Tribute to Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam

Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam - A versatile person, true statesman  great visionary, possessed of impeccable character, indomitable spirit, unflinching integrity, respected and held in high esteem by people all over the world has departed to his eternal home after  a  commendable  earthly innings,  filled with achievements and crowned with accolades.

Like a multitude of others, I too received with profound shock and sorrow the news of the demise of former Indian President Dr.Abdul Kalam. He donned so many roles in his illustrious career – teacher, scholar, scientist, defence analyst, space and atomic expert, patriot, statesman, President of India. It is surprising to note that he was able to do justice  to all of them,  played each  to  perfection,  not  only  with  ease  but  also with  elan. A  towering  personality  who  discharged weighty assignments  with  a  light  frame.  Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam was the most popular President of our great nation – a  Peoples’  President  and  a real  Bharat Ratna.  A  true  bare  fact -  res judicata. 

He played a pivotal role in making India an atomic power through the Pokhran explosion and was instrumental in developing an array of missile systems, thereby adding tremendous firepower to the country’s military arsenal, which earned him the sobriquet “ Missile Man “.

He remained a simpleton from birth to death and gave everything that he possessed – intellectually, materially and morally for the nation.  He was a darling of the student community who will dearly miss his absence, as he was their friend, philosopher and guide. His speeches and writings have enthralled and shaped the lives of millions all over the world. He ignited  wings  of  fire  among  the  youth,  encouraged them to dream,  set  lofty  goals  by  thinking  high  and  urged  them to work steadfast for the nation’s development. Among the various facets, he relished being called a teacher, as teaching  remained his passion. That he met his end amidst the company of students at IIM, Shillong, while delivering a lecture,  was the parting gift of the Almighty  to  Dr. Kalam.  “ Anaayaasa  Maranam “ – a  swift,  painless  death.

His  Presidential  tenure  was  the  most  eventful  one  as   the dignity  of  the  Presidential  Office  rose  to  great  levels.   As      a  “ Stithapragnya “, he remained unaffected by  the   vicissitudes  of life.  He was  an  “ Ajaatasatru “ – never  had  any  enemies,    befriended  everybody with  whom  he  moved,  interacted  and  got  associated  with.

From a humble beginning at Rameshwaram, he rose to become the President of India, the highest position of the land, and yet remained an icon of simplicity. From Rameshwaram to Delhi, from USA to Europe and to the foremost corners of the globe, the APJ Juggernaut rolled with speed and sheen, carrying everyone on the way.

Dr.Abdul Kalam’s demise is indeed an irreparable loss to India. He will live forever in the hearts and thoughts of millions,  continue to inspire the youth for  generations  to  come,  as  in  his  case  human  memory can  never  be  short.

He once said “ It  is  very  easy  to  defeat  another,  but  it  is  very  hard to  win someone “.  To lend credence to this,  he  had  an   inimitable  track record of easily winning everybody, with  his  approach and affection.

 

I close with a  verse from an old Tamil film number penned by Poet Vaali – “ Irundhalum Maraindhalum Per Solla Vendum, Ivar Pola Yaar  Endru  Oor  Solla  Vendum “ – One’s name should be spelt whether alive or dead, and he should be called unparalleled by the society “ 

Salutations  galore  to  you  Sir.   Rest  in  Peace  Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam.

                                                      **********

.

                                               

That heart started beating again – “ Aa Hridayam Veendum Thudichu “

This was how a real life, emotional,  humanitarian story was reported in the “ Mathrubhumi “ newspaper of 26^th July 2015. It narrates the successful transplantation of heart from a brain dead person of Tiruvananthapuram to a heart patient waiting for a lease of life at Kochi.

Advocate Sri.Neelakanta Sarma (46),  had a fall in  his  bathroom on the 6^th of July 2015 and was undergoing treatment at Sri Chitra Thirunal Hospital at Tiruvananthapuram. Not responding to treatment the doctors’ declared him brain dead. His family members’ got over the catastrophic tragedy, mustered courage and rose to Himalayan heights by agreeing to donate his vital organs to ailing patients at various places in Kerala. It is reported that Sri.Neelakanta Sarma’s organs went on to give an extension of life to five people, who were waging a battle with destiny and time.

In a swift operation Sri. Neelakanta Sarma’s heart was flown from Tiruvananthapuram to Kochi where it was successfully transplanted to Sri.Mathew Antony (47), an autorickshaw driver of Chalakudi. The surgery was done at Lissy Hospital, Kochi, by a team of doctors’ headed by Dr.Jose Chacko Periappuram. Transcending financial, distance and other constraints the operation done on 25^th July 2015 went well,  as Sri.Neelakanta Sarma’s heart started functioning in Mathew Antony’s anatomy, without any hitch. Every beat of it should remind Mathew Antony and his family members’ of the supreme sacrifice, generosity, and maturity exhibited by Sri.Neelakanta Sarma’s family members’. While expressing her gratitude and thanks,  Bindu, wife of Mathew Antony stated thus – “ After God, we extend our thanks to Dr.Jose Chacko Periappuram and the family members’ of Sri.Neelakanta Sarma. They have not given a heart, but a life to us in totality. Even after our lifetime, we are indebted to them.

Another notable feature is that the Eram Group of companies, headed by its Chairman and Managing Director Dr.Siddique Ahmed, donated Rs.6 lakhs towards the hospital surgery expenses. Their timely service deserves a commendable pat, and God willing they  should pursue such noble causes and service to humanity for a long time to come. Accolades to their team.

Instances of organ donation are reported time and again across major cities of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with the former state emerging as a forerunner in this commendable act. May this humanitarian story continue to save many more lives in future.  Films have also been shot on this subject matter and received well.

What is the crux of the event? The heart of an orthodox Hindu Brahmin was fitted to a God fearing Christian, with the financial assistance extended by a Corporate Group headed by a Muslim. Can there be a better picture perfect tell tale success story of compassion, affection and care? Humaneness and humanity won with top laurels, and mere words would not be sufficient to praise the family members of the departed Advocate, who is sure to find a deserving place in heaven, in the safe embrace of the Almighty.

Rest in peace Neelakanta Sarmaji. Hearty Salutations to your soul and appreciation to your family members’. You will continue to live not only in Mathew’s heart but also in peoples’ heart forever.

Have a peaceful, healthy life Mathew Antony and four others who live through the revered departed soul.

It would be befitting for the Kerala Government to institute a social service award in Sri.Neelakanta Sarma’s memory, as a rightful mark of respect.

Sarve Janaha Sukhino Bhavantu.

                               

Living at Ease

   

It is a boon to be blessed with a loving, affectionate family – a gift that every human being in this earth should possess. The answer to this question is overwhelmingly on the side of the “ Yeas ” than the “ Nays “  Some are born into one, grow up likewise, live it up stet till they exit from the earth. Some are blessed with the first and second components but are deprived of the third and fourth aspects, which are more vital and important. Some miss the bus in Toto –  chugging their entire existence in bickering and misery.

Born into an orthodox family over two and a half score years ago, it can be said with reasonable pride that I have been fortunate enough to affiliate myself to the former classification and stake a claim to a place in that coterie. Parental affection and care, bondage of siblings all flowed in regular stream and has somehow stood the test of time, with normal depreciation rate. 

Providential Diktat and a streak of good luck have associated me with some fine personalities, for which thanks are due to Him.  Friends,  do remember in life that it does not matter as to how such fine bonding gets evolved -  an act of God, by freak acquaintance, or through common friendly referrals. The underlying factor is that if such assimilation between humans turn out to be pristine in nature and placid in outlook, it’s journey will be long.  Transcending all barriers,  they  have  come  to  stay  put  with  me,  and  will  do  so  till  my  time  runs over.  The merits of friendship can never be expressed in words, but it’s charm  has to be experienced practically.

Fostering bondage and sharing of affection seems to be the most elated, precious gift that has been bestowed on living beings, more particularly humans. Nature has conferred on them  many advantages and privileges as when compared to other mortals, like application of mind, acquiring knowledge, accumulating wealth, alleviating pain, assimilating morality, through assiduous pursuit.  A combination of the said factors form the quintessence of life.

Professing Advocacy, we witness many family feuds driven by the clamour for wealth. It is the Casus Belli in any civil dispute. Rivalry and hatred among parents, siblings have torn families, as humans turn into epicureans in the long run. In legal offices such disturbing scenes get enacted on day to day basis, to which we have got hackneyed to.  Failure of  filial bonding is the rudimentary reason.

In a plain perspective try injecting simplicity in attitude, posture, owe steadfast allegiance to righteousness, subjugate anger, hatred, extend  whatever possible help, never disturb anyone, and most importantly – have a contented mind. Dedicated practice of the aforesaid would go to make life sublime. If not done so far, it’s time to start now. This will help us in presenting strong submissions before the Almighty  when the Divine subpoena is served. So be happy, helpful, cheerful and accommodative  for  leading  a “ Dolce Vita “.

                                                          =======

* Tribute to a Legend

Sri.M.S.Viswanathan ( MSV) as he was popularly called and known is no more. Even though death has snatched him away from us, he will continue to live in our hearts, for ages and generations to come. He was a legendary figure who strode the film music world like a colossus for nearly 4 decades. The evergreen melodies shelled out by the triumvirate Kavignar Kannadasan, Sri. M.S.Viswanathan and Sri.T.M.Soundararajan (TMS) can never, ever get erased from people’s mind and memory transcending generation gap. The meaningful content of Kannadasan’s lyrics, the melodious rendition of the same by TMS, under MSV’s enticing musical attunement have not only to be relished, but also to be cherished by the younger generations, who are unfortunately attracted and swayed by noisy, jarring, meaningless numbers, which are neither mellifluous nor mirthful. Having heard both, I can vouch on this point with confidence. Mention should be made about the innumerable duet numbers sung by the elite pair TMS and P.Susheela, which still make heads sway in awe and admiration.

That he was able to churn out repeated hits for MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan and an array of other heroes,  aided by the soulful rendition by veterans like TMS, P.B.Srinivas, S.P.Balasubramaniam et al., is an acknowledged fact. People used to see their films over and over again at cinema halls ( when cassettes and CDs have not made a foray into the music world ), just for the sake of listening to the songs, stand testimony to MSVs prowess. In his glittering career he had produced innumerable magnum opus, which will stand the test of time. Mellisai Mannar   was  Nallisai  Mannar  too.

From a humble beginning he rose to the pinnacles of glory in his avocation, but yet remained a simpleton, both in stature and composure, till the very end. A rare  quality that is hard to witness today, where pomp and opulence rule the roost.  It can be said for sure that almost all present day music composers, directors, lyricists have MSVs cascading influence on them, signaling his repertoire and multifaceted talent. Under his tutelage playback singers like S.P.Balasubramaniam, Yesudas, Jayachandran, S.Janaki, Vani Jayaram, L.R.Easwari and a host of others rose to popularity, as he was a stepping stone for all who came in contact with him.

MSVs songs came very handy for yesteryear mothers’ ( and fathers’ too, including me ) as effective lullaby to put their children to sleep and believe me friends,  they slept within no time on hearing his melodious notes.

MSV has been declared out in mortal innings which as an act of nature is inevitable in life, but he will remain a Chiranjeevi amongst the hundreds of thousands of his fans, spread across the globe.

Adieu. Rest in Peace Maestro.

                                                          --------

P.S. – The Government of India earned the ignominy of not conferring any Padma Awards to Sri.MSV, recognizing his glorious career and invaluable contribution to the film industry.  Of course it can be said with certainty that the loss is not MSVs. It only exposes the hypocritical, insipid attitude of the bureaucracy in identifying  and  honouring   genuine,  valuable  talent.

* Written on 15-7-2015..

* Divine Experience **

          

Humans face varied experiences in life, sent their way by destiny, under the dictates of the Almighty. The range, reach and reverberations that they transmit into the concerned individual differ from case to case. Life being a permutation and combination of feelings and emotions, the gamut of such strange happenings also varies in that they bestow varied end results – some sweet, some sour. We should cherish the former and learn lessons from the latter, so as to chart a refined course of action and  tread  the  righteous  path. 

I would like to share a divine experience with everyone. I live in an apartment at Arun Nagar, Vadavalli, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Just about two kilometers from my house, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Muthappan, the presiding deity at Parassinikadavu, near Kannur, Kerala State, of whom I am a devotee. The temple at Vadavalli, Coimbatore was consecrated just a year ago, and the first Pradishtadinam was celebrated on a grand scale in May 2015. 

For the information of the readers, Muthappan is a personification of  Shiva ( called Muthappan ) and Vishnu ( called Thiruvappan ).  Unlike other temples spread over the length and breadth of the country, there is a distinct custom being followed in all Muthappan temples, in that all the lamps inside the main sanctum sanctorum where the deity is installed are  lit only with coconut oil, unlike the commonly used gingelly oil.  The lamps outside the sanctum sanctorum are however  lit with gingelly oil only. Devotees who are aware of this custom offer coconut oil whenever they visit the temple. Apart from personal contribution, appeals for coconut oil contributions are made by me to my friends, relatives and close associates at regular intervals. It is a firm belief among Hindus that contributing oil to temples and lighting lamps inside the temple precincts is a  pious act,  which  in  turn  will  bring  good  luck  not only to  them but also to  their families. The bottom-line of such customs ultimately gets narrowed down to the prayer - “ Lead  kindly  light,  amidst  the  encircling  gloom,  Lead  Thou  me  on “.

The Coimbatore Muthappan Madappura is still in a fledgling stage, with many a work to be completed at the temple premises, which by the Grace of Muthappan will get done within the time frame that the Almighty had earmarked.  During an earlier visit to the temple, a respected  member of the Temple Executive Committee placed a request that it would be helpful if I could,  apart from my personal contribution, get similar offerings  from my friends, relatives and associates, which would be of much help to the Committee. By the Grace of  Muthappan, it can be said with humility that my efforts towards securing coconut oil to the temple,  have borne decent results. 

Last week ( on Tuesday, the 30^th June, 2015 to be precise ), an appeal for oil  donation  was made by me  in  our college Whatsapp group. Within minutes of it getting posted, pat came the reply from two Chennai based friends Mr.Sundar and Mr.Gowrishankar, expressing their willingness to take part in this divine cause. Their confirmatory words quickly got translated into action, whereby each transferred Rs.1000/- to my bank account, requesting me to procure coconut oil and deliver it at Muthappan Temple. The accelerating turn of events made me cheerful as this was another success in my tryst made with the Lord.

As  I  had  to  leave  Coimbatore the next day ( Wednesday, the 1^st July 2015 ),  the coconut oil  purchase was done instantly, ( 11-50 litres in total ) on my way back home. After getting refreshed, I  arrived at the temple premises, took the coconut oil parcel from the car, and placed the same on the platform abutting the door of the sanctum sanctorum, which  was  offered  to  Muthappan  Deivam,  by  the  officiating  priest.

After offering prayers, I trooped inside the office room where two elderly Executive Committee members ( the Joint Secretary and the Treasurer ) were seated. As normal practice would have it, the contributories’ details were handed over, based on which  donation  receipt  and  prasadam  would  be  sent  to them by  post. 

While receiving the details from me, the Joint Secretary exclaimed thus – “ Sir, you have brought coconut oil at the most appropriate moment. There cannot be a better time for the coconut oil to have arrived at the feet of the Lord, as hardly minutes before your arrival, the temple priest informed us that only about a litre of coconut oil was available at the Temple, which would last for just a day or so.  The  Treasurer  seconded  the  opinion  and   nodded   in  agreement.

On hearing those words, an inexplicable feeling ran through my anatomy. Is this not a clear Act of Divinity? Can there be an iota of suspicion about Providential existence? This episode made me ponder over the following points -

a) What  made  me  shoot  the  appeal  that  particular  morning?

b) What prompted my friends Mr.Sundar and Mr.Gowrishankar, to come forth and shell out their contribution immediately so that a sizeable quantity of coconut oil was procured, and found its place at  the  Lord’s feet the same evening?

c) Why should the entire course of events take place at such a feverish pace, so as to replenish the depleted oil stock at the temple?

It took me some moments to get back to normality, and no time was wasted in narrating the event to my friends at Chennai  over phone, who too felt very happy. They thanked me for having given them an opportunity to serve a  Providential  purpose.  I could not give vent to my feelings in any other manner, than prostrating straight  before  HIM  in  total  submission.

The experience reiterated my belief that God will get His dues from devotees at the destined time, whenever and wherever they are placed. He used me as a tool to get my friends’ oil contribution reach the sanctum sanctorum on time that evening, when it was really running short.

Muthappan Saranam.