visiting and meeting people in Attur.
He took me to him. The person was well built and had dense white beard. I was introduced to him by Balakrishnan and he told Periyar that I’m a Brahmin boy studying with him. Periyar asked me in which class I was studying and advised me to work hard and study well. There was no other talk. Periyar never showed any hatred towards me, eventhough Balakrishnan warned me earlier, that Periyar is anti-Brahmin. I never understood this till many years later, after learning about him, that, he only hated bad things of Brahmins and not Brahmin persons.
I deliberately took to reading of NATHIKAM - a paper published by him. I admired him for voicing certain fact about Brahmanism.
The other experience was about food from Rama café owned by a very elderly Brahmin lady. My mother met her in one of her visits to the local temple, and they became thick friends. The grand lady occasionally used to send for us food, and sweets from the hotel. Many times she came to our house with her daughter and grand children carrying with them large quantity of food and sweets. Once we were taken to her hotel Rama café and I had lemon juice along with ice-cream.
The grand old lady travelled to Malaysia and Singapore alone and returned after few months of vacation there with her other kith and kin. We moved to Tiruppathur, when she was away and never had a chance to meet her again.
There was one another class mate, by name Sridharan – from Kerala whose family owned mills manufacturing tapioca products. He often gave me samples of products.
Then we moved to Tiruppathur in the year 1960. Mr. Vadivelu gave an introductory letter (to my father), for another teacher in Tiruppathur for easing our admission requirements. This teacher was by name Mr.Isac Thyagarajan working in the then Municipal Boys High school there.
This school has become a girl’s school and named MEENAKSHI GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL - WIFE OF A LOCAL BUSINESS MAN. There is theatre named Meenakshi Theatre - just close to the school.
There was a café named Venus café, and a bookshop named after a person by name Jayaraman.
In Tiruppathur also, I was initially entrusted to Mr.Isac Thiyagarajan, for regular tuition. His family was small- had two sons and a daughter.Mr.Isac Thiyagarajan,taught me a lot of good things, discipline, told me lots of moral stories and guided me affectionately to become what I’m to-day. His children gave me company in playing the game called TRADE. Mrs.Isac was also a nice lady who often gave me fruits and eatables.
I can remember only the names of the boys – Sukumaran and Jayakumar.
Will continue later
V.Sivasubramaniam
04-04-2009
In my times, basics were taught while still at home. There were no nursery schools or any such institutions in the vicinity, to take care of young children.
In my case too, I was given orientation and basic tuition and I was admitted in class three at the age of FIVE. There was only one restriction, that a student must have completed 14 years of age to appear the school final exams, conducted by the government.
My memories about the first school I studied are very shady and difficult to recollect as experienced.
The location of the school was in Waynad in Kerala State then. Myself along with my sister walked to the school along with many fellow children. We had to cross a bridge to reach the school. The school was located at a high level ground, and had contour pathway to reach it. There were mango trees and flower plants.
I’m told that I spent more time under the trees than in the class room and my parents were informed about it. My uncle (Balan Mama) represented my parents once, and made me to promise that I will abstain from this habit in the future.
My nature was that of a normal child, as told by my mother. But I was a bit naughty at times.
My next schooling was in Tatabad – Coimbatore. (The year was 1957) Here, I was admitted to class one, as I had to change the language from Malayalam to Tamil medium. So, the years gained earlier were evened, but not lost. I learned basic lessons once again – now in Tamil.
On 01-04-1957, currency system of our country was changed to metric conversion. I was given a set of the first edition coins – and I still have them in my collection.
One of the daily routines in the school was, a senior student will read - a newspaper of the day - on the stage and all other students will be listening. This practice was on rotation (different students every day) on daily basis for few minutes... Mostly it will be from English and Tamil dailies only. My observation of this routine made me to start trying to read the papers at home.
My father was getting The Mail- English daily and Swadesamittiran- Tamil daily regularly. Later, the English one was changed to The Hindu. The Tamil dailies were different at times as the taste of the content was different for different members in the family – My mother had flair for all kind of news.
This practice introduced me to library and with the help of my father (as I could not become a member, but could accompany him being an officer’s son.) I could choose story books of few pages both in English and Tamil.
In this school at Tatabad, I was trained to act in a Drama. I remember very clearly, that I portrayed an African. The dialogue was very brief and was in English. I got prize too! - A diary Pencil small and beautiful – Elephant brand – most expensive brand and was priced 4annas in the shops.
My next schooling was in Attur – Salem District. Here, too, similar routines were followed daily and everything was like a clock work. This is the period; Hawai type foot-wear was introduced in the market – cushion / pad like base with fork like strap. (The year was 1958)
I could not afford a pair of foot-wear in those days due to very tight expense control by my father. One day my mother saw my feet and examined it and found it was contaminated severely. Immediately, she decided to get me a pair of foot-wear. Same time, we set out hunting for a decent pair and ended up costly leather made footwear – Rs.4.50 per pair. (The cost of Gold at that time was Rs.18 per grm, so you can compare the cost of such pair of foot-wear now-days)
My father did not agree with the brand and blasted us for not choosing BATA – the best brand even to-day. In the later years, I only opted for BATA make shoes or slippers.
I was given additional coaching, by a teacher by name Mr.Vadivelu, from the same school I studied. He was probably the only teacher I sat in-front with rapt attention and could learn a lot from him besides the routine text book knowledge. Later in the years, I corresponded with him and his last letter to me was in 1976.
While studying in Attur, there was an incident involving a fellow student by name Gandhimathi. Her mother had a petty shop in the street behind our house and was well known to all in our family and in the neighborhood
One, day by mistake, Gandhimathi, took away my math’s note book which was over 200 pages. Usually, most students had 200 page note book for math’s, as it needed more space and was used up very fast.
I saw my note book with her and demanded it back. She refused and yelled at me on top of her voice. In a rage, I took a small stone and hurled at her and it stuck her on the forehead injuring enough to get blood out.
Gandhimathi’s mother came from somewhere and abused me, badly, but could not do much fearing my parents with whom she had very good relationship. I told that, her daughter had taken away my notebook. She demanded proof as my name was not on the wrap or on the first page. Since everybody had similar book it was not possible for her to say anything else.
I told her that my name is there and that’s the proof. I always put my signature on the inner side of the last page and in two other places inside the note books, and never on the wrap or first page. This is still my habit except for personal books.
So, it was easy for me to prove that the note book belonged to me. Now the issue was where is Gandhimathi’s book? It was found in the school only, on the next day, and retrieved it from math’s teacher, who heard the previous days’ incident. He had few more left with him for correction.
Later in the days we stayed there, we were good friends and I never heard of them after we moved to Tiruppathur ( N.A. Dt then)in the next year.
In Attur, I had another experience. Some days in the afternoons, I joined fellow students to go to the river – after skipping the classes. The students, I accompanied were of higher age, as they over stayed in the same class fore than a year. The students were, Balamuthu, Balakrishnan, Muthu and Athimoolam.
As you know, it is not possible to carry a towel or soap and dress for changing over while going to school for studies. So, it was a grand swim in school attire, sun dried hair and soaked dress after the dips.I managed to dodge my mother, as the house had rear entrance. I was caught once and warned as my mother feared my safety in the river which already had too much causality.
So, I did not continue this venture but went to a village – of fellow student Balamuthu. His house was located behind a hill named KALLADICHAN KUNTRU. The time was harvest season for Ground nuts and sweet potato, and tapioca.
I had a rousing welcome at the hands of Balamuthu’s family. I got tender coconut, fruits - banana and gua, as I told them, that I cannot eat rice but wheat products only. I was also given these items to carry home for my family members. It took me long to convince my mother about this venture. Till to-day I never had another chance to visit that place again.
In another incident, one day, some one called me from the window of the house (third or fourth) next to ours. There was an old but well built person appeared with slow voice. He gave me one rupee note and asked me to fetch a soda immediately which I did very promptly and gave to him. He asked me to hand over the empty bottle and I returned with balance and handed over to him. The soda was costing 10 paisa only.
He gave me 4annas as tip for doing this favor. I refused repeatedly, but he insisted and I took it. He told me that he is a priest and was suffering from stomach pain hence was looking for some one to help him which I did. This money wit explanation I gave to my mother who used it for temple activities in that week.
One day Balakrishnan took me to KAMALA THREE RING CIRCUS which was having two shows daily. On our way, we went to the market place. There he showed me a large black van parked on the side of the road. There was a small crowd around it. I clarified with Balakrishnan, what was happening. He told me that it was the van of one Mr.Ramaswamy Periyar who was visiting and meeting people in Attur.
He took me to him. The person was well built and had dense white beard. I was introduced to him by Balakrishnan and he told Periyar that I’m a Brahmin boy studying with him. Periyar asked me in which class I was studying and advised me to work hard and study well. There was no other talk. Periyar never showed any hatred towards me, eventhough Balakrishnan warned me earlier, that Periyar is anti-Brahmin. I never understood this till many years later, after learning about him, that, he only hated bad things of Brahmins and not Brahmin persons.
I deliberately took to reading of NATHIKAM - a paper published by him. I admired him for voicing certain fact about Brahmanism.
The other experience was about food from Rama café owned by a very elderly Brahmin lady. My mother met her in one of her visits to the local temple, and they became thick friends. The grand lady occasionally used to send for us food, and sweets from the hotel. Many times she came to our house with her daughter and grand children carrying with them large quantity of food and sweets. Once we were taken to her hotel Rama café and I had lemon juice along with ice-cream.
The grand old lady travelled to Malaysia and Singapore alone and returned after few months of vacation there with her other kith and kin. We moved to Tiruppathur, when she was away and never had a chance to meet her again.
There was one another class mate, by name Sridharan – from Kerala whose family owned mills manufacturing tapioca products. He often gave me samples of products.
Then we moved to Tiruppathur in the year 1960. Mr. Vadivelu gave an introductory letter (to my father), for another teacher in Tiruppathur for easing our admission requirements. This teacher was by name Mr.Isac Thyagarajan working in the then Municipal Boys High school there.
This school has become a girl’s school and named MEENAKSHI GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL - WIFE OF A LOCAL BUSINESS MAN. There is theatre named Meenakshi Theatre - just close to the school.
There was a café named Venus café, and a bookshop named after a person by name Jayaraman.
In Tiruppathur also, I was initially entrusted to Mr.Isac Thiyagarajan, for regular tuition. His family was small- had two sons and a daughter.Mr.Isac Thiyagarajan,taught me a lot of good things, discipline, told me lots of moral stories and guided me affectionately to become what I’m to-day. His children gave me company in playing the game called TRADE. Mrs.Isac was also a nice lady who often gave me fruits and eatables.
I can remember only the names of the boys – Sukumaran and Jayakumar.
Will continue later
V.Sivasubramaniam
04-04-2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Childhood days – 5
In the subsequent vacations, my cousins – P.Subramanian - alias Ramani (son of my uncle Sh.Padmanabhan) and Balakrishnan – alias Balu (Son of my aunty Smt.Kamakshi) also joined me. We went to many places around the town. We spent most of the time in the local park.
We discussed about many subjects and day-to -day- developments and what we all will be doing in our future studies. We never discussed politics.
Balu has been to many countries – as his father Shr.Ramanathan was attached to the ministry of foreign affairs. He helped me in my hobby of collecting stamps. Ramani read a lot of books and was showing the sign of becoming a sort of an economist.
I wanted to become an electrical engineer, as I had flair for it. I will tell you, how this was encouraged by my grandfather as well. During this vacation, I was staying back while my cousins left me due to their other program – scheduled by their parents.
One night, my grandfather woke up to the noise of the only available table fan and yelled that the fan was behaving like a drunken person.( This is exactly true) I was very happy to try and oil the fan and do a sort of clean-up / service to it.( This is a very heavy fan by USHA make from Calcutta) a very good fan of its time.
So, soon I had my morning routines done, I quietly, took the fan to the open area behind the house. This place was shady and breezy as well. I took some coconut oil and cotton from my grandmother, and told her that I will just clean the fan. She cautioned me to un-plug the cable and then does the job. It seems some one had died among one of our relatives who touched a live cable of a switch – hence the caution.
I removed all the removable parts to access the oiling points. I could feel the felt near the metal bushes were dry and I soaked then with coconut oil. Besides, I also took the metal parts out and cleaned with soap solution. Finally, gave a clean wipe and switched it on.
There was no noise at all! I tested it on all three speed levels and still there was no noise. I placed the fan again where it was normally kept.
This success encouraged me to do something else. – To clean all the lamp diffusers and bulbs. I took the stool which helped me to reach out to the bulb and lamp shade. One by one I cleaned all the four lamps. Bulbs were of 25 watts each and lamp shades were of ceramic coated metal. It was painted white inside and green out-side.
in the evening, the lights were switched on. My grandfather was shocked to see the bright light from the lamps and jumped on me yelling that I have replaced the lamps for higher wattage. He never thought, I had no money for buying one nor I knew if he had any stock of higher wattage bulbs. I told him what I did. He took the stool, removed one bulb and looked at the writings on it. He was satisfied to find the bulbs were not replaced.
In the evening, he asked me to switch on the fan and complained that the fan is not working. He was so used to its noisy performance; he doubted very much if the fan is really working. Then I increased its speed and told him what I did. Then he was very happy and told me to inherit this fan upon his disappearance from this world. Believe it; I have this fan (more than 60 years since its manufacture) with me in working condition.
I had only one more vacation, before joining the college for higher studies. During this one, me and my cousin Ramani, lost our holy thread while taking the dip in the local pond. Usually we never cover our bodies after the bath. On this day, we had to cover but had only one towel between us.
I took the risk, and told Ramani to cover his body while I walked exposed. As we entered the house, my grandfather asked me, why were late and anything went wrong. Saying these words, he examined my body – only to discover the holy thread was missing. Immediately, he clarified with Ramani if he has his one intact. But he got shock of his life when he found his one was also missing. He then summoned our family priest, and asked him to provide us with new holy threads.
I was blamed for this careless incident and was grounded from going to the pond. But, were, allowed to go to temple after taking bath at home.
There were other incidents which are of not much importance.
Years passed, I went to Engineering College. I came on vacation only twice during this period. These vacations were different from the past. My grandfather looked at me with great respect. He provided me with lots of good guidelines to survive in this world. Told me of how my life will go for the rest of the years and cautioned me on certain engagements / involvements. Whatever he predicted and cautioned me, all has come true till date and I’m aware of what is in store for me in the next few years.
Only thing, I clarified with him was, why he did not believe that I will come thru’ from my pre-matured birth. He told me that there was only a scant possibility – due to positions of certain planetary alignments, but later all became favorable in sparing my life. He also told me that I was blessed by the past karmas especially some one in the family had performed (in the previous life) AGNIHOTHRI YAGAM and I got the benefit of it.
I met him only in 1971, while he was under treatment for piles. He was -in fact to be operated in a nursing home (Sunder Nursing Home) in Salem and was staying with my uncle Sh.Padmanabhan. he could not be operated due to his health condition then.
Then he was shifted back to native place N.parur and was there till his death in the next (11.30PM on 13-11-1972) year. My brothers and sisters looked after him closely during his last few months and were frequently visited by others who could not be close to him always, due to their individual commitments.
From the time I was employed, I managed to send him Rs.50.00 regularly. My first remittance from my first salary was sent to him (Rs.100.00) along with a registered letter. He wrote to me regularly till he went into coma two weeks before his death. I have all his letter cards, involving such things as the weather, plant condition in the house, information about neighbors, his encounters with trouble causing boys – who came to take away flowers from our garden and so on. At times, he will point out my mistakes in the letters and write to me of the correct version. Despite his being unwell he always spared time for all of us, new generation children.
Many times during his conversation, he mentioned about certain difficulties in his life at the hands of others – especially when he had to live away from his family for a brief period before returning to his native N.Parur. He told me of his brief notes in his diary which I never saw till after few years of his death. I read it many times and learned about him more than I learnt, from his own mouth.
I shall write the contents some time during the course of the coming months. Presently, I’m not adding any pictures at present, and will do so later after sorting the available ones, appropriately.
V.Sivasubramaniam
01-04-2009
In the subsequent vacations, my cousins – P.Subramanian - alias Ramani (son of my uncle Sh.Padmanabhan) and Balakrishnan – alias Balu (Son of my aunty Smt.Kamakshi) also joined me. We went to many places around the town. We spent most of the time in the local park.
We discussed about many subjects and day-to -day- developments and what we all will be doing in our future studies. We never discussed politics.
Balu has been to many countries – as his father Shr.Ramanathan was attached to the ministry of foreign affairs. He helped me in my hobby of collecting stamps. Ramani read a lot of books and was showing the sign of becoming a sort of an economist.
I wanted to become an electrical engineer, as I had flair for it. I will tell you, how this was encouraged by my grandfather as well. During this vacation, I was staying back while my cousins left me due to their other program – scheduled by their parents.
One night, my grandfather woke up to the noise of the only available table fan and yelled that the fan was behaving like a drunken person.( This is exactly true) I was very happy to try and oil the fan and do a sort of clean-up / service to it.( This is a very heavy fan by USHA make from Calcutta) a very good fan of its time.
So, soon I had my morning routines done, I quietly, took the fan to the open area behind the house. This place was shady and breezy as well. I took some coconut oil and cotton from my grandmother, and told her that I will just clean the fan. She cautioned me to un-plug the cable and then does the job. It seems some one had died among one of our relatives who touched a live cable of a switch – hence the caution.
I removed all the removable parts to access the oiling points. I could feel the felt near the metal bushes were dry and I soaked then with coconut oil. Besides, I also took the metal parts out and cleaned with soap solution. Finally, gave a clean wipe and switched it on.
There was no noise at all! I tested it on all three speed levels and still there was no noise. I placed the fan again where it was normally kept.
This success encouraged me to do something else. – To clean all the lamp diffusers and bulbs. I took the stool which helped me to reach out to the bulb and lamp shade. One by one I cleaned all the four lamps. Bulbs were of 25 watts each and lamp shades were of ceramic coated metal. It was painted white inside and green out-side.
in the evening, the lights were switched on. My grandfather was shocked to see the bright light from the lamps and jumped on me yelling that I have replaced the lamps for higher wattage. He never thought, I had no money for buying one nor I knew if he had any stock of higher wattage bulbs. I told him what I did. He took the stool, removed one bulb and looked at the writings on it. He was satisfied to find the bulbs were not replaced.
In the evening, he asked me to switch on the fan and complained that the fan is not working. He was so used to its noisy performance; he doubted very much if the fan is really working. Then I increased its speed and told him what I did. Then he was very happy and told me to inherit this fan upon his disappearance from this world. Believe it; I have this fan (more than 60 years since its manufacture) with me in working condition.
I had only one more vacation, before joining the college for higher studies. During this one, me and my cousin Ramani, lost our holy thread while taking the dip in the local pond. Usually we never cover our bodies after the bath. On this day, we had to cover but had only one towel between us.
I took the risk, and told Ramani to cover his body while I walked exposed. As we entered the house, my grandfather asked me, why were late and anything went wrong. Saying these words, he examined my body – only to discover the holy thread was missing. Immediately, he clarified with Ramani if he has his one intact. But he got shock of his life when he found his one was also missing. He then summoned our family priest, and asked him to provide us with new holy threads.
I was blamed for this careless incident and was grounded from going to the pond. But, were, allowed to go to temple after taking bath at home.
There were other incidents which are of not much importance.
Years passed, I went to Engineering College. I came on vacation only twice during this period. These vacations were different from the past. My grandfather looked at me with great respect. He provided me with lots of good guidelines to survive in this world. Told me of how my life will go for the rest of the years and cautioned me on certain engagements / involvements. Whatever he predicted and cautioned me, all has come true till date and I’m aware of what is in store for me in the next few years.
Only thing, I clarified with him was, why he did not believe that I will come thru’ from my pre-matured birth. He told me that there was only a scant possibility – due to positions of certain planetary alignments, but later all became favorable in sparing my life. He also told me that I was blessed by the past karmas especially some one in the family had performed (in the previous life) AGNIHOTHRI YAGAM and I got the benefit of it.
I met him only in 1971, while he was under treatment for piles. He was -in fact to be operated in a nursing home (Sunder Nursing Home) in Salem and was staying with my uncle Sh.Padmanabhan. he could not be operated due to his health condition then.
Then he was shifted back to native place N.parur and was there till his death in the next (11.30PM on 13-11-1972) year. My brothers and sisters looked after him closely during his last few months and were frequently visited by others who could not be close to him always, due to their individual commitments.
From the time I was employed, I managed to send him Rs.50.00 regularly. My first remittance from my first salary was sent to him (Rs.100.00) along with a registered letter. He wrote to me regularly till he went into coma two weeks before his death. I have all his letter cards, involving such things as the weather, plant condition in the house, information about neighbors, his encounters with trouble causing boys – who came to take away flowers from our garden and so on. At times, he will point out my mistakes in the letters and write to me of the correct version. Despite his being unwell he always spared time for all of us, new generation children.
Many times during his conversation, he mentioned about certain difficulties in his life at the hands of others – especially when he had to live away from his family for a brief period before returning to his native N.Parur. He told me of his brief notes in his diary which I never saw till after few years of his death. I read it many times and learned about him more than I learnt, from his own mouth.
I shall write the contents some time during the course of the coming months. Presently, I’m not adding any pictures at present, and will do so later after sorting the available ones, appropriately.
V.Sivasubramaniam
01-04-2009
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